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Building Inspector Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Quanex Building Products

Assembler

Ankeny, IA

$17.50/hr

Visually inspect for defects or errors throughout process. * Verify size, color, customer, configuration (hardware), according to labeling system. * Insure standard work adherence. * Apply labels to ...

Ballard Community School District

Lead Custodian

Huxley, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Schedule annual inspections of fire alarm systems. * Serve as a liaison between the school district and contractors during building projects. * Move furniture or equipment as requested for various ...

Ballard Community School District

Lead Custodian

Huxley, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Schedule annual inspections of fire alarm systems. * Serve as a liaison between the school district and contractors during building projects. * Move furniture or equipment as requested for various ...

CBRE

Maintenance Associate

Slater, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.75/hr

Inspect existing installations for compliance with building codes and safety laws. * Use existing procedures to solve straightforward problems. Exchange straightforward information in a clear ...

Sysco

Facility Technician III

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Perform general building maintenance which includes but not limited to carpentry, painting ... Responsible for daily refrigeration operator duties including ePSM inspections and logs.

Story County, IA

Environmental Health Specialist

Nevada, IA · On-site

$66K - $96K/yr

Administration Building 900 6th Street, Nevada, IA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: EHS FTE 6.26 ... Performs inspections of new septic system installations and repairs to verify compliance with state ...

Mg Biologics

Be Seen First

Maintenance Technician

Ames, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Complete painting, patching, and general building repairs to maintain a clean and professional appearance. * Conduct regular inspections of buildings, equipment, and grounds to identify maintenance ...

Caliber Company

Maintenance Technician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Maintaining the exterior of the building, including picking up trash and debris Cleaning: Cleaning and maintaining common areas and lobbies Inspect - Vacant units and identify repairs or replacements ...

REVERE PLASTICS SYSTEMS

Quality Auditor

Ankeny, IA

We are committed to building a collaborative, team-focused workplace where employees are empowered ... Verify compliance with control plans, inspection instructions, and customer specifications.

REVERE PLASTICS SYSTEMS

Quality Auditor

Ankeny, IA · On-site

We are committed to building a collaborative, team-focused workplace where employees are empowered ... Verify compliance with control plans, inspection instructions, and customer specifications.

Mead Lumber

Seasonal - Installation Associate

Ames, IA

$18 - $20/hr

Install building materials according to company standards and safety procedures. * Ensure accuracy and precision in all installations. * Use hand and power tools to complete installations. * Inspect ...

Mead Lumber

Seasonal - Installation Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Install building materials according to company standards and safety procedures. * Ensure accuracy and precision in all installations. * Use hand and power tools to complete installations. * Inspect ...

Mead Lumber

Installation Associate

Ames, IA

Install building materials according to company standards and safety procedures. * Ensure accuracy and precision in all installations. * Use hand and power tools to complete installations. * Inspect ...

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All JobsBuilding Inspector JobsBuilding Inspector Jobs in Ames, IA

Building Inspector information

See Ames, IA salary details

$35.2K

$67.4K

$100.8K

How much do building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for building inspector in Ames, IA is $67,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $79,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Building Inspectors during site inspections?

Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight inspection schedules, staying updated with evolving building codes, and effectively communicating compliance issues to contractors and property owners. They may also have to navigate difficult weather conditions or access hard-to-reach areas on construction sites. Successfully balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to resolve compliance issues efficiently.

What does a Building Inspector do?

A Building Inspector is responsible for examining buildings, structures, and construction sites to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal codes and regulations. They review plans, issue permits, and conduct on-site inspections at various stages of construction or renovation. Their main goal is to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and accessibility of buildings for occupants and the public. Building Inspectors may also investigate complaints, issue violation notices, and advise on necessary corrections to bring properties up to code.

How to become a building inspector?

To become a building inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in construction or building trades, and must obtain state-specific certification or licensing. This often involves passing written exams and demonstrating knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and inspection procedures.

What is the difference between Building Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectBuilding InspectorConstruction Inspector
Required CredentialsState or local licensing, certifications in building codesSimilar licensing, often with additional construction-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting residential, commercial, and public buildingsMonitoring construction sites, ensuring compliance during building phases
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, construction companiesConstruction firms, government agencies, project developers

Building Inspectors primarily review completed structures for code compliance, while Construction Inspectors oversee ongoing construction projects to ensure standards are met during building. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their focus differs in timing and scope.

What Is a Building Inspector?

A building inspector’s primary job responsibilities are to look at public buildings and ensure they are up to federal, state, and local codes. In this job, your duties are to look at the structural integrity, electrical wiring, water connections, and other aspects of the construction and make sure that everything works as it should and complies with all safety regulations. Inspectors have to know a variety of building disciplines and trades, or at least the laws related to them. For example, you have to know basic wiring codes and how to recognize a dangerous situation, such as broken or loose wiring, as well as general building hazards.

How much do building inspectors make?

Building inspectors in Pennsylvania typically earn an average annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $45,000 to $75,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often need knowledge of building codes, inspection tools, and may require state licensing or certification to perform their duties effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of building codes, construction practices, and safety regulations, typically backed by relevant certifications or formal education in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and sometimes licensing such as ICC certification is usually required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and impartial judgment are essential soft skills for ensuring accurate inspections and clear interactions with contractors and property owners. These skills and qualities are crucial because they help maintain safety standards, regulatory compliance, and trust in the built environment.

What is required to become a building inspector?

To become a building inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in construction or building trades, and often must obtain state or local certification or licensing. Many inspectors also pursue post-secondary education or training in building codes, construction management, or related fields, and must stay current with evolving building regulations and standards.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Building inspectors with specialized skills, such as commercial or industrial inspectors, tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity and scale of their inspections. Additionally, inspectors with advanced certifications, experience, or those working in high-demand regions often have higher earning potential.
More about Building Inspector jobs
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Building Inspector jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Building Inspector job openings:
Building Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Inspector job openings in Ames, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,379 per year, or $32.4 per hour.
Assembler

Assembler

Quanex Building Products

Ankeny, IA

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

438th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Quanex is looking for an Assembler to join our team located in Ankeny IA.

The Assembler is responsible for working cooperatively with team members to cut and assemble window screen frames to changing specifications, using a computer-driven measuring device.

We Offer You!

  • Competitive Salary
  • Bonus Potential
  • 401K with 5% company match, yours to keep after 2 years
  • 15% immediate return if you participate in the company’s ESPP
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
  • Employer paid disability plans and life insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Tuition support for degree and continuous education
  • Employee Resource Groups focused on employee empowerment

What’s attractive about the Assembler position?

  • The company LIVES its values
  • Dynamic Culture and People

    What Success Looks Like?

    • Read build instructions from computer monitor ensuring proper length, type and color of materials.
    • Visually inspect for defects or errors throughout process.
    • Verify size, color, customer, configuration (hardware), according to labeling system.
    • Insure standard work adherence.
    • Apply labels to frame upon completion.
    • Sequence into rack for next step (screen rolling).
    • Eventual cross training to ensure proficiency in neighboring positions.

    What You Bring:

    • Ability to stand throughout the full shift.
    • Ability to use hand tools including tape measure air drill, pneumatics fixed straight-cut saw.
    • Must be able to meet standardized production goals.
    • Ability to follow both written and verbal directions.

    The hourly wage for this position is $17.50 per hour.

    Take a closer look at the Ankeny Plant and the people who power it—watch the Spotlight Video!
     Ankeny Plant Spotlight Video

    About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger

    Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.

    What Quanex employees say

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