Procurement & Administrative Support Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an energetic, detail-oriented professional to join the Customer & Employee Services Bureau at the Department’s Central Office in Des Moines, Iowa. This role is responsible for Central Office purchasing and inventory operations, vendor relations, storeroom management, and building services coordination.

This multifaceted role manages day-to-day purchasing operations, inventory control, surplus property liquidations, and essential facility service agreements. You will work closely with state vendors, manage specialized service contracts, oversee storeroom logistics, and provide courier, building, and customer support services to our internal and external customers. If you are a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment—balancing fiscal accountability, customer service, and hands-on inventory management, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Financial Operations

• Procure standard and specialty office supplies, goods, and services (typically under $5,000 per order) for DNR Central Office operations.
• Hold and maintain a state-issued Procurement Card (P-Card); complete receipt ledgers, submit payment documents within three working days of invoice receipt, and maintain structured filing systems.
• Order and maintain state forms and envelopes via centralized printing or external vendor bids; research economical purchasing sources and recommend cost-saving strategies.

Surplus Property & GovDeals Management

• Coordinate statewide DNR excess property sales using the GovDeals asset management site.

Storeroom Operations & Inventory Control

• Oversee Central Office Storeroom organization and inventory tracking.
• Receive, inspect, log, and secure incoming shipments within 24 hours of receipt.
• Stock inventory, fulfill internal requests, ship materials, and perform weekly physical inventory checks.

Courier, Mail & Operational Support

• Provide daily local courier services using a state vehicle to pick up and deliver mail, equipment, and special event items (including the Iowa State Fair).
• Monitor assigned vehicle usage, complete monthly reporting, and arrange routine maintenance.
• Serve as primary backup for Central Office Mail Room operations and provide coverage for Front Desk reception.

Building Management & Vendor Service Agreements

• Manage printer/copier/fax lease agreements, track meter reads, and process vendor billings.

Maintain office key database, coordinate eDAS facility requests, report building maintenance issues, and manage the office supply/rental equipment program.

Essential Functions

• Lifts and moves boxes and equipment up to 50 lbs. for prolonged periods on a recurring basis.
• Places boxes weighing up to 50 lbs. on shelves below knees and above shoulders/head.
• Operates material handling equipment including dollies, scales, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and walk-behind forklifts.
• Delivers/picks up items from off-site locations using a state vehicle.
• Operates computers and databases to solicit bids, maintain contracts, manage inventory, and process invoices.
• Performs basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Reviews vendor bids/estimates and applies established guidelines for vendor selection.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Common Sense, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal

Skills, Self-Management, Team Player, Technical Competency: Purchasing and Inventory Management.

What You Get From Us

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. (Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
• Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).

Comments

Must possess a valid Iowa Driver's License.

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from [email protected] . This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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 .

Iowa DNR Mission

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

• Four years of full-time work experience in the procurement of standardized, expendable/nonexpendable items.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, accounting, or economics.
• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.