Motor Vehicle Captain

Motor Vehicle Captain

Salary

$81,203.20 - $124,883.20 Annually

Location

Ankeny - 50021 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01404

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

11/13/2026

Closing Date

11/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jason Maahs - Jason.Maahs@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection (BIIP) is seeking applicants for the position of Motor Vehicle Captain. This sworn law enforcement role provides statewide leadership, supervision, and strategic oversight of Motor Vehicle Investigators and complex motor vehicle-related investigations. The Motor Vehicle Captain serves as a direct report to the Motor Vehicle Commander and has broad authority to deploy personnel and resources to large-scale investigations impacting public safety, industry integrity, and regulatory compliance. The Motor Vehicle Captain is expected to remain reachable via state-issued smartphone, email, or by state dispatch.

Iowa DOT's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa DOT's five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Statewide residency permitted; position is based in Ankeny.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, flex schedule available

Pay range: $81,203.20 to $124,883.20

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, direct, and supervise large-scale criminal and administrative investigations involving motor vehicle fraud, dealer and recycler fraud and auditing, odometer fraud, fee-for-new-registration fraud, driver's license fraud, motor carrier fraud, and Transportation Network Company auditing.
• Exercise statewide oversight of investigative personnel and ensure the fair, impartial enforcement of state and federal laws.
• Lead and manage BIIP's computer forensic laboratory, supervising digital forensic analysis and mobile device extraction operations.
• Maintain working knowledge of computer systems, applications, facial recognition/biometrics tools, SPEXS, and Iowa Mobile ID platforms.
• Analyze complaints and allegations involving identity theft, title/registration violations, odometer fraud, and driver's license fraud; determine the scope, direction, and evidentiary needs of major investigations.
• Oversee evidence collection, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures to ensure compliance with investigative principles and legal standards.
• Assist in the planning and execution of search warrants and oversee statewide warrant operations.
• Testify in judicial criminal proceedings and administrative hearings related to investigations conducted by BIIP.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for public and industry complaints; evaluate each complaint and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Provide direction and oversight for administrative vehicle inspections including VIN verifications, reconstructed/specially-built vehicles, Iowa VIN assignments, bond titling approvals/denials, and bond claims.
• May serve as Acting Commander during the Commanders absence.

Training, Onboarding & Professional Development Duties:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a training and onboarding strategy for sworn investigative staff.
• Collaborate with Motor Vehicle Division Learning & Development leadership to establish ongoing training recommendations for director/commander review.
• Serve as the primary intake coordinator for internal and external training requests related to motor vehicle investigations, driver's license fraud, motor carrier enforcement, and dealer/recycler regulations.
• Approve or deny training delivery methods, frequency, content, and scheduling; ensure Bureau of Enforcement, Auditing, and Records (BEAR) and Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) leadership are informed of external engagements.
• Coordinate field training and on-the-job development for newly hired or promoted investigators.
• Identify soft and hard skill gaps among field staff; recommend solutions and training strategies to the Commander.
• Ensure BIIP policies and procedural guidance remain current, consistent, understandable, and accessible.

REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is open to all qualified applicants who meet the minimum requirements established by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and are currently certified as peace officers in the State of Iowa.
• A valid drivers license must be possessed and maintained.
• Upon hire, the selected candidate must maintain certification as a Salvage Vehicle Theft Examiner and maintain status as a certified Iowa peace officer.
• Must maintain status as a certified Iowa peace officer, including passing required

firearms qualification test.

• Must complete an annual health physical by a licensed physician or surgeon and be found to meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
• Must obtain and maintain certification for access and use of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now!

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us.

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation and certification from an academy approved by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Director and Council and experience equal to four years of full-time peace officer work in the application, interpretation, investigation, and enforcement of motor vehicle laws and regulations;

OR

post high school education with an emphasis in law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science may be substituted on the basis of 30 semester hours equals one year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years; no substitution for the graduation and certification from an ILEA approved academy is permitted;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to three years full-time work as a Motor Vehicle Sergeant and/or Investigator.

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

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

HONEST - 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 and have certification from an academy approved by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Director and Council? IF YES - How many years of full-time peace officer work in the application, interpretation, investigation, and enforcement of motor vehicle laws and regulations?

• I have not graduated and do not have certification from an academy approved by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Director and Council
• Less than two years of the identified experience
• Two years to less than four years of the identified experience
• Four or more years of the identified experience

04

Have you graduated and hold certification from an ILEA approved academy? IF YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED full-time peace officer work in the application, interpretation, investigation, and enforcement of motor vehicle laws and regulations AND/OR post high school education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science? Thirty semester hours equals one year of full-time experience.]

• I have not graduated and do not hold certification from an ILEA-approved academy
• I have graduated and hold certification from an ILEA-approved academy and have less than two years of the combined education and experience
• I have graduated and hold certification from an ILEA-approved academy and have two years to less than four years of the combined education and experience
• I have graduated and hold certification from an ILEA-approved academy and have four or more years of the combined education and experience

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have as a Motor Vehicle Sergeant and/or Investigator for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I do not have experience as a Motor Vehicle Sergeant and/or Investigator for the State of Iowa
• Less than three years of experience as a Motor Vehicle Sergeant and/or Investigator for the State of Iowa
• Thee years or more of experience as a Motor Vehicle Sergeant and/or Investigator for the State of Iowa

06

How many years of experience do you have in motor vehicle investigations or identity theft, such as Motor Vehicle Title Fraud, Motor Vehicle Dealer/Recycler Fraud, Odometer Fraud, Driver's License Fraud, or stolen vehicle investigations?

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/