Program Assistant II

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly organized Program Assistant II to enhance operational efficiency in Pierre. This role is pivotal in managing licensing processes and ensuring regulatory compliance for food service and lodging facilities. The ideal candidate will have strong administrative skills and experience in public health, contributing to a team that values detail and efficiency. Join a supportive environment that offers comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to make a significant impact in public health operations.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Generous Vacation

Sick Leave

Retirement Benefits

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant administrative experience required.
• Experience with licensing systems is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of state laws related to environmental health.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate licensing processes for food and lodging facilities.
• Manage fiscal activities including budget reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations and policies.

Skills

Administrative Support

Regulatory Compliance

Fiscal Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Regulatory Databases

Office Software

Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 31390
Agency: Health
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $24.11 - $28.36 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 05/12/2025

The South Dakota Department of Health is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Program Assistant II to serve as the lead team member in our central office in Pierre. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the operational efficiency and regulatory compliance of food service, lodging, and campground facilities. The Program Assistant II is responsible for coordinating licensing processes, managing fiscal activities, assigning facility inspections, and maintaining critical program databases.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead administrative team member for the central office operations.
• Oversee the initial and renewal licensing process for food, lodging, and campground facilities.
• Assign inspection responsibilities to field staff in accordance with regulatory timelines and geographic coverage.
• Provide fiscal support, including invoice processing, fee tracking, and budget reconciliation.
• Maintain and update regulatory databases; ensure data accuracy and timely reporting.
• Support the development and implementation of office procedures and workflows.
• Communicate professionally with internal staff, local agencies, and the public.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state statutes, regulations, and agency policies.
• Participate in program audits, data reviews, and process improvement initiatives.
• Provide general office support, including document preparation, file management, and meeting coordination.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or bachelor's degree preferred;
• At least three years of relevant administrative, regulatory, or program support experience;
• Experience with public health, working with the public, and enforcement of regulations is preferred;
• Experience with licensing systems or regulatory databases is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of:

• general methods and processes in areas such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and other administrative activities pertinent to government operations;
• computer systems and applications;
• state laws, rules, and regulations related to environmental health, food safety, and lodging/campground operations.
• principles and practices of public administration;
• supervision and other personnel management processes;
• applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
• general methods and processes in areas such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and other administrative activities pertinent to government operations;
• computer systems and applications;
• distribution methodologies.

Skills to:

• exercise sound judgment and make timely, well-informed decisions;
• conduct work in an honest, ethical, responsible, and committed manner;
• work cooperatively with coworkers and treats them with respect to provide a positive working environment;
• organize office data and other related information concisely and efficiently;
• plan and project future operating needs in terms of fiscal needs and staffing changes.
• provide office assistance, training, and information to Health Facility Surveyors and Department of Public Safety inspectors to carry out inspectional duties assigned by Department of Health;
• engage with license holders, operators, and the general public on complaints, concerns, inquires, and address these in an appropriate and timely manner;
• provide administrative assistance with regulatory enforcement activities related to licensed and unlicensed food, lodging, and campground establishments to support change that will advance desired outcomes;
• gather, analyze, and organize information to provide recommendations or input to promote and improve the Office of Health Protection.

Ability to:

• work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners;
• communicate effectively and tactfully by listening, speaking, and writing when dealing with the public or government employees as required.
• exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions;
• communicate information concisely and efficiently;
• plan and project future operating needs in terms of fiscal needs and staffing changes;
• interpret objectives and develop practical applications.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1LO
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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