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Building Trades Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Weitz

Senior Estimator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Contact local building trades, subcontractors, suppliers, government offices, etc., to understand and verify local market conditions, trade practices, and costs * Analyze manpower and equipment ...

Contrack Watts, Inc.

Senior Estimator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Contact local building trades, subcontractors, suppliers, government offices, etc., to understand and verify local market conditions, trade practices, and costs * Analyze manpower and equipment ...

The Weitz Company

Senior Estimator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Contact local building trades, subcontractors, suppliers, government offices, etc., to understand and verify local market conditions, trade practices, and costs * Analyze manpower and equipment ...

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 ... trades or facility maintenance, preferred * Proven ability to work independently and lead tasks ...

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 ... trades or facility maintenance, preferred * Proven ability to work independently and lead tasks ...

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 ... trades or facility maintenance, preferred * Proven ability to work independently and lead tasks ...

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 ... trades or facility maintenance, preferred * Proven ability to work independently and lead tasks ...

State of Iowa

Correctional Trades Leader

Davenport, IA · On-site

Four years of full-time work experience in one or more of the recognized building (e.g., carpentry ... trade for each year of the required experience. Current, continuous experience in the state ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBuilding Trades JobsBuilding Trades Jobs in Iowa

Building Trades information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do building trades jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for building trades in Iowa is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the building trades, and why are they important?

To thrive in the Building Trades, you need practical skills in construction, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, often supported by a high school diploma, apprenticeship, or trade certification. Familiarity with power tools, construction blueprints, safety protocols, and systems like OSHA regulations is crucial. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals coordinate effectively on job sites and adapt to changing project needs. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality completion of construction projects.

What are building trades?

Building trades refer to a group of skilled occupations involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of buildings and other structures. This includes jobs such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, and HVAC technicians. Workers in the building trades use specialized tools and techniques to ensure structures are safe, functional, and meet building codes. These trades often require apprenticeships or vocational training, and they play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects.

What is the difference between Building Trades vs Electrician?

AspectBuilding TradesElectrician
Credentials/CertificationsVaries by specialization; often includes apprenticeships and trade licensesRequires electrical licenses, apprenticeships, and certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renovation projects, commercial and residential buildingsElectrical systems in buildings, industrial facilities, maintenance settings
Employer & Industry UsageGeneral construction companies, contractors, unionsElectrical contractors, maintenance firms, industrial plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding trade roles, career paths, certificationsElectrical work specifics, licensing, job duties

Building Trades is a broad category encompassing various construction-related roles, while Electrician focuses specifically on electrical systems. Electricians often require specialized licenses and certifications, and their work environment is primarily electrical installations and repairs. Both roles are integral to construction and maintenance industries, but Electrician is more specialized within the Building Trades sector.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the building trades, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in the building trades often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining consistent safety standards, and adapting to tight project deadlines. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive safety training, the use of protective equipment, and strong communication within teams to coordinate tasks efficiently. Many employers also provide ongoing skills development and encourage collaboration between different trades to ensure that projects run smoothly and safely.
Building Trades jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Trades 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 $49,090 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Senior Estimator

Weitz

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Weitz Company is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Mission Critical team in Des Moines, IA.
The Senior Estimator is responsible for all preconstruction cost control functions for construction projects including complete estimates, cost analysis, comparisons, assisting with feasibility studies, and historical cost reports. This individual is capable of performing cost control functions on multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously. Additionally, this role may take the lead role in preconstruction efforts. Typically, the Senior Estimator reports to the Chief Estimator and may have estimators reporting directly to him/her on assigned project(s).
The Weitz Company has been Building a Better Way since 1855. We are a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. We believe our employees to be our most valuable asset, and we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves.
What You'll Do:
  • Review all estimates for accuracy, detail, and expectations
  • Review project plans, requirements, and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and develop the scope of work, labor, and equipment costs
  • Prepare quantity takeoffs and pricing of scope either through self-perform production-based estimates or unit price estimating
  • Contact local building trades, subcontractors, suppliers, government offices, etc., to understand and verify local market conditions, trade practices, and costs
  • Analyze manpower and equipment requirements for specific self-perform operations
  • Visit project sites to evaluate existing conditions, identify and capture scope not included in design documents
  • Prepare quantity surveys and unit pricing sheets for subcontractors' completion and submission of unit price data
  • Prepare bid analysis scope sheets and review subcontractor cost proposals to ensure bid proposals are complete
  • Prepare and enter estimate data in WinEst, including estimate breakdowns and alternates
  • Prepare trade partner bid proposal forms and bid recording sheets for assigned trades, evaluate trade partner input for scope inclusion, identify scope gaps and overlaps, and coordinate with other staff managing trades
  • Understand the impact of general conditions and contract language; review with the project team
  • Coordinate building systems and schedules with Operations to plan and budget for safety on each project
  • Utilize conceptual estimating skills and identify items required for complete systems, even if not outlined on construction documents
  • Make decisions in a timely manner; understand when to involve upper management in decisions; assess the level of risk and consequences associated
  • Understand the clients' needs to manage the process efficiently, ensure timely completion, understand local logistics/subcontractor and supplier market, and how BIM/LEED/LEAN can be best utilized
  • Prioritize safety and communicate safety requirements to the team
  • Assist with certain post-bid buyouts
  • Initiate and participate in meet-and-greet presentations with subcontractors and suppliers

What We're Looking For
  • Education:
    • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited degree program in Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or similar
  • Experience:
    • Seven years of estimating responsibility is required for this position. Experience with formal presentations and supervising staff is helpful
  • Skills/Qualifications:
    • This position requires excellent conceptual estimating skills and the ability to identify items required for complete systems, even if not delineated on construction documents
    • The ability to mentally schedule and construct a building from drawings is essential
    • Excellent computer skills are important, as is the ability to quickly learn, articulate, and apply new applications as the industry grows and changes
    • Must have the ability to communicate in a professional and courteous manner with clients, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams
    • Organization, quick creative thinking, and the ability to balance and prioritize projects with impending deadlines are essential
    • The ideal candidate will be a great communicator with a strong track record of providing accurate estimating services
    • A qualified candidate will be able to compare and analyze various systems and related cost impacts, as well as possess solid leadership skills and the ability to coach direct reports
    • Ability to read, understand, and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project schedules
    • Extensive knowledge of estimating documents and the ability to provide accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of documents
    • Conceptual ability, able to work with minimal information and quickly develop an understanding of owner/architect requirements
    • Project management of competing demands and meeting established deadlines
  • Technology:
    • Proficient in basic computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
    • Knowledge of On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar quantity takeoff software is a plus
    • Ability to learn specific job-related software upon hire

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Rewarding Bonus Program
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
  • Employer-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Programs
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
  • 401K Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fully Paid Parental Leave
  • Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
  • Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
The Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of the Company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of the Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.
The Weitz Company, LLC (and its U.S.-based subsidiaries and affiliates) recognizes the value of and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and follow applicable affirmative action guidelines and policies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with applicable state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Click here to review our Privacy Notice.
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