Front Desk Specialist

The Legislative Council is the full-time legislative service agency for the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Council staff perform various tasks such as budget review, legislative research, bill drafting, interim committee staffing, as well as publication and distribution of Session Laws, the North Dakota Century Code, and the North Dakota Administrative Code. The Legislative Council staff consists of attorneys, accountants, policy analysts, and information technology and legislative administrative specialists who serve on a strictly nonpartisan basis.

Summary of Work

Under the general direction of the Administrative Manager or the manager's designee, the front desk specialist greets visitors at the front desk and answers telephone calls to support nonpartisan legislative operations. The front desk specialist also drafts and responds to info box emails, answers inquiries or directs inquiries to the appropriate staff member; performs various office duties, including maintaining room, social, and event calendars in Outlook; performs word processing functions; reviews and routes voicemail; retrieves and distributes daily mail and prepares outgoing mail for distribution; accepts and signs for packages; arranges and prepares committee meeting reminders, setup, and other meeting-related tasks; maintains the legislative session journal index; scans, verifies, and properly names documents for archiving; create, store, and retrieve records stored in databases from verbal, written, or recorded instructions; maintain publication and distribution lists; and performs other duties as directed.

Individuals in this role must demonstrate the ability to maintain a positive, professional demeanor when interacting with legislators, agencies, and the public. Key requirements of the position are the ability to apply critical thinking; multitask; prioritize; have a general understanding of state government and the legislative process, rules, and procedures; and successfully navigate the legislative branch website.

Hours generally are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During a legislative session (January-April of odd numbered years) the working hours involve possible evenings and weekends, and paid overtime.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Office technologies and software (e.g., Microsoft 365, Adobe PDF)
• Basic office equipment and procedure
• Telephone etiquette
• State government and legislative process

Skills

• Organization and task prioritization
• Clear, professional communication with staff and public
• Critical thinking and problem solving

Abilities

• Multitasking and meeting deadlines under pressure
• Learning new procedures and software quickly
• Working collaboratively and maintaining professional relationships
• Exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality
• Asking clarifying questions and using available resources effectively
• Maintaining strong attendance and motivation

Minimum Qualifications

Requires 2 years of experience in office support, administration, business, or business management; experience that includes performing a variety of high-level office support, clerical, or secretarial duties; coursework in a related field may substitute for the work experience requirement on a year-for-year basis; computer skills (knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft 365); and knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, and punctuation.

Application Procedures

Ready to Apply?

• Submit your application and resume at www.nd.gov/careers by 11:59 PM Central Time (CT) on the closing date.
• Attach a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. Include details on how your background aligns with the role in your resume.
• A criminal background check is required for the selected candidate.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (No visa sponsorships provided.)

Additional Information

For more information about the position or general questions about the application process, please contact:

Lori Ziegler
Legislative Administrative Officer
North Dakota Legislative Council
701-328-2916
lziegler@ndlegis.gov
TTY Number: ND Relay Service 1-800-366-6888

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.