Peace Officer Candidate - Iowa State Patrol Capitol Complex

Peace Officer Candidate - Iowa State Patrol Capitol Complex

Salary

$50,398.40 - $74,068.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Temporary

Job Number

27-00315

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Brian Moses (moses@dps.state.ia.us)

To Apply

For consideration - all applicants must submit an application through this site.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

This is not a remote position. Hours worked will vary, consisting of a day shift, night shift, and midnight shift.

Dont miss out on this unique opportunity to serve as a Peace Officer Candidate with the Iowa Department of Public Safety and take the first step towards becoming a Certified Peace Officer.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

About the Job

As a Peace Officer Candidate, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety and security of the State Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill Governors Residence including but not limited to:

• Building checks
• Operation of magnetometer equipment
• Security presence and dispatching of the police radio system at Terrace Hill.
• Locking and unlocking of buildings.
• Providing support to the troopers and supervisors at Post 16

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency
• All applicants must apply to the next DPS Academy application process in which they are eligible, meeting the Minimum Hiring Qualifications in the State Code of Iowa Chapter 501. Additionally, all applicants must meet the additional hiring standards implemented by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

This is a temporary, non-sworn position. POC's are expected to apply separately for openings within the Iowa Department of Public Safety during the next applicable academy hiring process. As a Peace Officer Candidate, you will be given up to four opportunities to seek employment as a Certified Peace Officer with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. If you are unsuccessful after four attempts at being accepted into the DPS Academy, you will be asked to resign your position as a Peace Officer Candidate.

The DPS Academy hiring process will include the following:

• Physical Fitness Testing (1.5-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups and sit and reach)
• Oral Board (interview)
• Written Test (grammar, spelling, mathematics, writing, etc.)
• Completion of a Polygraph
• Psychological and Medical Evaluations
• Extensive Background Investigation
• Employment as a Peace Officer Candidate does not guarantee your entrance into the DPS Academy.

Additional Requirements

• The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.
• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• This is not a remote position.

About Us

DPS is a unique statewide policing agency that offers exciting, challenging and rewarding careers with advanced training and opportunities for growth that you will not find anywhere else. Whether you see yourself working on the front lines as a Trooper or Special Agent - or behind the scenes providing technical assistance and support in a civilian role, you will be making a difference in the lives of Iowans every day. Included with all of this is a great salary and benefits plan: simply icing on the cake.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

• Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental - Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
• Life - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost

Retirement:

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50
• Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program. Screening for the Academy includes:

a) Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse, or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer.

b) Physical examination and agility test to assure that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties (drug screens included).

c) Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision.

d) Hearing exam with a loss not exceeding a 25-decibel average in either ear at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles.

e) Battery of psychological exams to determine that the individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer.

f) Oral Board and Polygraph review.

g) Age - applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applicants must be United States citizens but need not be Iowa residents at the time of application.

Applicants must successfully complete and graduate from the Departmental Academy.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety.

Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.

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 information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

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 high school, GED, or equivalency?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://dps.iowa.gov/