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Building Contractors Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

... contractors, general public Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager, must exercise discretion and independent judgement in the day-to-day activities of the ...

City of Marion, Iowa

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

... contractors, general public Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager, must exercise discretion and independent judgement in the day-to-day activities of the ...

Bureau Veritas

CAP Government, Inc. is seeking the immediate hire of licensed Building Plans Examiner and ... Meets with design professionals, contractors and other interested parties to discuss technical code ...

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

... contractors, general public Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager, must exercise discretion and independent judgement in the day-to-day activities of the ...

Trans western

Building Engineer

Des Moines, IA

The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting ... outside contractors on assigned projects. * Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning ...

Transwestern

Building Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting ... outside contractors on assigned projects. * Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning ...

WesleyLife

Building Maintenance

Atlantic, IA

$18 - $25/hr

Building Maintenance As a Maintenance, you'll play a key role in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and ... Oversee and coordinate with external contractors. * Transport residents to and from appointments.

WesleyLife

Building Maintenance

Atlantic, IA

$18 - $25/hr

Building Maintenance As a Maintenance, you'll play a key role in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and ... Oversee and coordinate with external contractors. * Transport residents to and from appointments.

Edgewater

Building Maintenance

Atlantic, IA

$18 - $25/hr

Building Maintenance As a Maintenance, you'll play a key role in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and ... Oversee and coordinate with external contractors. * Transport residents to and from appointments.

WesleyLife

Building Maintenance

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Building Maintenance As a Maintenance, you'll play a key role in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and ... Oversee and coordinate with external contractors. * Transport residents to and from appointments.

SCHEELS

Building Maintenance

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

... building of displays and other miscellaneous duties relating to retail floor * Oversee daily ... Follow through with all warranty work with contractors and vendors of the facility in timely manner

Scheels

Building Maintenance

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

... building of displays and other miscellaneous duties relating to retail floor * Oversee daily ... Follow through with all warranty work with contractors and vendors of the facility in timely manner

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All JobsBuilding Contractors JobsBuilding Contractors Jobs in Iowa

Building Contractors information

See Iowa salary details

$26.3K

$92.2K

$139K

How much do building contractors jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for building contractors in Iowa is $92,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a building contractor?

To become a building contractor, you typically need to gain experience in construction, often starting as a laborer or apprentice, and obtain relevant licenses or permits required by local authorities. Many contractors also pursue certifications in project management or construction safety to enhance their credentials and improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building contractor?

To thrive as a Building Contractor, you need strong knowledge of construction methods, project management, and local building codes, typically supported by relevant licensure and experience. Familiarity with project management software, cost estimation tools, and compliance systems is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for coordinating teams and managing client expectations. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

What is the difference between Building Contractors vs Construction Managers?

AspectBuilding ContractorsConstruction Managers
CredentialsLicenses, contractor licenses, relevant certificationsProject management certifications, degrees in construction management
Work EnvironmentOn-site supervision, overseeing construction projectsOffice-based planning, site visits, coordinating teams
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate construction firms, general contracting companiesConstruction firms, project management firms, large development projects

Building Contractors primarily focus on executing construction projects, managing subcontractors, and ensuring work complies with plans. Construction Managers oversee the entire project planning, budgeting, and coordination process. While Building Contractors handle the physical building process, Construction Managers coordinate all aspects to ensure timely and within-budget completion.

How do building contractors get jobs?

Building contractors typically find jobs through networking, referrals, and bidding on projects posted by clients or developers. They often establish relationships with suppliers and subcontractors and may also advertise their services or join industry associations to increase visibility.

What is a building contractor?

Building contractors are professionals or companies responsible for managing, coordinating, and executing construction projects. They oversee all aspects of the building process, including hiring subcontractors, sourcing materials, obtaining permits, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes, and delivering the project on time and within budget. Building contractors can work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects and serve as the main point of contact for clients throughout construction.

What are common challenges building contractors face when managing multiple construction projects simultaneously?

