Human Resources Assistant

Ottumwa Office; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Prairie AEA Ottumwa Office in Ottumwa, IA seeks a Human Resources Assistant to provide administrative support for the HR department, manage employee records, and assist with onboarding and recruitment processes.

The role requires strong organization, confidentiality, and customer service skills, with experience in office settings. The position includes year-round front desk duties and collaboration with HR staff and administrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in an office or administrative support role preferred.
• Experience in Human Resources or a school district setting is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding: maintain job vacancy records, process applications, schedule interviews, initiate background checks, enter/maintain employee info in HRIS.
• Maintain HR Databases and Records: update databases, maintain personnel files, track licensure/training, manage spreadsheets and job descriptions.
• Assist with HR Reporting and Documentation: move toward paperless processes, prepare contracts and routine communications, track leaves, reconcile payroll timesheets, prepare state/federal reports, support employee inquiries.
• Reception Tasks (shared): answer phones, greet visitors, manage room reservations and invoices, distribute mail, assist with job fair carts.

Skills

Organization

Communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Professionalism

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Vista Iowa Business Software

Google Docs

Job description

Human Resources Assistant

Great Prairie AEA Ottumwa Office - Ottumwa, Iowa Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5910900

Application Deadline: Sep 09, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Sep 02, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Oct 1, 2026

Job Description

Great Prairie Area Education Agency has an opening for a Human Resources Assistant in our Ottumwa AEA office.

235 work days (8-hour days)

Starting pay: This is a salary position with a generous paid leave package in addition to a monthly cafeteria plan allotment of $1,050, and IPERS retirementand employer sponsored LTD and life insurance.

Classification: Administrative Support

Job Summary:

This service-oriented position provides administrative and operational support for the Human Resources department. The Human Resources Assistant serves as a point of contact for employees, administrators, and the public, assisting with employment processes, employee records, payroll and HRIS data entry.

This position supports recruitment, onboarding, recordkeeping, and HR administrative functions while maintaining confidentiality and providing excellent customer service. It will share year round front desk reception duties. This role requires attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining confidentiality. Ability to adapt and apply technology is a must.

The position works closely with the Human Resources Administrator, Business Office and Technology staff to ensure accurate personnel records and efficient HR operations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Experience in an office or administrative support role preferred. Experience in Human Resources or a school district setting is beneficial but not required.

Essential Functions:

Support Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding

• Maintain job vacancy records and post position openings in ATS.
• Assist with processing employment applications and maintaining applicant files.
• Schedule interviews and manage Department of Ed Reference Check Forms.
• Initiate background checks and coordinate pre-employment requirements including EVerify.
• Enter and maintain employee information in HRIS systems such as Vista Iowa Business Software.
• Assist with onboarding and new employee orientation.
• Capture headshots, distribute badges and lanyards.
• Assist in the evaluation of new and established Human Resources programs, procedures, and systems.

Maintain HR Databases and Records

• Enter, update, and maintain employee information in HRIS and related databases.
• Maintain personnel files and employment records in accordance with agency procedures.
• Track employee licensure, training records, and required documentation.
• Maintain HR spreadsheets and tracking systems, including sub records and evaluation schedules.
• Maintain Affiliation agreements, forms and job descriptions.

Assist with HR Reporting and Documentation

• Help transition to a paperless environment where applicable.
• Prepare employment contracts, correspondence, and routine HR communications as directed.
• Assist with tracking employee leaves.
• Reconcile hourly payroll timesheets.
• Enter purchase orders.
• Support preparation of required state and federal reports.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee questions and direct inquiries appropriately.
• Maintain and update HR information on the agency website.
• Help publish weekly staff updates and new employee spotlights.
• Assist with the coordination of employee orientation, recognition events and manage service awards.
• Participate in the Staff Planning Committee.

Reception Tasks (shared)

• Directing phone calls, admitting and directing visitors.
• Schedule room reservations & create invoices.
• Manage job fair carts.
• Distribute mail.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Google Documents and willingness to use technology.
• Ability to learn and use HRIS systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to travel to training or meetings outside of the area.
• Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated .

Terms of Employment

The work schedule and compensation will be determined in alignment with Great Prairie AEA policies and subject to board approval.

Evaluation

Annual evaluations the first two years and every three years thereafter.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Kristina Jones , Human Resources Administrator
• Ottumwa Office
• Email: [e-mail]