Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.64 - $25.67 Hourly
Location : Waterloo - 50701 - Black Hawk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00303
Agency: 428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Aaron Hawbaker, ahawbaker@spd.state.ia.us
Job Description
Do you enjoy helping others and want to make a significant impact in what you do? If yes, look no further!
The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic Administrative Support Assistant 2 to provide clerical support in our Waterloo Adult office located in Black Hawk 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 Administrative Support Assistant 2 in this position, you will:

• Receive and direct phone calls from Public Defender clients, court administrative staff, and attorneys. Answer routine questions from clients and client family members concerning court dates, status of the case, explain court orders and other legal documents they have received.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail. Review and identify correspondence of a sensitive or important nature and take appropriate action.
  • Calendar coordination that includes scheduling meetings and making appointments for attorneys and investigators.
• Prepare and proof forms and correspondence of a legal nature such as letters, orders, affidavits, motions, and briefs for accuracy, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
• Accurately maintain legal case files, log data from court orders into the case management system for the precise and effective reporting, recording, storage, retrieval and use of case data.
• Access Iowa Courts Online to verify court dates and case information.
• Proficiently use EDMS (Iowa Court's Electronic Data Management System) to file legal documents with courts and to collect, download, and categorize electronic discovery, including audio, video, and written materials from multiple sources, to be utilized in the analysis of criminal matters.
  • Assist staff with general software functionality when requested, such as Microsoft Office suites and other Google-based systems.
  • Complete other assignments at the direction of the Public Defender Supervisor.

What We're Seeking
The successful candidate for this fast-paced position is a motivated, organized, and a detail-focused individual. Applicants should have a proven track record of completing tasks on a strict deadline, experience working with diverse populations, and work well in a team environment.
Desired skills and abilities include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer skills - preference given to those with experience in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, databases, spreadsheets, and legal case management systems.
• Customer-centric attitude and demeanor.
• Displays high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• Good people skills - this position requires regular contact with Public Defender clients, clerks, judges, county attorneys and service providers, good people skills are necessary.
• Legal experience desired.

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.
• On the job training by dedicated, experienced professionals.
• 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
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. One year of full-time work experience in general office, clerical, data entry/processing, or related work.
2. A total of one year of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Administrative Support Assistant 1.

For more information click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to type at least 40 WPM net as demonstrated by the completion of a typing examination.
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-friendlyGain 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.
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?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
Do you have one year of full-time work experience in clerical or a closely related work area?

• Yes
• No

04
How many months of COMBINED post high school course work in an accredited secretarial, business, or closely related curriculum AND full-time clerical work experience do you have?

• No full-time clerical work experience and specified education to a combined total of less than six months
• Six months to less than one year of the combined clerical work experience AND specified education
• One year or more of the combined full-time clerical work experience and specified education

05
Are you a current permanent State of Iowa executive branch employee? IF YES - Do you have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Administrative Support Assistant 1?

• I am a current permanent State of Iowa executive branch employee AND have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Administrative Support Assistant 1
• I am NOT a current permanent State of Iowa executive branch employee
• I am a current permanent State of Iowa executive branch employee BUT DO NOT have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Administrative Support Assistant 1

Required Question