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Officer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Certified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 to 6 weeks of knowledge, skills, and performance assessment, along with skills enhancement ...

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Applicants passing the Cooper Test will take the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) written examination. All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the Cooper ...

What We Offer: $5,000 Hiring Bonus for Certified Officers Competitive Salary: Starting at $71,450 per year for non-certified officers and up to $95,050 per year for Iowa-certified officers, based on ...

Police Officer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

What We Offer: * $5,000 Hiring Bonus for Certified Officers * Competitive Salary : Starting at $71,450 per year for non-certified officers and up to $95,050 per year for Iowa-certified officers ...

The City of Ottumwa is looking for our next police officers! Under supervision of a Sergeant or higher authority, Police Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property, prevention ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

Officer • Both Overview Naval Special Warfare Key Responsibilities SEAL Officers lead small, elite teams in maritime special operations worldwide, conducting high risk missions from sea, air, and ...

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Officer information

See Iowa salary details

$22.1K

$71.3K

$171.4K

How much do officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for officer in Iowa is $71,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Officer, you generally need a solid educational background, strong leadership abilities, and often relevant law enforcement or military training. Familiarity with security protocols, incident reporting systems, and sometimes certifications such as Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) are typical requirements. Excellent interpersonal skills, decision-making under pressure, and integrity set outstanding officers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining public safety, ensuring effective response in critical situations, and upholding trust within the community.

What are some common challenges officers face when managing teams in a fast-paced environment?

Officers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple priorities, ensuring effective communication across diverse teams, and adapting quickly to changing situations. They must make timely decisions while upholding organizational standards and maintaining team morale. Additionally, Officers are frequently tasked with resolving conflicts and ensuring that all team members are aligned with the organization's mission, which requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What is an officer?

Officers are individuals who hold positions of authority and responsibility within organizations, government agencies, or the military. They are typically responsible for overseeing operations, managing personnel, and ensuring that policies and regulations are followed. The specific duties and qualifications of an officer can vary widely depending on the field, such as law enforcement, the armed forces, or corporate environments. Officers often serve as leaders and are expected to uphold high ethical and professional standards in their roles.

What is the difference between Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectOfficerSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsVaries by role; often includes certifications or licensesTypically requires a security license or certification
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, government offices, or private security firmsPrivate properties, events, or commercial buildings
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, military, or private security companiesPrivate security firms, retail stores, or event venues
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and duties of officersDifferences between officers and security guards

In summary, officers typically have more specialized training, may carry law enforcement authority, and work in government or law enforcement settings. Security guards generally focus on property protection and access control within private sectors. The choice depends on the required responsibilities and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Officer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Officer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Officer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,318 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


City Of Des Moines (Iowa) rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Statement of Duties The City of Des Moines is seeking applicants interested in a career as a Police Officer with the Des Moines Police Department. If you are at least 21 years of age (by September 4, 2026), a problem solver who wants to work with people from all cultures, races and economic backgrounds, and have good moral character and integrity, we welcome your application. Acceptable Experience and Training Current Iowa certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience qualify for a Police Officer lateral transfer as outlined below: No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school; Two years of experience as a certified Police Officer in the State of Iowa after graduating from academy without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date; and Candidates must have a valid Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification in good standing.

NOTE: Iowa Certified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 to 6 weeks of knowledge, skills, and performance assessment, along with skills enhancement training. Those who successfully complete the lateral training officer program will enter field training. Officers who are deemed less prepared for field training and solo patrol responsibilities may be required to attend the full 24-week academy.

Current out-of-state certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience must meet the below requirements: Proof of State Certification as a Certified Police Officer No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school; Two years of experience as a Certified Police Officer after graduating from academy and without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date and with the ability to become Certified with the State of Iowa within 120 days of appointment date. NOTE: Out-of-state Certified Police Officers will attend a full 24-week academy. Entrance Level Applicants Graduated from high school or G.E.D

Citizen of the United States; and 21 Years of age on or before September 4, 2026. Use the links below for Police Officer Applicant Testing Resources: 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet Cooper Test Instructional Video Cooper Assessment Preparation Guide (physical fitness test) POST Study Guide (written exam) For additional information and resources, visit the Police Department recruitment page at dsm.city/joinDMPD. Your application must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m

on Monday, September 4, 2026. Items listed below must be attached to your online application or submitted separately to and Human Resources by the indicated due dates. Documents Required for a complete application by 4:00 p.m

on Monday, September 11, 2026: Photocopy of driver's license Proof of U.S. Citizenship (such as a photocopy of one of the following: U.S. Birth Certificate from state or county, U.S

Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate) High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D. and College transcripts, if any References - names and contact information of 3 personal and 3 professional references Police Officer Physical Conditioning Waiver (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet) Authority for Release of Information -must be notarized (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet) DD214 Form for military service, if any (If you are unable to submit your DD214 by please contact the City's Human Resources Department with expectation of when it will be available) DMPD Personal History Statement. Certified Police Officers only - Current and Former Police Officer Packet

**In addition to the above required documents, if you are an Iowa Certified Police Officer or an Out-of-State Certified Officer the below documents are also required to be submitted by the deadline: Proof of State Certification as a Certified Police Officer AND proof of 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school (transcripts/syllabi). ** All of the above documents must be legible. **REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE EMAILED, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED TO HUMAN RESOURCES.

EMAIL: humanresources@dmgov.org Fax: 515-237-1680 HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED City of Des Moines Attn: Human Resources Dept. 1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 Summary Of Benefits Required Special Qualifications Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa or evidence of equivalent mobility; and No felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude; and Free of drug or alcohol addiction; and Meet minimum requirements to be a law enforcement officer consistent with Iowa Code chapter 80(B) and its administrative rules

All appointments will be conditional upon the passage of medical, physical fitness, and psychological exams required by the State of Iowa. The medical exam includes a screening for drug use. Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only) Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)


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