Des Moines, Iowa – The Fifth Judicial District of Iowa is offering unpaid internship opportunities for students interested in gaining practical experience within the criminal justice system. The internships, available for both summer and fall 2026, are designed to provide exposure to probation and court operations, legal processes and public service.
The internships are open to students currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution who have completed at least two years of college coursework by the start of the internship. Preferred fields of study include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Political Science, and Public Administration, though applications will be considered from students with related coursework. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Interns will work alongside Probation/Parole Officers and other district staff, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of community-based corrections. Key responsibilities include learning supervision processes for adult and/or juvenile clients, observing and participating in interviews and supervision meetings, and monitoring compliance with probation conditions such as employment, treatment, restitution, and community service. The role also involves assisting with risk and needs assessments, developing supervision plans, and learning about victim services and safety protocols.
A significant portion of the internship will involve observation and support of the legal process. Interns will observe pre-sentence investigations and the preparation of reports for the court, attend court proceedings, trials, and hearings, and learn to address probation violations, including drafting violation reports and court recommendations. Maintaining detailed case notes and accurate electronic records is also a core requirement.
The Fifth Judicial District covers 16 counties in Iowa, and internship locations will be based in Des Moines or other agreed-upon locations within the district. Interns will be expected to collaborate with staff mentors, treatment providers, law enforcement, judges, and community agencies. The position requires a professional demeanor, the ability to maintain confidentiality, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the capacity to work independently and follow instructions.
The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) emphasizes that these are non-merit positions, exempt from standard screening and referral requirements. This designation reflects the educational nature of the internship and the focus on providing practical learning opportunities for students.
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program designed to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. New hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. Iowa also adheres to federal Right to Work laws, protecting employees’ rights to work without mandatory union membership.
The availability of these unpaid internships reflects a broader trend in public sector roles, where practical experience is often gained through volunteer or internship positions. While the lack of financial compensation may present a barrier for some students, the Fifth Judicial District emphasizes the valuable professional experience and skills development opportunities offered by the program.
The application deadline for the summer experience is , while the deadline for the fall experience is . Interested candidates are required to submit a completed application through the Government Jobs website, along with a current resume and official college transcripts.
The Iowa Department of Administrative Services, as highlighted on its website, is focused on enhancing the quality of life for Iowans through collaboration and customer service. This internship program aligns with that mission by providing opportunities for students to contribute to the state’s criminal justice system and develop skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial election is scheduled for , with incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds running for re-election. While the internship program is not directly linked to the election, it represents a component of the state government’s ongoing operations and commitment to workforce development.
