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Sheriff Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dallas County, IA

Sheriff Deputy

Adel, IA · On-site

$36.64 - $44.71/hr

Sheriff's Office - 28985 Thin Blue Line Lane, Adel, IA, IA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: DC00925 Department: Sheriff Division: Deputies Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: 9/18/2026 9:00 AM ...

Dallas County

Sheriff Deputy

Adel, IA · On-site

$36.64 - $44.71/hr

NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR DALLAS COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF Dallas County, Iowa is taking applications for Deputy Sheriff. We are looking for both uncertified and certified ...

Linn County

DEPUTY SHERIFF

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$76K/yr

The Linn County Sheriff's Office has a lateral transfer program for certified law enforcement peace officers. This program includes a $10,000 structured incentive and a starting salary based on years ...

Story County

Telecommunicator

Nevada, IA

$56K - $74K/yr

Summary Description Performs intermediate administrative work operating a complex communication system for the Story County Sheriff's Office; responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service ...

Boone County Iowa

Jailer

Boone, IA · On-site

$23.84 - $28.05/hr

Primary duties include those duties assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Jail Administrator. These duties shall include, but are not limited to: booking of prisoners, data entry, overseeing the ...

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Sheriff information

See Iowa salary details

$79.4K

$106K

$146.5K

How much do sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff in Iowa is $106,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $113,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sheriff?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officials who are responsible for maintaining peace and enforcing the law within a county or jurisdiction. Their duties often include managing the county jail, serving legal documents, providing courtroom security, and patrolling rural areas. In many locations, sheriffs also oversee a team of deputies and support staff. The exact responsibilities of sheriffs can vary by state and county, but they play a vital role in the local justice system.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff, you need comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement practices, criminal justice procedures, and typically a combination of law enforcement experience and formal training, often with state certification. Familiarity with police databases, incident reporting systems, and evidence management technology is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help a Sheriff effectively manage personnel and engage with the community. These abilities ensure public safety, uphold the law, and maintain trust in local law enforcement operations.

What does a sheriff do?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officers at the county level. They often have the same training and authority as police officers and may work alongside the local police department. Their exact job duties vary by state and county.

Sheriffs handle a variety of law enforcement tasks on a daily basis. They supervise their staff, creating schedules and delegating assignments. Sheriffs deliver and serve documents including court orders, eviction notices, and divorce papers to community members. Sheriffs may also take and respond to emergency calls in certain counties. Like other police officers, sheriffs patrol the area, work traffic detail, and may investigate car accidents. A sheriff also has the authority to investigate, arrest, process, and detain criminals. In some counties, the sheriff manages the local jail and communicates with regional courts regarding inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by sheriffs and how can new hires prepare for them?

Sheriffs often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations, balancing administrative duties with fieldwork, and ensuring effective communication within their teams. New hires can prepare by developing strong conflict resolution skills, staying physically and mentally fit, and familiarizing themselves with local laws and departmental protocols. Building relationships with both the community and team members is also crucial for success and career growth in this role.

What is the difference between Sheriff vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriffDeputy Sheriff
CredentialsTypically requires law enforcement training, certification, and election or appointment as sheriffRequires law enforcement training and certification; appointed or hired by sheriff
Work EnvironmentOversees county law enforcement, manages sheriff's office, and enforces lawsWorks under the sheriff, performs patrols, investigations, and law enforcement duties
Employer & IndustryCounty government, law enforcement agencies

In summary, a sheriff is an elected official responsible for overseeing county law enforcement, while a deputy sheriff is a sworn officer working under the sheriff's command. Both roles require law enforcement credentials, but the sheriff holds a leadership and administrative position, whereas the deputy sheriff performs operational duties.

More about Sheriff jobs

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

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

The top searched job categories for Sheriff jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sheriff jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Sheriff job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sheriff jobs in IA?

For Sheriff jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sheriff jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sheriff job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,022 per year, or $51 per hour.

