1

City Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Building Inspector

MN · On-site

$81.99K - $118.91K/yr

City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, MN Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 202600952 Department: Community Development Division: Inspections Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM ...

This position will also conduct inspections on new and existing buildings to ensure construction meets existing building codes, laws, and city ordinances. This position will evaluate alternate ...

Firefighter/Fire Inspector

Hastings, MN · On-site

$37.65 - $49.06/hr

Review fire plans for compliance with City and state codes and regulations. Administer rental licensing program. Inspect buildings for compliance with the application of state fire codes and city ...

Firefighter/Fire Inspector

Hastings, MN · On-site

$37.65 - $49.06/hr

Review fire plans for compliance with City and state codes and regulations. * Administer rental licensing program. * Inspect buildings for compliance with the application of state fire codes and city ...

Fire Inspector

Minneapolis, MN

$95.15K - $116.37K/yr

About us The City of St. Louis Park is guided by our strategic priorities to ensure that all city ... The Fire Inspector I also assists with community risk reduction initiatives and provides technical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

City Inspector information

See Minnesota salary details

$24K

$53.8K

$97K

How much do city inspector jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for city inspector in Minnesota is $53,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to City Inspector jobs in Minnesota? For City Inspector jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching City Inspector jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for City Inspector jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for City Inspector jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most City Inspector job openings:

$81.99K - $118.91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary : $81,993.60 - $118,913.60 Annually
Location : City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600952
Department: Community Development
Division: Inspections
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
Summary
The deadline date to apply is Tuesday June 02, 2026
Hiring Salary Range $39.42-$51.25
Full Salary Range $39.42-$57.17
The primary objective of this position is to perform highly skilled professional and technical work in the review, evaluation, and approval of building plans. This position will also conduct inspections on new and existing buildings to ensure construction meets existing building codes, laws, and city ordinances. This position will evaluate alternate methods and materials and perform other assigned duties.
Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluate building permit applications and conduct plan reviews for commercial and residential structures:
  • Ensure proposed plans for commercial and residential structures meet building, zoning, and related codes, as well as requirements established by the City and other agencies.
  • Provide technical and fair interpretation of building codes and standards.
  • Conduct plan reviews, identify necessary plan corrections, and require changes to ensure code and ordinance compliance.
  • Work collaboratively with the Planning Division, Engineering Department and Fire Marshal to coordinate approvals during the plan review process and ensure that all applicable conditions and requirements of approval have been satisfied prior to issuance of permits.
  • Meet with building owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and developers to clarify code requirements for construction design, materials, and practices.
  • Ensure application materials, plans, and files are accurately prepared and maintained.
  • Perform combination inspections on construction for new buildings, additions, and existing buildings for compliance with the state building and fire and life safety codes, zoning, and related codes as well as conditions established by the City Council or other City departments.
  • Conduct pre-construction meetings with contractors and architects to explain building permit and inspection requirements and procedures.
  • Perform inspections promptly and accurately including building, plumbing, HVAC, sprinkler systems and other inspections as needed to verify compliance with applicable codes and conformance to approved plans and specifications.
  • Evaluate and appropriately respond to situations and conditions in the field to ensure that the construction process moves forward and adheres to code requirements, while minimizing delays in starting or completing a project.
  • Ensure that all structures are inspected for conformance to codes and ordinances in a firm but fair manner.
  • Inform site superintendents, owners, and contractors of violations verbally and via written correction notices.
  • Conduct follow-up inspections and work with building owners, contractors, and managers to ensure code corrections have been completed.
  • Maintain electronic permit files regarding inspections results.
  • Provide consultation to owners, contractors, designers, architects, and engineers on building code requirements, construction methods and detail, and new products, standards, and technology.
  • Evaluate construction alternatives for equivalency to the requirements of the building codes and standards, and perform research of new technology, materials, methods, and products as needed.
  • Keep abreast of new materials, equipment, and practices, as well as new or changing codes, to ensure a thorough understanding of the building industry and the effective and fair administration of codes.
  • Foster an inclusive work culture and advance the City's diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
  • Maintain and foster an environment, which facilitates the Exceeding Expectations (professional, responsive, leaders) philosophy of the City.
  • Perform all other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Certification as a Certified Building Official - Limited by the State of Minnesota.
  • Construction experience in a recognized trade such as framing, HVAC, plumbing, architecture or drafting.
  • Possession of a valid and unrestricted driver's license, or ability to obtain prior to employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Certification as a Certified Minnesota Building Official by the State of Minnesota or the ability to obtain within 12 months
  • ICC building inspection certifications.
  • Post-secondary education in building technology, architecture, or construction related field.
  • Building inspection and/or plan review experience for a municipality.

Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee often works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to wet and humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Much work is performed in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various commercial and residential construction. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive vehicles; stand; walk; talk; hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The City of Woodbury strives to exceed expectations - through professionalism, responsive service and leadership. Employees are an integral part of the overall success of the city. In service to its employees, the City of Woodbury offers generous benefits to include medical, dental, and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and both mandatory and voluntary retirement plans. In addition vacation, sick, personal holiday and holiday pay is also provided. All regular employees are eligible for benefits on the first of the month after their hire date.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a certification as a Certified Building Offical- Limited by the the State of Minnesota or have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months?
  • Yes, I have a certification as a Certified Building Official
  • No, but I have the ability to obtain within 12 months
  • No

03
If you answered "yes" to question 2. Please enter your license number
04
Do you have construction experience in a recognized trade such as framing, HVAC, plumbing, Architecture or drafting?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If you answered "yes" to question 4, Please describe your experience in a recognized trade such as framing, HVAC, plumbing, Architecture or drafting?
06
Do you have possession of a valid and unrestricted driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment
  • Yes, I have a valid and unrestricted driver's license
  • Yes, I have the ability to obtain one prior to employment.
  • No

07
Do you have certification as a Certified Minnesota Building Official by the State of Minnesota?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you answered "yes" to question 6. Please enter your license number
09
Do you have ICC building inspection certifications?
  • Yes
  • no

10
If you answered "yes" to question 9. Please list the ICC Courses you have taken.
11
Do you have post-secondary education in building technology, architecture, or construction related field?
  • I have post-secondary education in building technology
  • I have post-secondary education architecture
  • I have post-secondary education in a construction related field
  • I do not have post-secondary education in building technology, architecture, or construction related field.

12
If you answered that you have post-secondary education in question 11, please provide details of your education.
13
Do you have building inspection and/or plan review experience for a municipality?
  • Yes, I have Building Inspection experience for a municipality
  • Yes, I have Plan Review experience for a municipality
  • Yes, I have Building Inspection AND Plan Review experience for a municipality
  • No

14
If you answered "yes" to question 13. Please describe your experience for a municipality below.
Required Question