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Government Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Public Radio

State Government Reporter

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Iowa Public Radio is looking for a curious, skilled journalist to serve as our next state government reporter. We're interested in someone who will not only track the legislature's activities but ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Government Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Government tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Government Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Government tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

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See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$105.7K

$147K

How much do government jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for government in Iowa is $105,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,300.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a government position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a government position, you generally need a relevant educational background, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of public administration or policy. Familiarity with government-specific software, data management systems, or procurement platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or Certified Government Financial Manager, is often required depending on the role. Excellent communication, integrity, and adaptability are essential soft skills for serving the public and collaborating across departments. These skills ensure effective policy implementation, transparency, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

Do government shutdowns affect social security?

Government shutdowns do not typically affect Social Security benefits, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is funded separately from the federal budget. During a shutdown, SSA offices may operate with limited staff or temporarily close, but benefit payments usually continue on schedule. However, new applications or in-person services might experience delays during a shutdown period.

What jobs are under the government?

Government jobs include a wide range of roles such as administrative officers, law enforcement officers, policy analysts, public health workers, and administrative support staff. These positions often require specific qualifications, security clearances, and adherence to civil service processes, with opportunities available at federal, state, and local levels.

What are government jobs?

Government jobs are positions of employment within local, state, or federal government agencies and organizations. These roles can range from administrative and clerical work to specialized technical, professional, or law enforcement positions. Government jobs typically offer benefits such as job stability, health insurance, and retirement plans. They play a crucial role in serving the public and implementing policies, laws, and programs that benefit society. The hiring process and requirements may vary depending on the level and department of government.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in government roles?

Professionals in government roles often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements and balancing competing priorities from various stakeholders. Additionally, the pace of change can be slower due to established procedures and the need for transparency, which may require patience and adaptability. Collaboration is essential, as government employees frequently work in cross-functional teams to develop policies, deliver public services, and respond to community needs. Despite these challenges, working in government offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and develop valuable skills for long-term career growth.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In government-related roles, high-paying positions that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree are rare and typically require specialized skills or experience. Examples include certain law enforcement, emergency services, or technical roles such as air traffic controllers or skilled trades, which may offer high wages based on certification, experience, and location. Most government jobs with such pay levels often require relevant training or licensing rather than a traditional degree.

What does U.S. government shutdown mean?

A U.S. government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation, leading to the temporary closure of many federal agencies and services. During a shutdown, government employees may be furloughed or work without pay, and certain programs and operations are suspended until funding is restored.

What is the easiest government job to get?

The easiest government jobs to obtain are often entry-level positions such as clerical or administrative roles, which typically require minimal experience and may only need a high school diploma or equivalent. These jobs often have open hiring processes, less competitive selection, and may involve basic skills like data entry or customer service.

How Can I Get a Government Job?

Getting a government job depends on your skills, interests, and educational qualifications. Some civil service jobs, such as in the postal service, require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must pass a written test to demonstrate your English language skills and general aptitude for the responsibilities of the position. Other government job duties require you to have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a relevant field, whereas some require a law degree. Beyond education, some jobs, like those in law enforcement, require completing specialized training programs, earning certifications, and passing background checks.

What jobs are in demand?

In West Virginia, government jobs such as administrative support, law enforcement, and public health positions are in demand. These roles often require relevant certifications, security clearances, and familiarity with government procedures, with opportunities available in local, state, and federal agencies.

What are the main types of government?

The main types of government include democracy, where citizens have voting rights; monarchy, ruled by a king or queen; dictatorship, where power is held by a single leader or group; and republic, where officials are elected to represent the people. Each type has different structures, decision-making processes, and levels of citizen participation.

What is the definition of a government?

A government is an organized system that exercises authority and makes decisions for a country, state, or community. It establishes laws, policies, and institutions to maintain order, provide public services, and enforce regulations. Government roles often require knowledge of political processes, legal frameworks, and administrative skills.
More about Government jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Government jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Government jobs in Iowa? For Government jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Government jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Government jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Government jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Government job openings:
Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,711 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
State Government Reporter

State Government Reporter

Iowa Public Radio

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy seeing how a state's laws get made?  Can you boil down complicated issues into stories that are understandable and relatable? Iowa Public Radio is looking for a curious, skilled journalist to serve as our next state government reporter.

