Administrative Assistant to the Large Animal Assistant State Veterinarian - Polk Co

Full Job Description

Administrative Assistant 1 | Animal Industry Division

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

Make an Impact on Iowa’s Livestock Industry

Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys helping others, and takes pride in keeping operations running smoothly?

Join the Animal Industry Division at IDALS, where your work directly supports the health, safety, and movement of livestock across Iowa and beyond.

In this role, you’ll serve as a key connection point between veterinarians, producers, and the public, helping ensure compliance, coordination, and continuity across critical animal health programs.

This is a great opportunity to support the systems that protect Iowa’s agricultural backbone.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll provide essential administrative and program support while helping stakeholders navigate animal health requirements:

• Review Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
• Serve as a point of contact for veterinarians, producers, and the public—responding to questions about animal movement into and within Iowa
• Support the Assistant State Veterinarian with day-to-day administrative coordination
• Help manage and coordinate Iowa’s animal brand program
• Process and fulfill orders for program-related supplies
• Assist with key animal health programs such as Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and Brucellosis efforts
• Maintain accurate records and stay up to date on applicable laws, rules, and program requirements

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is organized, responsive, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities with attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to handle a high volume of inquiries
• Proficiency with computers and general office software
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, policies, and procedures

Helpful to Have (Not Required)

• Background or familiarity with agriculture, livestock, or animal health programs
• Experience working in a regulatory, compliance, or administrative support environment

Why Join IDALS & the State of Iowa?

Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.

As a State employee, you’ll enjoy:

Work That Matters- Support Iowa’s livestock industry and animal health systems that impact communities statewide

Stability & Purpose- Build a meaningful public service career with long-term impact

Professional Growth- Opportunities to learn, develop, and grow within state government

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Low out-of-pocket, high-quality medical insurance options
• Dental insurance — single coverage at no cost
• IPERS Retirement plus state-matched deferred compensation program
• Basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Optional supplemental insurance plans

Learn more about State of Iowa benefits on our careers website: State of Iowa Employee Benefits

How to Apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit both a resume and cover letter as part of their application.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in any field.
2. A total of four years of education (as described in number one) and/or full-time experience in accounting, secretarial, or office support work collecting, compiling, reporting, examining and/or editing numerical data; coding and qualifying people for benefits, licenses, or other transactions; preparing and keeping budgetary accounts and projections; organizing and implementing office support operations; advising on procedural processes; or other work that provided direct support and exposure to substantive agency programs, where one year of full-time experience is equal to 30 semester hours of education.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Secretary 2, Clerk Specialist, Public Service Supervisor, Accounting Technician (any level), Purchasing Assistant, or Human Resources Technical Assistant

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.