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Building Official Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

... 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 ...

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

... 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 ...

City of Marion, Iowa

Administrative Assistant

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Provide administrative support to the Building Official, and the housing inspector in regard to the rental housing department. * Maintain landlord records in a data system for various transactions of ...

City of Ankeny Iowa

Fire Inspector

Ankeny, IA

$84K - $113K/yr

... building officials, code enforcement, and other agencies Conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance Participate in pre-incident planning and data collection Entry Requirements and Skills High ...

Jensen Builders Ltd

General/Concrete Laborer

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Responsible for scheduling, interfacing, and promoting good relationships with project owners, building officials, architects, engineers, and project service providers. * Responsible for ensuring ...

City of Ankeny, IA

Fire Inspector

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Coordinate with building officials, code enforcement, and other agencies * Conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance * Participate in pre-incident planning and data collection Entry ...

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All JobsBuilding Official JobsBuilding Official Jobs in Iowa

Building Official information

See Iowa salary details

$26.3K

$92.2K

$139K

How much do building official jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for building official 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.

What does a building official do?

The job of a building official is to enforce applicable building codes for a building, or the group of buildings under your jurisdiction if you work for a municipality or large corporation. When this role works for a municipality, it is often called a chief building official and you are in charge of enforcing codes for every building within the jurisdiction of the municipality. This position is most often a supervisory role that oversees building inspectors, ensuring that construction or maintenance crews follow safety regulations, and a permit is in place for any projects. The job duties of a building official are primarily enforcement related.

What is a building official?

A Building Official is a government-appointed professional responsible for enforcing building codes, regulations, and standards within a specific jurisdiction. They review construction plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections to ensure that buildings are safe and comply with local, state, and national building codes. Building Officials also provide guidance to contractors, architects, and the public regarding code requirements. Their work helps ensure the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of the built environment.

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

To thrive as a Building Official, you need a comprehensive knowledge of construction codes, building inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance, often backed by a degree in construction management or a related field and relevant certifications. Familiarity with permitting software, inspection management systems, and code reference tools is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and decision-making skills are vital for interacting with contractors, the public, and enforcement agencies. These competencies ensure that buildings are safe, code-compliant, and projects progress efficiently within legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by building officials in coordinating with contractors and other stakeholders during construction projects?

Building Officials often encounter challenges when balancing code compliance with project timelines, especially when working with contractors, architects, and property owners who may have varying levels of understanding of local regulations. Effective communication is crucial to ensure all parties are informed about permit requirements, inspection schedules, and any necessary modifications. Building Officials must also remain impartial, resolving conflicts diplomatically and ensuring public safety is never compromised. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills help navigate these complexities and foster productive collaboration.

What is the difference between Building Official vs Building Inspector?

AspectBuilding OfficialBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications such as ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, and sometimes a state licenseUsually requires similar certifications, often ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, but less administrative training
Work EnvironmentOversees building codes enforcement, manages permits, and supervises inspectors in government agenciesInspects construction sites, reviews plans, and ensures compliance with building codes
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by local governments, municipalities, or building departmentsEmployed by local governments, private firms, or construction companies

The Building Official holds a broader administrative and supervisory role, overseeing building code enforcement and managing staff, while the Building Inspector focuses on on-site inspections and compliance checks. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Building Official's responsibilities include policy implementation and permit approval processes.

More about Building Official jobs
What are popular job titles related to Building Official jobs in Iowa? For Building Official jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Official jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Building Official jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Building Official jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Building Official job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Building Official jobs in IA? For Building Official jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Building Official jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Official job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% 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 22 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