About us!
Join the Iowa Department of Public Defense
We are a unique state agency with approximately 250 full- and part-time employees who support the Iowa National Guard’s mission. Our skilled, diverse, and dedicated team takes on a variety of roles, from entry-level positions to highly specialized professions, all contributing to our mission of building a safer, stronger, and more resilient state.
Working with us means engaging in meaningful work that makes a real difference. Our employees are the heart of our organization, and their dedication drives our success. As part of our team, you'll contribute to the important work of the Iowa National Guard while developing your career and skills.
If you’re passionate about public service, excited to take on new challenges, and ready to join a dynamic team, we invite you to explore our career opportunities. The State of Iowa offers excellent benefits, including a comprehensive package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being.
Your journey toward a fulfilling and impactful career begins here. Apply today and discover how you can make a difference with us!
- Mission
Our agency offers direct assistance to the Iowa National Guard in sustaining, enhancing readiness, and modernizing, ensuring they can successfully carry out their missions within Iowa communities or during emergencies and times of necessity for the state.
Department of Public Defense
Agency Divisions
Public Works - Installation - Warehouse/Property Book - Lodging & Wellness - Gold Star Museum - Comptroller's Office - Information Technology - Human Resources Office
Facilities Operations - Security Forces
Facilities Operations - Security Forces - Fire Department
Who we are!
Camp Dodge - A city within a city.
-Mowing and maintaining 732 acres of land -Maintaining 31 “lane miles” of roads and 28 miles of sidewalks -Replace and plant 100 trees each year -DPW received and fulfilled 4105 work requests (Building Maintenance, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Painting, and more)
-Completed 2439 purchase requests in FY24 -Created 309 contracts in FY24
Tags over 7,300 assets/pieces of equipment in the State of Iowa within National Guard armories, Camp Dodge, and other state facilities
-Camp Dodge Lodging maintains 23 different buildings for lodging accommodations - DPD employees can utilize the Camp Dodge Wellness Center 7 days a week -Camp Dodge rents buildings to civilians for family events and weddings
248 state employees- 3 Divisions: Strong team culture & positive work environment
Approximately 20,000 visitors a year. Free Admission, Interactive Displays, Scavenger Hunts and Gift Shop
Air Base - Des Moines
Air Base - Sioux City
A day in the life of DPD employees
Follow Thien, Lauren and Dylan!
Testimonials
“Working for the Department of Public Defense has been an incredibly rewarding experience, teaching me one of life’s most valuable lessons: no work is insignificant. My time with the DPD has not only allowed me to engage deeply with areas that captivate my interest but has also inspired a continuous desire to learn and grow. Every task, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the broader mission of public defense, and it’s this understanding that has fueled my passion and dedication. The opportunities for growth and development within the organization are boundless, and I eagerly anticipate many more years of learning and contributing to our shared goals. The DPD has truly been a nurturing ground for both professional and personal development, and I am excited about the future it holds.”
“After Working for 30+ Years at a Local Dairy I decided to retire a couple of years ago. I noticed an Equipment Operator position open at the 132nd Air Wing, Iowa National Guard and I’ve never looked back. I work with a variety of people out here, HVAC, Electricians, Facility Managers and Air Force Personnel. Like any other place we have our issues but we have a good group of Supervisors and Managers here as well and things run pretty smooth. Every day is different, from mowing, trimming, restocking, helping other workers, equipment and building maintenance, pushing snow etc. including a Burger Burn “cookout” once a month put on by our Supervisors and Managers upstairs! After almost 2 yrs. here I already have plenty of time off accumulated so my lovely wife and I can spend time with our grandchildren. I couldn’t have chosen a Better Retirement Job and enjoy coming to work every day!”
“After serving the military for over 23 years and retiring I was looking for a career that I could still serve my state and be able to devote my talents in a better future. My state position allows me to use my skills and increase my focus on performance and team building daily. DPD allows me to find ways to make changes to assist the state with higher standards. Being money conscious and responsible for my finance, I am grateful to earn a state retirement that will help me be comfortable during my era of personal relation as a senior one day.”
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Open Positions
Did You Know?
The Iowa National Guard is Hiring
The Iowa National Guard is an organization comprised of approximately 9,000 Service Members combined in the Army and Air, and Federal Civilian Employees. We are Iowans, serving Iowans, across the great state of Iowa. When called upon, we are ‘Always Ready’ to support the State of Iowa and defend our Nation.