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City Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits ... Conducts vector inspections and performs eradication measures as needed; Collects data and prepares ...

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 ...

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 ...

This role is Onsite in Bossier City, LA. Starting Hourly Rate: $20.00 What You'll Do * Test ... Run and monitor inspection equipment (gages, etc.) to record and analyze quality data * Purchase ...

New

CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Sioux City, IA Are you a skilled Certified Welding Inspector looking to make an impact in a fast-paced, high-quality environment? We're on the lookout for an experienced professional to join our team ...

This role is Onsite in Bossier City, LA. Starting Hourly Rate: $20.00 What You'll Do * Test ... Run and monitor inspection equipment (gages, etc.) to record and analyze quality data * Purchase ...

New

This role is Onsite in Bossier City, LA. Starting Hourly Rate: $20.00 What You'll Do * Test ... Run and monitor inspection equipment (gages, etc.) to record and analyze quality data * Purchase ...

New

Quality Inspector Shifts Available: Second Salary: Based on the experience and knowledge Minimum Requirements: Minimum 2 years of experience in a relevant field required (physical inspection ...

Participates in activities such as punch lists, city inspections, safety reviews, and quality reviews and prepares the necessary documentation * Providing technical assistance, e.g. interpretation of ...

Quality Inspector Shifts Available: Second Salary: Based on the experience and knowledge Minimum Requirements: Minimum 2 years of experience in a relevant field required (physical inspection ...

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City Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$23K

$51.6K

$93K

How much do city inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for city inspector in Iowa is $51,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a city inspector do?

A City Inspector is responsible for ensuring that buildings and properties within a city comply with local codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. They conduct inspections of construction sites, residential and commercial properties, and public spaces to check for compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and health and safety standards. City Inspectors may issue citations or stop-work orders if violations are found and often work closely with contractors, property owners, and city officials to resolve any issues. Their work helps maintain public safety and the integrity of urban development.

What are some common challenges city inspectors face when conducting site inspections?

City Inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, addressing non-compliance issues diplomatically, and managing a high volume of inspections within tight deadlines. They may face resistance from property owners or contractors and must balance enforcing codes with providing helpful guidance. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring public safety.

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

To thrive as a City Inspector, you need a solid understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and state or municipal permit systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help City Inspectors effectively assess compliance and interact with property owners. These competencies ensure public safety, regulatory adherence, and the efficient handling of city development projects.

What is the difference between City Inspector vs Building Inspector?

AspectCity InspectorBuilding Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires state or local licensing, building codes knowledgeRequires similar certifications, often including ICC or state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentInspects city infrastructure, public projects, and complianceFocuses on building safety, construction sites, and code adherence
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipalities, private firms, construction industry

Both City Inspectors and Building Inspectors work within municipal environments and require similar certifications. While City Inspectors often oversee broader city infrastructure and public projects, Building Inspectors focus specifically on construction sites and building safety compliance. Their roles are complementary, with overlapping skills and certifications, but differ in scope and focus.

How much do city inspectors make?

City inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. In larger cities, salaries can be higher, and inspectors often work full-time with some requiring specialized training or licensing.

How to become a city inspector in California?

To become a city inspector in California, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and may be required to obtain specific certifications such as building or plumbing inspector licenses. The process often involves passing written exams and background checks, and inspectors usually work for local government agencies overseeing building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations.

What are popular job titles related to City Inspector jobs in Iowa?

For City Inspector jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching City Inspector jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for City Inspector jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for City Inspector jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most City Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various City Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,602 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Neighborhood Inspector

Des Moines, IA


City of Des Moines

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$38.35 - $45.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

General Statement of Duties Performs a variety of inspection and enforcement actions with a proactive community approach. Works with neighborhood groups, the public and other organizations. The principal function of an employee in this class is to enforce and obtain compliance with the City's housing, environmental health, vector control, noise, odor, graffiti, zoning and public nuisance ordinances and regulations.

Employees work closely with neighborhood groups, the public and other organizations to obtain voluntary compliance with city codes and to provide information and education on the City code requirements to the general public. The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Residency Incentive Program Paid Volunteer Time-Off Parental Leave Vacation and Sick Leave 12 Paid Holidays Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance Wellness Programs and Activities Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5% Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options Employee Discount Program Acceptable Experience and Training Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED; and Two years of post-high school education in property maintenance, business administration, public administration, environmental health, planning, education, public relations or a related field; or Two years inspection experience (housing, building, zoning or health); or Three years of experience in building construction, building maintenance or a related field. Education may be used to satisfy up to one year of experience

NOTE: Transcripts verifying courses completed need to be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1200 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 at the time of application but no later than the application deadline. Required Special Qualifications Possession of or acquisition of the Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification within 12 months of appointment. Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen

Possession of a valid Iowa Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility. Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only) Surveys, inspects, investigates and enforces requirements for residential properties to determine compliance with the City's Housing Code and other related codes including applicable fire, building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes; Surveys, inspects, investigates and enforces City zoning, environmental health, nuisance vegetation, minimum property standards and related regulations; Conducts vector inspections and performs eradication measures as needed; Collects data and prepares reports and correspondence on inspection findings which may be referred to the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Health and the Zoning Board of Adjustment; Observes violations, issues notices, counsels code violators, prepares case files, pursues legal remedies, initiates public nuisance actions and oversees forced clean-ups and board-ups of non-compliant properties; Maintains records of current activities and updates automated property files; Assists in the preparation of injunctive, citation and condemnation cases for court presentations and testifies in court when needed; Performs code related enforcement and monitoring activities on a scheduled or an "on-call" basis after normal working hours as required; Meets with the public, neighborhood groups, boards or commissions, or other agencies, or City staff to explain, encourage and coordinate the compliance of minimum property, housing, zoning , nuisance vegetation or health related codes or ordinances; Refers to public to City services related to neighborhood concerns; Contacts owners and tenants to provide technical assistance and to promote improved property maintenance; Conducts specialized inspections as assigned; Assists in the training of new and temporary staff in the proper delivery of related services; Acts for supervisor as directed; and Performs related duties as required.


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