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City Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

Asbury, IA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

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

$17 - $23.25/hr

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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City Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$101.4K

$161.6K

How much do city engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,400 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Summary JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the City Engineer, performs a wide variety of administrative, technical, and confidential support duties for the Engineering Department. Coordinates departmental administrative operations including contract administration, records management, procurement support, workflow coordination, budget support, project tracking, and communications. Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, and other documents; assists with compliance and recordkeeping requirements; serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders; and performs related work as assigned.

This valuable team member will be an integral part of supporting efforts to become a high performance, data-driven, and outcome-focused organization with the ultimate goal of creating a community of belonging and organization of choice, through planning, partnerships, and people. The individual should have strong emotional intelligence and a continuous improvement mindset which will add value to our organization and community people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves providing executive-level administrative support to the City Engineer while serving as the department's primary coordinator for contract administration, procurement support, budget support, records management, and department-wide administrative functions.

Responsibilities include contract administration, procurement support, records management, project coordination, compliance monitoring, budget support, preparation of departmental communications and reports, and coordination of administrative processes across multiple Engineering divisions. Work requires independent judgment, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and confidential information. An important component of this position is supporting a high-performing, data-driven, outcome-focused organization through process improvement, cross-divisional coordination, and administrative systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and customer service.

Assignments are received through general direction from the City Engineer. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, records, project outcomes, and effectiveness of administrative support services provided. Job Duties Provide executive-level administrative support to the City Engineer and assist in managing departmental priorities, schedules, meetings, and workflow.

Coordinate departmental contract administration activities, including preparation, routing, tracking, and monitoring of contracts and related documents. Assist with procurement activities including requests for proposals, vendor communications, bid documentation, invoice processing, and coordination with Purchasing and Legal staff. Maintain organized electronic and physical records systems in accordance with established retention schedules and City policies.

Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, policy documents, project summaries, grant-related materials, and City Council support documents. Assist in budget preparation and monitoring activities. Monitor administrative processes to support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, City policies, internal controls, and audit requirements.

Serve as a liaison with City departments, contractors, consultants, vendors, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and members of the public. Coordinate departmental projects, training activities, process improvement initiatives, technology implementation efforts, and documentation of standard operating procedures. Conduct research, benchmarking, data collection, and analysis to support operational improvements and strategic decision-making.

Provide guidance and support to administrative staff, temporary personnel, interns, or other assigned personnel. Respond to internal and external inquiries and requests for information. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel, financial, legal, and operational information.

Perform other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Physical and Workplace Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, perform repetitive office tasks, operate standard office equipment, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Ability to attend meetings and activities at various city facilities as required.ritten and verbal communications skills, along with strong problem solving and organization abilities

Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associate degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; AND Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience demonstrating increasing levels of autonomy, independent decision-making, and responsibility for complex administrative functions; OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience managing confidential information, coordinating administrative workflows, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Basic Microsoft Office Suite experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in municipal government. Experience with procurement or contract administration. Experience supporting executive-level leadership.

Experience with financial systems, document workflow systems, enterprise software platforms, or contract management systems. Experience preparing reports, budgets, presentations, or City Council materials. Supplemental Information SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Work requires the ability to sit for extended periods; stand, walk, bend, reach, grasp and perform repetitive motions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; operate standard office equipment; use computers and related software applications; and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with frequent computer use and desk work. Occasional attendance at meetings, training events, community meetings, and activities at various City facilities may be required. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA (OVERTIME) STATUS: Exempt Our Commitment to You The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community.

In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.