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Construction Observer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Lead Observer

Carter Lake, IA · On-site

$75.77/hr

Amentum is seeking a Lead Observer to perform leadership and oversight duties over the Construction Security Team at Offutt Air Force Base and will be responsible for continuous knowledge of the ...

Caliber Company

Construction Superintendent

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Observe and engage in all aspects of construction from start to finish. * Monitor and enforce compliance or as-built construction conditions. * Observe and enforce building safety code and compliance

Bolton & Menk, Inc

Civil Engineering Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

Construction observation activities may include performing construction staking, performing construction administration duties such as documenting activities, measuring and testing, providing general ...

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All JobsConstruction Observer JobsConstruction Observer Jobs in Iowa

Construction Observer information

See Iowa salary details

$37.6K

$89.4K

$141.8K

How much do construction observer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for construction observer in Iowa is $89,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a construction observer?

A Construction Observer monitors and inspects construction projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and regulations. They document progress, identify potential issues, and communicate with contractors, engineers, and project managers. Their role helps ensure quality control, adherence to safety standards, and timely project completion. Observers often work on-site, conducting field reports and verifying that work meets design requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a construction observer?

As a Construction Observer, your day-to-day responsibilities include monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and safety regulations. You will document field observations, prepare daily reports, take photographs, and communicate findings to project managers and engineers. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with contractors, inspectors, and various team members to resolve issues and clarify project requirements. This role keeps you actively engaged on-site and is vital to maintaining construction quality and progress. You can expect a dynamic work environment with opportunities to develop strong technical and interpersonal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a construction observer?

To thrive as a Construction Observer, you need a keen understanding of construction methods, materials, site safety practices, and quality control, typically supported by experience in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, field reporting tools, and relevant certifications such as OSHA training or NICET can be highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective verbal and written communication skills set exceptional Construction Observers apart. These abilities ensure projects meet specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements while fostering clear communication among project stakeholders.

How much does a construction observer make?

Construction observers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects they oversee. They often work full-time schedules and may need safety certifications or knowledge of construction standards.

What do construction observers do?

Construction observers monitor ongoing construction activities to ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and project specifications. They inspect work sites, document progress, and identify potential issues, often using checklists and safety equipment. Their role helps maintain quality and safety throughout the construction process.

What are popular job titles related to Construction Observer jobs in Iowa?

For Construction Observer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Construction Observer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Construction Observer jobs in Iowa are:

Construction Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Construction Observer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,388 per year, or $43 per hour.

Aviation Construction Manager / Inspector

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Olsson
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Olssonexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides construction management, administration, and observation services for aviation projects to assure that work is performed in conformance with project documents. This work will be in support of our airport clients and be focused on mostly work inside the fence in completion of planned capital improvement programs. Our construction services include daily observation / inspection, project documentation, submittal review, design support, shop drawing review, payment application review, payroll review, and oversight for materials testing. We provide technically qualified personnel for our clients' specific FAA and project requirements.
We are looking for experienced Construction Administration personnel to join our team and support aviation projects across the Midwest. You will apply your diversified knowledge and experience to observe all phases of construction work, procedures, and verify conformance with plans, specifications, and standards. You will aid engineers, and construction managers with observation, inspection, and staking. You may work individually or as part of a larger team based upon project needs.
We have multiple positions available and will consider candidates located out of Kansas City, St Louis, Omaha, Lincoln, Tulsa, Springfield, Des Moines, Oklahoma City, Fayetteville, or Little Rock.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Bachelors or Associates degree in engineering, construction, or a related field, preferred.
  • Five (5) or more years of construction observation or construction inspection experience on aviation-related projects.
  • A good working knowledge of FAA specifications and requirements.
  • A valid driver's license with a good driving history.
  • The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Ability and willingness to travel as required for the role.

#LI-IC1
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

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