Investigator 3 - Administrative Office

Investigator 3 - Administrative Office

Salary

$59,009.60 - $89,835.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50021 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00153

Agency

428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender

Opening Date

07/16/2026

Closing Date

7/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jeff Wright, jwright@spd.state.ia.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic individual to serve as an Investigator 3 in our Administrative office located in Polk County, Iowa.

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You'll Do

As an Investigator in this position, you will:

• Assists attorneys in the pretrial investigation of criminal defense cases, including gathering facts, locating and interviewing clients and witnesses, performing criminal history checks and other public record searches, obtaining necessary photographic or video evidence, collecting relevant news articles, obtaining and evaluating other physical evidence, and performing other investigative tasks as assigned.
• Prepares written reports of investigative activities for attorneys.
• Develops and maintains expertise in specialized investigative technology including but not limited to digital forensics.
• Assists in the preparation of defense strategy, including gathering and organizing evidence and testimony in preparation for depositions and trials and locating experts in various fields and coordinating the use of expert witnesses.
• Performing other duties as directed by the Local Public Defender Supervisor.
• Provides support for all public defender investigators through the coordination of investigatory tools available to all offices of the state public defender.
• Serves and delivers court documents, such as subpoenas, affidavits, and reports, at the direction of attorneys.
• Serves as trial assistant and defense witness liaison during trials, assisting attorneys to marshal evidence and witnesses, communicate with clients and family members, and aids in jury selection process.
• Coordinates, designs, and conducts training activities for all public defender investigators.
• Testify at proceedings at administrative, district court, and other hearings to present evidence in support of state public defender clients.
• Individual will be responsible for statewide coordination of investigative work for the State Public Defender.

What We Offer

When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).

For additional information on benefits click here.

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.

Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law and experience equal to two years of full-time work in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation;

OR

graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in an area not listed above and experience equal to three years of qualifying work;

OR

a combination of education and experience, substituting one year of qualifying full-time experience for each thirty semester hours of general college or university coursework;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the State executive branch that includes experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as an Investigator 1 or 2, or in a comparable position involving investigative work experience.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

Applicants for positions in the Department of Inspections and Appeals must undergo a background investigation which includes a criminal history check and a dependent adult and child abuse registry check.

As required for entry into the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for designated positions, successful applicants must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude; applicants must be a United States citizen.

Some positions may require a valid drivers or chauffeurs license.

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 with major course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law? IF YES - How many years do you have of experience of full-time work in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation?

• I dont have any experience in the areas identified
• Less than two years of the experience identified
• Two years or more of experience in the identified areas

04

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university in an area OTHER THAN law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law? IF YES - How many years of full-time experience do you have in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation?

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university in an area OTHER THAN the areas listed does not apply to me - I have not graduated or my major was in the areas listed
• Less than three years of the experience identified
• Three years or more of the experience identified

05

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education and/or full-time work in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

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

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months do you have of full-time work in the classification of Investigator 1 or 2, or in a comparable position involving investigative work experience for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classifications/type of work identified - for the State of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience in the classifications/type of work identified - for the State of Iowa
• 12 months or more of experience in the classifications/type of work identified - for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender Address 6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://spd.iowa.gov/