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State of Iowa

Investigator 3 - Administrative Office

Career Insights for Crime Scene / Forensic Science Technician

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What they do

A Crime Scene or Forensic Science Technician collects and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes. Carefully documents a crime scene and catalogues evidence collected. Conducts laboratory analysis of evidence gathered, uses computer databases to identify evidence, and uses findings to reconstruct crime scenes.

$44,137 / year median in Iowa

+10% projected growth

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Job Description

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic individual to serve as an Investigator 3 in our Administrative office located in Polk 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 Investigator in this position, you will: Assists attorneys in the pretrial investigation of criminal defense cases, including gathering facts, locating and interviewing clients and witnesses, performing criminal history checks and other public record searches, obtaining necessary photographic or video evidence, collecting relevant news articles, obtaining and evaluating other physical evidence, and performing other investigative tasks as assigned. Prepares written reports of investigative activities for attorneys. Develops and maintains expertise in specialized investigative technology including but not limited to digital forensics. Assists in the preparation of defense strategy, including gathering and organizing evidence and testimony in preparation for depositions and trials and locating experts in various fields and coordinating the use of expert witnesses. Performing other duties as directed by the Local Public Defender Supervisor. Provides support for all public defender investigators through the coordination of investigatory tools available to all offices of the state public defender. Serves and delivers court documents, such as subpoenas, affidavits, and reports, at the direction of attorneys. Serves as trial assistant and defense witness liaison during trials, assisting attorneys to marshal evidence and witnesses, communicate with clients and family members, and aids in jury selection process. Coordinates, designs, and conducts training activities for all public defender investigators. Testify at proceedings at administrative, district court, and other hearings to present evidence in support of state public defender clients. Individual will be responsible for statewide coordination of investigative work for the State Public Defender. 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. 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 www.e-verify.gov . Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us! Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law and experience equal to two years of full-time work in law enforcement, corrections or criminal investigation; OR graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in an area not listed above and experience equal to three years of qualifying work; OR a combination of education and experience, substituting one year of qualifying full-time experience for each thirty semester hours of general college or university coursework; OR employees with current continuous experience in the State executive branch that includes experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as an Investigator 1 or 2, or in a comparable position involving investigative work experience. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .Applicants for positions in the Department of Inspections and Appeals must undergo a background investigation which includes a criminal history check and a dependent adult and child abuse registry check. As required for entry into the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for designated positions, successful applicants must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude; applicants must be a United States citizen. Some positions may require a valid driver's or chauffeur's license.