Receptionist - Polk Co

Receptionist - Polk Co

Salary

$33,779.20 - $48,651.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00068

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

colin.tadlock@iowaagriculture.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you a proactive communicator who enjoys helping others and working in a dynamic environment? The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is seeking a Receptionist to serve as the friendly and professional first point of contact for all visitors and callers. In this role, you will be the face of our department, ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to excellent service for the public, state agencies, and various organizations across Iowa. With approximately 345 dedicated employees, IDALS supports a wide range of programs that influence the daily lives of Iowans statewide. Join our team to be part of meaningful work that impacts Iowa's farms, communities, and natural resources. Learn more about IDALS here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reception and Visitor Management: Serve as the main receptionist by warmly greeting and directing visitors. Announce visitors to the appropriate party and await instructions to ensure a secure and orderly environment. Maintain a visitor log and assist with receiving deliveries by signing for packages or guiding delivery personnel as needed.
• Telephone Operations: Answer and manage the main IDALS phone line, providing clear and courteous service to all callers. Direct calls efficiently to ensure minimal transfers, take messages when necessary, and promptly relay them to the correct person.
• Administrative Support: Perform general office tasks such as sorting and date-stamping mail, drafting and typing letters, forms, labels, and envelopes. Assist with preparing materials for distribution, stuffing envelopes, and mailing informational packets or promotional items upon request.
• Cross-Departmental Assistance: Provide support to various IDALS teams as needed, handling miscellaneous tasks to support department-wide efficiency and productivity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse groups of people.
• Experience with multi-line phone systems and customer service principles.
• Basic knowledge of office equipment and standard software applications (e.g., MS Office Suite).
• Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to assist colleagues across departments as needed.

Why Join IDALS? As an employee of IDALS, you'll be part of a team that values public service, offering competitive pay and a robust benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive family medical insurance options starting as low as $180 per month, with single coverage available from $54 per month.
• Free single dental insurance and affordable family coverage at $44 per month.
• Complimentary life insurance ($20,000 basic coverage) with voluntary supplemental options and no-cost long-term disability insurance.
• A secure retirement with IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) and a deferred compensation plan with a state match of up to $75 per month.
• Generous paid leave benefits, including nine holidays, plus sick, vacation, military, and jury duty leave.

For more details on the benefits available as a State of Iowa employee, click here.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to support a department committed to enhancing Iowa's agriculture and quality of life, we encourage you to apply! You may attach a cover letter and resume to your application in the Attachments Section. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and friendly professional to our team at IDALS.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

No specific education or work experience required.

For more information click on this link to view the job description

Additional Qualification Requirements

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to type at least 40 WPM net as demonstrated by the completion of a typing examination.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge? Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address 1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/