Administrative Law Judge 2

Administrative Law Judge 2

Salary

$99,964.80 - $142,355.20 Annually

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00085

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Forrest Guddall, forrest.guddall@dia.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Unemployment Insurance Appeals Bureau, seeks an Administrative Law Judge 2 (ALJ) to adjudicate contested case hearings for Iowa Workforce Development in accordance with chapters 17A and 96 of the Iowa Code and other state and federal laws and regulations. Responsibilities are as follows, with additional duties as assigned:

• conduct telephone and in-person contested case hearings in a fair and impartial manner
• prepare timely decisions based on applicable state and federal law and the evidence presented at hearing
• ensure all hearing participants are afforded due process
• participate in division activities, including work group meetings or other special projects, as assigned

A successful candidate will have the personality and skills to:

• efficiently manage a high-volume docket
• produce fair, legally correct, and well-written decisions
• work and problem solve independently
• enjoy legal research and writing as well as collaboration with colleagues
• confidently manage conflict throughout the entirety of a case and during hearings
• act efficiently and decisively on motions, objections, and other situations as they arise
• address challenges and provide solutions with a positive and professional attitude

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Unemployment Insurance Appeals Bureau, as a State of Iowa Executive Branch agency, offers the following benefits:

• Health/Dental, and Life Insurance
• Paid time off - Nine paid holidays plus generous paid vacation and paid sick leave which begin to accrue on your first day of employment
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit program
• Regular work hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with possible telework three days a week following probationary period
• Opportunities for professional growth and development - including training and continuing legal education

A current license to practice law in the State of Iowa is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in administrative law, litigation, or a judicial clerkship. A criminal history background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment.

For additional information on benefits click here. Excited to pursue the next step in your career? Apply today!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Selectives

871 License to Practice Law in the State of Iowa

License to practice law in the State of Iowa.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to five years of full-time quasi-judicial or closely-related work involving either conducting legal investigations to obtain evidence or hearing cases relative to specific organizational programs and rendering decisions or recommending action for the disposition of cases.
• A total of nine years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as an Administrative Law Judge 1.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Persons newly employed to preside over contested case proceedings in the Administrative Hearings Division of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, must possess a current, active license to practice law in Iowa.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of full time responsible quasi-judicial or closely related experience which involved either: conducting legal investigations to obtain evidence; or hearing cases relative to specific organizational programs and rendering decisions or recommending action for the disposition of cases?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than five years of the identified work experience
• Five years or more of the identified work experience

04

Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years do you have of a combination of college or university coursework AND/OR full time responsible quasi-judicial or closely related experience which involved either: conducting legal investigations to obtain evidence; or hearing cases relative to specific organizational programs and rendering decisions or recommending action for the disposition of cases? 30 semester hours is equal to one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the required education and/or experience
• Less than four years of the required education and/or experience
• Four years to less than nine years of the required education and/or experience
• Nine years or more of the required education and/or experience

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Administrative Law Judge 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I have no experience in the classification of Administrative Law Judge 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 18 months of experience in the classification of Administrative Law Judge 1 for the State of Iowa
• 18 months or more of experience in the classification of Administrative Law Judge 1 for the State of Iowa

07

Does your application demonstrate that you have a license to practice law in the State of Iowa?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing Address 6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://dia.iowa.gov/