Building Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Reports To: Planning & Community Development Director The Building Official is responsible for administering, coordinating, and enforcing the City's building inspection, permitting, plan review, rental housing inspection, and code enforcement programs to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of residents, businesses, and the community. This position oversees the implementation and enforcement of local, state, and federal building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fuel gas, property maintenance, and related codes and ordinances. The Building Official provides leadership and technical expertise in support of development activities, construction compliance, customer service, and operational efficiency.

This position works collaboratively with City departments, contractors, developers, consultants, and the public to support the City's growth and development objectives through consistent code application and professional service delivery. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inspection and Compliance: Administers and enforces the City's adopted building, zoning, and safety codes, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Conducts and oversees inspections of residential, commercial, and public structures for compliance with approved plans and codes.

Reviews building plans, specifications, and permit applications to ensure compliance prior to issuance. Evaluates structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and related systems for adherence to safety and performance standards. Investigates complaints regarding unsafe or non-compliant structures and initiates corrective actions as necessary.

Issues correction notices, stop-work orders, and citations for violations and ensures timely resolution. Administration and Program Management: Oversees the administration of the City's building permit and inspection program, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Develops and maintains procedures, policies, and workflows to support effective code enforcement and inspection services.

Assists in the preparation and administration of the division budget, including forecasting needs and recommending improvements. Evaluates processes and implements improvements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Leadership and Coordination: Provides direction, training, and support to inspection staff, ensuring consistency and quality in inspections and enforcement.

Coordinates with Planning & Community Development staff on development review, permitting, and zoning compliance. Works collaboratively with other City departments, contractors, developers, and external agencies to support development activities. Serves as a technical resource to staff and leadership on building codes, construction practices, and regulatory requirements.

Public Assistance and Communication: Provides information and technical guidance to contractors, developers, architects, property owners, and the general public. Responds to inquiries related to code requirements, permitting processes, and inspection results. Represents the City in meetings, hearings, and discussions related to building and code enforcement matters.

Recordkeeping and Reporting: Maintains accurate records of permits, inspections, enforcement actions, and correspondence. Prepares reports, recommendations, and documentation for the Planning & Community Development Director and City leadership. Ensures timely and accurate entry of data into the City's permitting and record management systems.

Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of building codes, construction methods, and regulatory updates. Participates in professional development, training, and certification programs as required. Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities Develops a comprehensive budget for the Building Division.

Maintains code updates and provides information and analysis to all concerned parties, including construction associations, staff, adjacent communities, citizens, etc. Manages the appeals, code interpretations, and code development/updates before the Board of Appeals regarding the building code, housing code electrical code, plumbing and mechanical codes. Makes determinations regarding code requirements, interpretations, project decisions, project status, plan review comments, and submittal requirements, and relates these determinations to inspection and clerical personnel.

Provides written documentation and updates for the Community Development Director and Administration regarding any ongoing project or situation which may generate legal or financial concerns, issues which may attract the media, or any other pertinent items which affect operations or public perception. Assists in the development and maintenance of disaster mitigation plans, procedures, and coordination factors with Federal, State, County, and City representatives. Reviews proposed legislation which may impact code and inspection responsibilities, including modular housing, accessibility issues, energy requirements, non-funded mandates, etc.

Provides input towards code development at the national and state level, and is responsible for analysis of code criteria, ensuring that the City is legally and practically accurate with its code interpretation and enforcement. Develops and maintains Building Division standards based on achieving the highest possible rating from the Insurance Services Offices review, which determines community insurance ratings. Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Certifications & Experience Typical Qualifications Must be able to pass a pre-employment offer: professional reference checks, drug screen, motor vehicle report and background check.

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: Bachelors Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field; applicable related experience can be substituted for a college education. Five years of construction management, design or equivalent experience One year of applicable experience can be substituted for each year of college education Valid Drivers' License Certified Building Official by the International Code Council (ICC) (ICC #B6) Certified Building Plans Examiner by the ICC (ICC #B3) Skills Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications and applicable technical codes and ordinances Ability to effectively convey information in verbal, written and graphic forms; to provide accurate guidance to the customer to resolve deficiencies and bring the structure into compliance with the appropriate codes Ability to accurately calculate algebraic and geometric calculations and to utilize dimensions on plans to calculate permit cost, building area and related information Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships, ability to handle potential confrontational situations Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Sound judgment and decision-making abilities Ability to take initiative Problem-solving ability Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.

Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of applicable state and local building related laws, International Building Code, International Residential Code, National Electric Code, International or Uniform Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code and/or International Fuel Gas Code In-depth knowledge of general construction practices Ability to conduct combination inspections General knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, facsimile, photo copier, and calculator Proficiency with PC's and computer software and applications. Supplemental Information Working Conditions Long period of sitting Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Constant dexterity, near sight acuity, concentration and writing ability Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, talking, able to hear normal conversation, near and far sight acuity, and judgment Intermittent climbing, balancing, depth perception, color vision and field of vision Safety Hazards Occasional exposure to noise intensity levels and traffic hazards Typical construction site conditions during periodic inspections and follow-up of complaints.