We're interested in someone who will not only track the legislature's activities but also follow up after the session ends by reporting on how state government's work affects people throughout Iowa.  You'll also play a key role in our election coverage.

This position is based in Des Moines, Iowa's largest city and part of the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest.  There are lots of places to catch a concert, enjoy a great meal, watch a game, or bike for miles on one of the area's many trails.

If you're passionate about impactful journalism, care about ethics and diversity, can handle several things at once and are committed to making great radio, we'd love to hear from you.

We know there are great candidates who might not exactly fit into what we've described here or who have important skills we haven't listed. If that sounds like you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Iowa Public Radio is a well-respected and thriving non-profit organization. We offer an excellent benefits package, including health benefits, a retirement plan with a 2-to-1 employer match, immediate accrual of vacation (16 hours monthly) and sick (12 hours monthly) time and a flexible work environment.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $55,000 - $65,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

65% Story Development and Reporting

  • Writes broadcast and digital stories on Iowa state government activities and their effect on residents of the state
  • Tracks the daily schedule during the legislative session and sets coverage priorities in consultation with IPR News managers
  • Co-hosts River to River's weekly legislative program, helping interview lawmakers about the given week's topic
  • Follows and report on state government issues outside of the legislative session
  • Develops sources in state government and travels to the site of news events as needed

25% Editing and Filing

  • Maintains advance event files for beat area
  • Provides IPR News managers with input on direction of daily and long-term coverage
  • Arranges sharing finished news stories and story elements with other news networks and agencies when appropriate

10% Other

  • Participates in the network's on-going marketing and fundraising efforts such as the on-air fund drive and special events
  • Participates in a variety of Iowa Public Radio events each fiscal year
  • Completes other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 3 years' experience as a Reporter, Producer, Correspondent, or other journalism-related role
  • Understanding of the legislative process and how legislation advances
  • Experience using audio recording equipment and digital audio editing packages, such as Adobe Audition.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • A bachelor's degree is preferred, but equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio of work are highly valued
  • Experience reporting political events, which may include legislative sessions, Supreme Court rulings, and other government-related issues
  • Experience in reporting for public radio
  • Strong broadcast writing skills, particularly in radio
  • Ability to produce multimedia materials, online audio, photos or video using standard production tools

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For full consideration, applications must include the following:

  1. A detailed resume.
  2. A narrative carefully detailing how your experience compares to the job duties and qualifications listed for this position. The narrative should not exceed two pages.
  3. Sample(s) of your work:
    1. Writing samples that include spot news and a news-oriented feature.
    2. Online content you have produced (please send links). Online content can be a web build-out of a radio story or news content that was designed to be web-only. Please do not send stories you have produced with the help of a national network.
    3. Demo containing one newscast-length story (spot), and one feature-length report (3:00-5:00) that you have edited and produced. If you have one, we'd love to hear a sample of a two-way you did with a program host, or an interview you've conducted for a podcast or other audio production. Please upload the demo to Soundcloud or another hosting site and send IPR links.
  4. Names and contact information, including email addresses, for three work references, including at least one supervisory reference

Employment at Iowa Public Radio is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check including a driving record review and professional reference checks. 

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026.

 OUR VALUES:

  •  Integrity: We maintain the highest standards of journalism, providing trustworthy and relevant content with meaningful context.
  • Curiosity: We serve an inquisitive audience by asking questions, seeking knowledge, and exploring new ideas.
  • Belonging: We strive to reflect Iowa's cultural complexity by offering a supportive, equitable space for individuals and communities to tell the stories unique to their lived experiences.
  • Respect: We create a culture of respect for our audience, sources, and staff.
  • Innovation: We support creativity and embrace new ways of serving our audience.

 OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Iowa Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, please notify the appropriate local, state or federal agency.

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