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Probation Officer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Probation Parole Officer 1, you will be a direct service provider with clients. You will play an essential role in eliciting and supporting pro-social behaviors, with a focus on programming that ...

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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 • 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 • 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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Showing results 1-20

Probation Officer information

See Iowa salary details

$29.6K

$59.1K

$93.5K

How much do probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation officer in Iowa is $59,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probation officer?

Probation officers are law enforcement professionals who supervise individuals who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in prison. They work to ensure that probationers comply with the terms set by the court, such as attending counseling, maintaining employment, and avoiding criminal activity. Probation officers also provide resources and support to help individuals rehabilitate and reintegrate into society while monitoring their progress and submitting regular reports to the court. Their role is crucial in balancing public safety with the rehabilitation of offenders.

What does a probation officer do?

Probation officers monitor criminal offenders, typically non-violent cases, to prevent them from committing crimes again. The courts assign probation officers with their caseload and instructions on how to work with the offenders, including the level of supervision required. Probation officers interview the offenders to determine their risk of repeat criminal activity, then provide guidance to fulfill the instructions from the court. Instructions may include helping the offenders find jobs, get substance abuse treatment, and complete community service projects. The probation officer oversees these cases, visits with the offenders regularly, and documents their progress to ensure that they are complying with their probation stipulations.

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

To thrive as a Probation Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice principles, case management, and often a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, electronic monitoring systems, and criminal records databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills help officers build rapport and manage challenging situations. These skills are crucial for effectively supervising offenders, ensuring public safety, and supporting rehabilitation.

What are some common challenges probation officers face when managing their caseloads?

Probation Officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can present challenges such as balancing administrative paperwork with fieldwork, ensuring compliance with court orders, and addressing the unique needs of each client. They may also encounter difficulties in motivating clients to make positive changes while maintaining public safety. Building strong relationships with clients, collaborating with law enforcement, and utilizing community resources are critical strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Probation Officer vs Parole Officer?

AspectProbation OfficerParole Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; some positions require a master'sBachelor's degree; often requires experience in criminal justice; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, offices, courtsCommunity and correctional facilities, field visits
Employer & IndustryCourts, criminal justice agenciesCorrectional agencies, parole boards
Primary FocusSupervising offenders on probation, ensuring compliance with court ordersMonitoring parolees after release, ensuring reintegration and compliance

While both Probation Officers and Parole Officers supervise offenders within the criminal justice system, Probation Officers primarily oversee individuals on probation before or instead of incarceration, whereas Parole Officers supervise those released on parole after serving part of their sentence. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and involve community supervision, but their focus and timing within the criminal justice process differ.

What do you need to be a probation officer?

To become a probation officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. They must also pass background checks, complete training, and often obtain certification or licensure depending on state requirements. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of the criminal justice system are essential.

What kind of schooling do you need to be a probation officer?

To become a probation officer, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, and candidates often need to complete training or certification specific to their jurisdiction. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of the legal system are also important.

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

The most popular types of Probation Officer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Probation Officer jobs in Iowa?

For Probation Officer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Probation Officer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Probation Officer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Probation Officer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Probation Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Probation Officer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,141 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Probation/Parole Officer 1

State of Iowa

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 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 passionate about making a positive impact in your community. Do you thrive in dynamic and demanding situations. If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to become a key player in preparing clients for successful reentry into society as a Probation Parole Officer 1 at the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Hours: This is a variable schedule position. The hours are generally Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m

Eventually this position will require rotating weekend mornings (estimated 1 weekend per month) to cover pretrial interview requirements for Saturday and Sunday coverage. Weekend duties will rotate with other pretrial staff with weekend hours starting when this part of the program is operational (anticipated in 1-2 years). As a Probation Parole Officer 1, you will be a direct service provider with clients.

You will play an essential role in eliciting and supporting pro-social behaviors, with a focus on programming that fosters personal growth and reduces the risk of reoffending. We value initiative and independent judgment, and you will be part of a cohesive multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively to observe and assess client behaviors and interactions. Your exceptional communication skills and ability to build quality relationships with clients will be essential in driving positive change.

You'll be trained to employ effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies, to facilitate lasting transformation. Your dedication to client welfare extends to supporting case managers and clients in achieving their goals, considering individual needs, disabilities, trauma, and cultural responsiveness. Safety is paramount, and you will be prepared to respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures.

We value integrity, ethical conduct, and attention to detail in all aspects of our work, and we invite you to become an integral part of our team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting community safety. What We Offer We have a competitive total compensation and benefit package for all our full-time employees, including: Annual salary ranging from $50,960.00 to $76,190.40, depending on experience Paid time off including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave hours that you can accrue Excellent Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Package IPERS Retirement package and option for deferred compensation Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) Free Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs Employee Discount Programs If you're ready to take on this fulfilling and impactful role, apply now and join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve. E-Verify and Right to WorkThe 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

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 college or university with an associate's degree in any field. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience in a human services or criminal justice field, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Residential Officer.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

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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