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Career Opportunities
Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer


In order to become an Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer, persons must successfully complete four required tests:
  1. Fitness (Cooper Standards)
  2. P.O.S.T (Peace Officer Selection Test)
  3. M.M.P.I (Minnesota Multiphasic Psychological Evaluation)
  4. Oral Board

Certified Iowa Peace Officers are not required to a Fitness Test, as per Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 501-2.3(80B).  All applicants must successfully complete Motor Vehicle Enforcement fitness requirements.

Applicants are responsible for all personal costs (e.g.,, transportation, lodging, meals) incurred during the testing process.

As peace officers with statewide jurisdiction, the primary job responsibility of a motor vehicle enforcement officer is enforcement of commercial motor vehicle law, rules and regulations.

Job Duties

Click here for Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer Duties & Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must:

  • Be a United States citizen and become an Iowa resident.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possess a valid Iowa driver's license.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Be in acceptable physical and mental condition to perform his/her duties under physically demanding conditions.
  • Have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100 in each eye, corrected to 20/20 in each eye.
  • Have normal color vision as prescribed by Iowa Law Enforcement Academy rules:  Color vision is determined by the Pseudoischromatic Plates Tests such as, but not limited to, the American Optical Company.  (Required identification of 14 out of 18 plates).
  • Have normal hearing in each each ear.  (Hearing is considered normal when tested by an audiometer and hearing sensitivity thresholds are within 25 db measured at 1000 hz, 2000 hz and 3000 hz averaged together.)
  • Have no history of epilepsy.
  • Have refrained from unlawful use or experimentation of any drug, with the exception of marijuana or steroids, will disqualify an applicant.  Unlawful use or experimentation of marijuana or steroids within five years from date of application will disqualify an applicant.  Unlawful use or experimentation of marijuana or steroids occurring more than five years prior to the date of application will be evaluated.
  • Not have a conviction of domestic assault.
  • Be willing to relocate.
  • Pass a background examination including fingerprint search through state and national files.

Essential Functions

If hired as a motor vehicle enforcement officer and with proper training, applicants shall be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the following essential functions:

  • Travel and stay out overnight three to five times per month.
  • Meet or exceed minimum Iowa Law Enforcement standards with an issued firearm.
  • Successfully operate Windows-based computer programs.
  • Load, unload, carry and use 45-pound portable scales, which includes stooping, bending and twisting of the body on a frequent basis.
  • Effectively communicate with a diverse population in varying situations.
  • When warranted use force, up to and including deadly force.
  • Perform multiple functions while attending to detail.
  • Work a rotating schedule, which includes days, nights and weekends.
  • Respond to short-notice schedule changes.
  • Climb in, on, under and around commercial vehicles.
  • Perform emergency functions (including but not limited to traffic control at floods, tornadoes, hazardous material incidents, traffic accidents, etc.) for extended periods of time in less than ideal conditions.

Salary

Pay scale effective June 30, 2006 to June 28, 2007

  • $1,353.60 to $2,024.80 (bi-weekly)
  • $35,193.60 to $52,644.80 (annually)

Benefits

  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • $20,000 Paid Life Insurance on July 1, 2007
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Pre-tax Conversion Program
  • Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) with retirement available at 55 after 22 years of service.
  • Deferred Compensation

Applications

If you believe you meet the minimum qualifications and with proper training can perform the essential functions of a Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, you are encouraged to request an employment application packet during open application periods.

 

ŠIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Last Updated:  May 16, 2007