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Assistant Investigator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do As an Investigator in this position, you will: Assist public defenders in the pretrial investigation of assigned criminal defense cases. Obtain and review case information to determine ...

Assure quality control for all crew members collected data and methods * Assist with preparation of ... Minimum of 5 years of Principal Investigator experience in Great Basin archaeological fieldwork

Certified Medical Assistant

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

The Medical Assistant position is great for those who want to make a difference in the mental ... NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONTACT REFERENCES AND CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION I ...

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Assistant Investigator information

See Iowa salary details

$33.8K

$37K

$46.5K

How much do assistant investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant investigator in Iowa is $36,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,200.00 and $35,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant investigator?

Assistant Investigators are professionals who support lead investigators in conducting research, gathering evidence, and analyzing information in various fields such as law enforcement, clinical research, or scientific studies. They assist with data collection, documentation, and ensuring that investigations follow protocols and ethical standards. Their role is vital to the success of an investigation, often involving collaboration with other team members and communication of findings. Depending on the industry, Assistant Investigators may also help prepare reports, maintain records, and present results to stakeholders.

What are some typical challenges assistant investigators face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Assistant Investigators often juggle several cases at once, which can require strong time management and prioritization skills. Balancing investigative duties, such as evidence collection, documentation, and reporting, while meeting deadlines can be demanding. Close collaboration with senior investigators and other departments helps distribute workload and maintain quality standards. Staying organized and communicating effectively are key to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring thorough, timely investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Investigator, you typically need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with investigative software, case management systems, and occasionally forensic tools is often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and discretion are important soft skills for gathering information and collaborating with law enforcement or other agencies. These skills ensure accurate, thorough investigations and support effective case resolution while maintaining legal and ethical standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Investigator vs Investigator?

AspectAssistant InvestigatorInvestigator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, relevant experience, sometimes certificationsUsually a bachelor's degree, with more experience or specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentSupportive role in investigations, often under supervisionLead role in conducting investigations independently
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement, private investigation, and regulatory agenciesMore senior investigative roles within similar organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched together for career progressionHigher responsibility, more experience required

The main difference between an Assistant Investigator and an Investigator lies in experience, responsibility, and independence. Assistant Investigators typically support investigations under supervision, while Investigators lead and manage cases independently. Both roles are common in law enforcement and private sectors, with Investigators generally requiring more experience or certifications.

What kind of assistant investigator makes the most money?

Senior or specialized assistant investigators, such as those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or expertise in areas like cyber investigations or financial fraud, tend to earn higher salaries. Leadership roles or working for large organizations can also increase earning potential in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Investigator jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Investigator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Assistant Investigator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Assistant Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Investigator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,971 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Investigator 2 - Davenport

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$53K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

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 Davenport office located in Scott 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: 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 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. This is a non-merit position for the Iowa 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 this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements Some positions in this class may require an applicant to have the ability to pass a background investigation.


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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939