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Statewide Drug Recognition Expert Program Coordinator - Program Planner 3

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Statewide Drug Recognition Expert Program Coordinator - Program Planner 3

Salary

$60,548.80 - $92,185.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01473

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

12/12/2025

Closing Date

12/22/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Brett Tjepkes ([email protected])

To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

This is not a remote position. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at DPS headquarters in Des Moines.

The GTSB is seeking a dedicated staff member to work as Iowa's Statewide Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program Coordinator (Program Planner 3).

Organization Background:

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

+ Iowa State Patrol

+ Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

+ Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement

+ Iowa State Fire Marshal

+ Division of Professional Development and Support Services

+ Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center

+ Administrative Services Division

Job Description:

The Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) has a mission to identify traffic safety issues and through partnerships with city, county, state, and local organizations, develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa's roadways using federally funded grants to improve traffic safety in the State of Iowa.

Primary Responsibilities:

This position serves as Iowa's Statewide Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Program (ARIDE) Coordinator ensuring officers across Iowa are properly trained and certified in accordance with International Association of Chiefs of Police standards. These programs train officers to recognize impairment in drivers caused by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol and addresses a crucial gap in standard field sobriety tests, which primarily focus on alcohol. Drug-impaired driving is a significant and growing problem in Iowa, underscoring the importance of these programs and the need for the position to address this public safety challenge.

The statewide Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Coordinator is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and ethical integrity of Iowa's Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) program, ensuring adherence to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) standards.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Program Oversight

Ensuring that the IACP's International Standards for the DEC program are consistently followed across the state, promoting high ethical standards, and addressing any issues that could bring discredit to the program.

Training Coordination

Planning, coordinating, and managing all DRE-related training events, including DRE schools, instructor training, and continuing education. This involves selecting training locations, choosing qualified candidates and instructors, and ensuring all necessary materials and equipment are available.

Certification Management

Overseeing the entire DRE certification and recertification process, including maintaining training records, reviewing qualifications, and ensuring all DREs are aware of and meet recertification requirements every two years.

Data Collection and Reporting

Acting as a central information clearinghouse and ensuring DREs within their jurisdiction enter their evaluation data into either an in-state or the IACP/NHTSA-approved national database. The coordinator uses this data to justify and report on the program's effectiveness.

Liaison and Communication

Serving as the primary point of contact and a liaison between local law enforcement agencies, the Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau, IACP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Resource Management

Assisting with obtaining necessary DRE equipment and supplies and identifying and developing a budget for the program.

Policy and Procedure Development

Working with the Iowa's Statewide DRE Board to assist with recommendations for curriculum revisions, and addressing issues related to the arrest and evaluation process to support the program.

Oversee federally funded highway safety projects

Ensure compliance with federal regulations, manage application and contractual process, train and assist grantees, monitor grants for compliance, and review finance claims.

Additional Requirements:

Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.

This is not a remote position.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees’ talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

+ Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis

+ Unlimited sick leave accrual

+ Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

+ Health – Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums

+ Dental – Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program

+ Life* – $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (*depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance – Available at no cost

Retirement:

+ IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50

+ Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employment/benefits-glance)

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 .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).

2) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); and

b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited school of law.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/ProgramPlanner3-04023-94023.pdf) .

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years do you have of full-time work experience performing the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility)?

+ No experience

+ Less than seven years' in the specified areas

+ Seven years' or more in the specified areas

04

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa?

+ I am not a State of Iowa employee

+ I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

+ Less than 24 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

+ 24 to less than 27 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

+ 27 months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

05

Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa?

+ I am not a State of Iowa employee

+ I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

+ Less than six months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

+ Six months to less than nine months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

+ Nine months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

07

Do you have ALL of the following:: A) One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); AND B) A total of four years of post high school/college education and full-time experience (experience as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; AND C) A total of two years of GRADUATE-level education and full-time experience (experience as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience? ***The experience used to count for A, B and C must be separate and unique experience. The same experience CANNOT be counted for A, B and C.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Address

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://dps.iowa.gov/

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