Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

General Information

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Plans and conducts part-time and temporary recruitments, plans and conducts full-time recruitments as assigned; screens applicants, develops and administers selection examinations including written/performance tests, coordinates interviews, and other selection procedures. Conducts reference checks as needed. Works with departments to update job descriptions. Surveys compensation and other practices of comparable employers. Completes special projects as assigned; Assists supervisors and employees with routine policy information. Maintains human resources web pages. Maintains city-wide organizational chart for distribution and presentation. Uses computer and software to prepare detailed analysis of data into charts, graphs, worksheets and other documents. Uses specialized human resource programs such as an online applicant tracking system, learning management system, HRMS, and payroll system. Assists Human Resources Officers with logistics for Employee Development Center and new employee onboarding classes, including room setup and tear down, refreshments, etc. Assures that all work complies with the policies and procedures established by the City of Ames, Ames Civil Service Commission, and Human Resources Director; and federal, state and local statutes.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in human resource management, business administration, public administration, psychology or industrial relations and at least one year working in a human resources environment.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Public sector Human Resources experience is preferred, but not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of the human resources profession including recruitment, selection, testing, classification, wage and salary, basic knowledge of laws and legislative trends related to recruitment, selection, testing, classification and compensation. Considerable expertise in the use of sophisticated computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of basic statistical concepts and methods. Knowledge of automated systems as applied to human resource management. Knowledge of business etiquette and protocol.
Skill in planning, coordinating, and carrying out recruitments, complex projects, and multiple tasks. Skill in verbal and written communication. Skill in developing and analyzing statistical data. Skill in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software. Skill in planning and conducting surveys. Interpersonal skills in interacting with others in a variety of business situations, including business/social settings such as interacting with service providers and external subject matter experts.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees, management, outside individuals and groups, and applicants. Ability to present self in a poised, professional and appropriate manner in a variety of situations. Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential situations in a professional manner. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to use time, material, and staff resources effectively and efficiently. Ability to comprehend the City’s organizational culture and subcultures and implications for human resource activities.

Supplemental Information

Required Physical Activities: Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, lifting, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.
Characteristics of Work: Primarily sedentary; frequent standing, walking; frequent lifting and carrying objects under 10 pounds; occasionally lifting or carrying objects up to 50 pounds.
Vision Requirements: The minimum for those whose work is involved primarily with extensive reading, and preparing and analyzing text and/or data, and the use of a computer terminal.
Environmental Conditions: The employee ordinarily works in an office environment and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions: Computer hardware such as keyboard, monitor, printer, etc. Computer software such as, payroll system, HRMS, word processing, spreadsheet, internet, database, etc. Reference materials. General office equipment such as writing utensils, files and file cabinets, telephone, copy machine, etc.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, hiring assessment, on-site interview including a manager meeting and written exercise and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
**Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.**
Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.

E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.