Sheriff Deputy

Adel, IA • On-site

Dallas County, IA
See more jobs at Dallas County, IAexternal

$36.64 - $44.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $36.64 - $44.71 Hourly
Location : Sheriff's Office - 28985 Thin Blue Line Lane, Adel, IA, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: DC00925
Department: Sheriff
Division: Deputies
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 9:00 AM Central
Job Description
NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR DALLAS COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF
Dallas County, Iowa is taking applications for Deputy Sheriff. We are looking for both uncertified and certified applicants to come work for the fastest growing county in Iowa, and one of the fastest growing counties in the United States!
To Apply: Complete an application on
Please include a cover letter and resume. For more information on requirements to become a certified Peace Officer in the state of Iowa, please visit the
Uncertified Applicants (including certified officers outside of Iowa)
We will be conducting entrance examinations for Deputy Sheriff the week of September 28th, 2026 through October 3rd, 2026at the Dallas County Sheriff's Office located at 28985 Thin Blue Line Lane Adel, Iowa. Testing will be done by appointment to accommodate as many applicants as possible. Each candidate will be required to present a state driver's license or state I.D. card (state of current residence) before participating in the testing process. The testing process will include a physical agility test and a written test (POST).
Minorities, females, and bi-lingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted no later than 9:00am on September 18th 2026. Applicants who have taken the POST test in the past year, and have a qualifying score, may choose to use their previous score, or have the option to retest. If you choose to retest, the most recent score will be used in our hiring process.
If you cannot make our testing week, but have passed the physical agility test with another agency withing the past 6 months, let us know. If we can get those results, we will accept them in the short term. You will, however, be required, prior to a hiring offer, to pass the physical agility with our agency for verification.
IOWA CERTIFIED PEACE OFFICERS
DO NOT have to take the physical agility test or the POST test. Certified applicants do not have to be present for initial testing. You will be contacted by our office for interviews.
Effective July 1, 2026:
Starting pay for non-certified applicants is $36.64/hour.
Certified applicants are eligible to begin as high as $44.71/hour depending on experience Deputies will top out at $51.36/hour * at the conclusion of the union contract. Certified applicants are also eligible for longevity pay which is in addition to the rates given.
Some reasons to consider the Dallas County Sheriff's Office!
  • Great benefits (very good insurance at low costs including flex spending and life insurance)
  • Awesome retirement-the best IPERS plan there is (special class-can retire at 50 years old with 22 years on the job)
  • Young aggressive department with good equipment
  • Take home cars for patrol/special assignments-no commute time
  • Firearms are issued including patrol rifle (brand new) and plate carrier
  • All uniforms are provided including bullet proof vests
  • Shift differential for Afternoon and Midnight shifts *
  • Longevity pay for every 5 years of experience
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 5 on 3 off patrol schedule
  • Brand new Sheriff's Office
  • Expanded vacation accrual for new hires
  • Lots of overtime and off duty jobs available
  • Multiple Monday-Friday assignments available
  • Rural and Urban patrol areas for variety
  • SERT/Drug Task Force/Specialized instructor assignments
  • Brand new indoor Shooting Range/Training Facility

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Dallas County participates in E-Verify.
Supplemental Information
Full-time employees are defined as those that are regularly scheduled to work at least 40 hours per week. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits at the 1st of the month following their first 30 days as a Dallas County employee, unless otherwise noted.
  • Health benefits {medical, dental, vision} are offered as a complete health insurance package; however, employees may choose to accept dental and/or vision coverage only for an alternate monthly rate
    • Complete package: Single plan- $25.83/month; Family plan- $245.96/month
    • Dental only: Single plan - $0 (premium covered by the County); Family plan- $5.48/month
    • Vision: Single plan - $0 (premium covered by the County); Family plan - $3.36/month
  • Participation in the IPERS retirement plan, beginning the first day of employment
  • Short Term Disability which covers 60% of the employee's monthly salary after a 14 day waiting period - Premium fully paid by the County
  • Long Term Disability which covers 66.66% of the employee's monthly salary after a 120 day waiting period - Premium fully paid by the County
  • Term Life Insurance policy of $50,000 for the employee - Premium fully paid by the County
  • Supplemental Term Life Insurance available for the employee and eligible dependents - Premium paid fully by the employee
  • Flex Spending Account (pre-tax) - Premium paid by employee. Medical: $3400/year limit; Dependent Care: $7500/year limit
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • 1 floating holiday per year
  • Vacation time - Regular, full-time Department Heads/Elected Officials starting at 4.62 hours/pay period (120 hours/year); Regular, full-time employee accrual starting at 3.08 hours/pay period (80 hours/year; Regular, full-time, 24 or 48 hour shift EMS employee accrual starting at 2.31 hours/pay period (60 hours/year)
  • Sick time - Regular, full-time employee accrual at 5.54 hours/pay period (144 hours/year); Regular, full-time, 24 or 48 hour shift EMS employee accrual at 7.75 hours/pay period (201.6 hours/year)
  • Employee Assistance Program - Premium fully paid by the County
  • AFLAC Supplemental Policies - Premium fully paid by the employee
  • MetLife Aura Identity & Fraud Protection - Premium fully paid by the employee
County sponsored insurance premiums are pre-tax withholdings.
Part time workers do not qualify for insurance unless necessary qualifications are met, however, part-time employees may qualify for IPERS.

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