Job Description

Investigator 2

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Investigator 2

Salary

$52,790.40 - $80,204.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02943

Agency

428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender

Opening Date

04/29/2026

Closing Date

5/13/2026 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 2 in our Wrongful Convictions 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:

• In a journey-level capacity, assist public defenders in the pretrial investigation of assigned criminal defense cases.

• Obtain and review case information to determine investigative methods; use agency specific programs to open, track, close cases, and research sources of information.

• Utilize appropriate computer databases or records to perform criminal history checks, public record searches or other research.

• Conduct field investigations and surveillance as assigned; locate and interview clients, witnesses and other persons.

• Prepare written reports, summaries and correspondence for use in the evaluation and defense of assigned cases.

• Collect, compile, analyze and preserve necessary photographic or video evidence, relevant news articles, and other physical evidence.

• Attend initial appearance and conduct initial interviews of jailed clients.

• Serve and deliver court documents, such as subpoenas, affidavits, and reports, at the direction of public defenders.

• Assist 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.

• Assist in monitoring cases for conflicts and maintaining iDOCIT client information database.

• Serve as trial assistant and defense witness liaison during trials, assisting public defenders to marshal evidence and witnesses, communicate with clients and family members, and aid in jury selection process.

• May act in the capacity of a team leader occasionally to coordinate the activities of other investigators assigned to a case.

• Perform other duties as directed by the Local Public Defender Supervisor.

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 federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit .

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

This is a non-merit position with the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

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 law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law, and experience equal to one year of full-time work as an investigator requiring knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal investigation.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law, and experience equal to one year of full-time work in the administration of a program involving application of agency unemployment insurance or public assistance benefit programs, correctional rules and regulations, and/or court or administrative hearings processes.

• A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one or two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law equals one year of full-time experience.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Investigator 1 or twenty-four months of full-time work as a Warehouse and Grain Dealer Examiner.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. ( and\ pay/JobClassDescriptions/Investigator2-00696-80696-90696.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Some positions in this class may require an applicant to have the ability to pass a background investigation.

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-friendlyTotal 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 a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law?IF YES -How many months of full-time work as an investigator requiring knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal investigation?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university with a major in the identified areas

• Less than 12 months of experience in the identified areas

• 12 months or more of experience in the identified areas

  04

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law?IF YES -How many months do you have of full-time work experience in the administration of a program involving application of agency unemployment insurance or public assistance benefit programs, correctional rules and regulations, and/or court or administrative hearings processes?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college with a degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law

• No experience to less than 12 months of experience in the identified areas

• 12 months or more of experience in the identified areas

  05

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law AND/OR experience as an investigator requiring knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal investigationORin the administration of a program involving application of agency unemployment insurance or public assistance benefit programs, correctional rules and regulations, and/or court or administrative hearings processes?

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience

• Less than two years of the combined education and/or experience

• Two years to less than five years of the combined education and/or experience

• Five years or more of the combined 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 of full-time work in the classification of Investigator 1 ?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee

• Less than 12 months in the classification of Investigator 1

• 12 months or more in the classification of Investigator 1

• No experience in the classification in the classification of Investigator 1

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

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Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours

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