1

City Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description The City of Mason City is accepting applications for the position of City Engineer, responsible for directing the Engineering Department and administering municipal engineering programs ...

City Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$117K - $150K/yr

Engineering Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Residency Requirement?: Yes Description The City of Mason City is accepting applications for the position of City Engineer , responsible for directing the ...

Office Administrator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Under general supervision of the City Engineer, performs a wide variety of administrative, technical, and confidential support duties for the Engineering Department. Coordinates departmental ...

New

Office Administrator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Under general supervision of the City Engineer, performs a wide variety of administrative, technical, and confidential support duties for the Engineering Department. Coordinates departmental ...

Office Administrator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Under general supervision of the City Engineer, performs a wide variety of administrative, technical, and confidential support duties for the Engineering Department. Coordinates departmental ...

Municipal Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Municipal Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi-disciplinary, full-service ...

Pipe layer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Sioux City Engineering Company has been operating in the tri-state area for 65 plus years. We are a family run business where our employees become like part of the family. Pay: $20 - $26 per hour ...

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Tri-City Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for Davenport, IA. The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting with customers ...

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Tri-City Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for Davenport, IA. The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting with customers ...

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA

$74K - $95K/yr

Tri-City Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for Davenport, IA. The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting with customers ...

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Tri-City Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for Davenport, IA. The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting with customers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

City Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$101.4K

$161.6K

How much do city engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for city engineer in Iowa is $101,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a City Engineer?

A City Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure within a city, such as roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings. They ensure that city projects comply with safety and environmental regulations, manage budgets, and coordinate with other governmental departments and contractors. City Engineers play a crucial role in urban development and the quality of public services, helping to create safe and efficient communities.

What Does a City Engineer Do?

A city engineer works for a city government. They plan community land use, study environmental impact, design infrastructure, make zoning recommendations, research usage recommendations, and oversee project execution. Additional job duties involve exploring project viability, coordinating contractors, presenting progress reports, and managing the project budget. Though much of this job takes place in an office, a city engineer is required to enter the field on a regular basis. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering.

What are some common challenges City Engineers face when managing urban infrastructure projects?

City Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need for high-quality infrastructure, coordinating with multiple government departments, and addressing public concerns during project planning and execution. Additionally, they must navigate regulatory requirements and unforeseen issues like weather delays or utility conflicts. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

What is the difference between City Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCity EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentMunicipal government, urban planning projectsConstruction sites, consulting firms, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageCity governments, public sectorPrivate firms, engineering consulting, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a City Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in their work scope and environment. A City Engineer typically works within municipal government focusing on urban infrastructure and public projects, often requiring a PE license. Civil Engineers have a broader role in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure across various sectors, including private firms and consulting. While both roles require similar credentials, their work settings and responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a City Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, urban infrastructure design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and construction management platforms is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help City Engineers coordinate with public agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable urban development that meets regulatory standards and public needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of City Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of City Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to City Engineer jobs in Iowa? For City Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching City Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for City Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for City Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most City Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to City Engineer jobs in IA? For City Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various City Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,400 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
City Engineer

$117K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Mason City is accepting applications for the position of City Engineer, responsible for directing the Engineering Department and administering municipal engineering programs and services. This position has primary responsibility for planning, directing, and managing engineering programs and services that support the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, including streets, bridges, sanitary and storm sewer systems, public facilities, parks, and related capital improvement projects. About Mason City Know as "River City," Mason City is a thriving community of 27,000 residents that blends small-town charm with big-city amenities.

With a rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and strong economic development efforts, the community offers an outstanding quality of life. Residents enjoy beautiful historic architecture, a thriving downtown, excellent public services, and a strong sense of community pride. Ideally located in north central Iowa, Mason City serves as a regional hub between Minneapolis and Des Moines.

Duties & Responsibilities: Plan and direct the design, construction, and administration of highways and freeways, sanitary, storm, and combined sewers, bridges, public buildings, parks, the water reclamation facility, sidewalks, street lighting, public works improvement projects, and urban renewal projects. Serve as chief engineering advisor to the City Administrator. Provide effective, professional leadership, positioning the Engineering Department to meet the community's current and future needs through appropriate technologies and services.

Direct the strategic planning, policy development, data collection, and reporting activities of the department. Coordinate the City's response to economic development opportunities relating to engineering and their impact on public work projects. Direct, supervise, evaluate, train, and discipline assigned staff.

Prepare, recommend, and monitor the department's operational and capital improvement project budgets. Direct the development of plans, specifications, and other working papers relating to proposed engineering, construction, maintenance, and improvement projects. Explain specifications, negotiate contracts, and monitor the activities of contractors, developers, engineers, and consultants involved in department projects and programs.

Develop and deliver reports and presentations to the City Council and public groups concerning policies, projects, department activities, and regulatory compliance issues. Provide expert testimony in connection with legal action involving City business and engineering operation. Coordinate the investigation and resolution of complaints and requests for service by the public, other jurisdictions and other departments.

Respond to information requests for the department. Serve as department spokesperson and news media liaison. Develop and prepare City policy and ordinance revisions relating to engineering activities for City Council consideration.

Review and analyze methods, equipment used, and performance to find ways of increasing effectiveness in engineering activities. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution Minimum of 5 years of management level experience in the planning, design and construction of civil engineering projects. Extensive experience in public works engineering and related operations and management activities is desired.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Licensed as a Professional Engineer by the State of Iowa. Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to appointment. Must maintain compliance with City's Administrative Policy on Operation of City Vehicles (AP 5.03)

Must reside within the corporate city limits of City of Mason City. Why Join the City of Mason City. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package Opportunity to serve in a key leadership role within a forward-looking organization Collaborative leadership team committed to service excellence Engaged community with strong civic pride and quality of life Applications will be accepted until position is filled Equal Opportunity Employer.