Building contractors often juggle several projects at once, which can create challenges such as coordinating schedules, managing subcontractors, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes, and keeping projects within budget and on time. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to address these issues. Many contractors use project management software and frequent site meetings to stay on top of each project's progress and to quickly resolve any issues that arise.
What are popular job titles related to Building Contractors jobs in Iowa? For Building Contractors jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Contractors jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Building Contractors jobs in Iowa are:
Building Contractors jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Contractors job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,185 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Chief Building Inspector

City of Marion

Marion, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Chief Building Inspector Position

Position Open Until Filled


JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Chief Building Inspector

Department: Community Development

Bargaining Unit: Non-Bargaining

Reports to Position: Building Manager

Location: City Hall

Overtime Status: Salary

FLSA Status: Exempt


JOB SUMMARY

Work involves supervision within the Building Inspection Division including but not limited to enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Code, Zoning Ordinance, and review of building plans and specifications, inspection of building construction, communication with contractors, general public Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager, must exercise discretion and independent judgement in the day-to-day activities of the Building Inspection Department. Conducts inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Zoning, Nuisance, Property Maintenance, Dangerous Building and other related codes and ordinances. 


ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

  • Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating Building Inspection Division inspections with regard to code compliance, under the general supervision of the Building Official.
  • Assist in assigning and directing the work of subordinates with the Building Inspection Department.
  • Conduct inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, Dangerous and Abandoned Building Code, and other development-related codes and ordinances. 
  • Check building plans to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
  • Coordinate with and support other city departments with regard to enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning, Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Sidewalk/Driveway regulations and other development related codes.
  • Investigate complaints, and inquiries regarding inspection, enforcement policies, and activities and other related matters.
  • Provide after hours inspections as needed.
  • Assist in maintaining records of all inspections, conditions noted and corrected, prepare additional records and reports as required.
  • Participate in training of Department employees related to development code enforcement methods and administration.
  • Provide technical assistance and attend meetings of appeal boards and other meetings as required.
  • Perform other duties and related work as assigned and required.



REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
  • Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
  • Six years' experience in building construction, construction trade, or code inspection. Candidates with a code inspection degree from an accredited university or trade school may qualify with three years of experience.
  • Must have or be able to obtain Commercial & Residential Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and a Plan Review Certification. 
  • Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
  • Ability to read, understand and apply Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and other local codes.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written communications.
  • Knowledge of the city's geography, including general soil and hydrological information as it affects building construction.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, general public, and fellow employees.
  • Ability to keep and maintain department records in an organized and orderly way.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
  • Ability to use computers, including word-processing, spreadsheet, and specialized building permit/inspection software applications.


ESSENTIONAL FUNCTIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, un-level grades, and heavily vegetated areas for the purpose of visual construction inspection.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and otherwise move about a construction site for inspections of construction work to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
  • Ability to bend, reach, climb, stoop and lift 40 pounds for filing and records retrieval.
  • Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively and professionally with fellow employees, contractors, Boards and the general public via telephone or face-to-face. 
  • Ability to accurately observe construction work and conduct testing procedures to determine compliance with standards and ordinance requirements.
  • Ability to read and interpret regulations and ordinances governing construction of buildings and public works.
  • Ability to operate a telephone, calculator, and measuring devices.
  • Ability to work long hours outdoors occasionally under adverse weather conditions.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalency required. 
  • Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
  • Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades.
  • Six years' experience in commercial building construction, construction trade, or code inspection.
  • At time of hire, must have a minimum ICC Commercial certification or ICC's B3 Plans Examiner certification. These may be substituted with a Construction Management degree, or a Code Enforcement degree.
  • Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within one year of hire date:
    • Building Inspector Commercial (B2)
    • Building Inspector Residential (B1)
    • Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
    • Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
  • Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within two years of hire date:
    • Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)
    • Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)
    • Mechanical Commercial Inspector (M2)
    • Mechanical Residential Inspector (M1)
    • Building Plans Examiner (B3)
  • Must obtain the Certified Building Official (CBO) certification within three years of hire date.
  • Supervisory experience preferred but not required.
  • Must have a valid Iowa driver's license. 


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Works in an office environment
  • Works a standard 40-hour work week
  • May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload


REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

  • Sex Offender Registry Check
  • Criminal Record Check
  • Drug Screening
  • Driving Record
  • Pre-Employment Physical