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Senior Secretary 

Job ID: 31673
Agency: Department of Health
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $19.97 - $23.49 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 6/13/25

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Health's Office of Health Protection. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit https://doh.sd.gov/.

The South Dakota Department of Health's Office of Health Protection is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Secretary to support regulatory functions for food, lodging, and campground establishments across the state. This position plays a vital role in public health and safety by providing high-level administrative support for licensing and inspection operations.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Application Processing & Licensing Coordination

  • Receive, review, and process applications for licenses related to food service, lodging, and campground operations.
  • Maintain accurate records of licensing status and renewals.
  • Track deadlines and ensure timely correspondence for application completion and license issuance.

Customer Service & Public Communication

  • Respond to inquiries from the public, business owners, and agency partners regarding licensing requirements, application status, and program regulations.
  • Provide accurate and courteous information via phone and email.

Administrative Support

  • Prepare and distribute letters, reports, notices, and forms related to regulatory activities.
  • Manage office correspondence, filing systems, and recordkeeping in accordance with state data retention policies.
  • Assist program managers and inspectors with administrative tasks including scheduling and document preparation.

Compliance Documentation

  • Ensure documents are complete and in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and department policies.

System Entry & Reporting

  • Input and update licensing and inspection data into internal databases and state systems.
  • Run reports and assist with compiling statistics or records for audits or public information requests.

Primarily desk work in a state office building, cube environment with very limited in-state travel. Periodic overnight stays on an annual basis may be required.

Join us in protecting public health and ensuring safe environments for South Dakota residents and visitors! 

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or bachelor's degree preferred; At least three years of relevant secretarial, regulatory, or program support expericence; Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn proprietary state software systems; Strong verbal and written communication skills; Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge of:

  • business English including grammar, spelling, and punctuation to compose a general business letter;
  • general methods and processes in areas such as bookkeeping, keyboarding, editing, copying, scanning, purchasing, and similar activities pertinent to government office operations;
  • computer software systems and applications such as word, outlook, excel, database, etc..

Ability to:
 

  • work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners;
  • engage with license holders, operators, and the general public on complaints, concerns, inquires, and address these in an appropriate and timely manner;
  • communicate effectively and tactfully in listening, speaking, and writing when dealing with the public or government employees as required.
  • answer phones, exercise tact, patience, and discretion in communicating and dealing with persons of varying backgrounds and temperament;
  • organize office activities, data, and other related information concisely and efficiently;
  • exercise sound judgment and make timely, well-informed decisions;
  • conduct work in an honest, ethical, responsible, and committed manner;
  • accurately record, file, and transmit information; and,
  • work cooperatively with coworkers and treat them with respect to provide a positive working environment.