Dean worked as a farmer, as an officer in the Australian Army during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, and later as a police officer for Victoria Police, New South Wales Police Force and Tasmania Police, where he rose to the rank of Commander before being elected mayor of Launceston, on 31 October 2005. Dean faced criticism that it was 'irresponsible' to hold two positions in two separate government branches (a member of the legislative council and mayor). He also then receives two salaries. To counter these claims, Ivan Dean said "If successful I will donate the mayoral salary to charities and youth activities.".