Building Inspector

The City of Urbandale is currently accepting applications for Building Inspector. Under the direction of the Building Official within the Community Development Department, this position performs plan reviews and field inspections to ensure residential, commercial, and industrial construction complies with adopted building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and energy codes.

In this role, you will inspect new construction, remodels, additions, and accessory structures, interpret code requirements, and verify compliance with approved plans and City ordinances. The Building Inspector works closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to provide guidance on code requirements and support safe, compliant construction.

This position also maintains inspection and permit records, coordinates with Planning and Engineering staff regarding site requirements, and may assist with enforcement of rental housing and nuisance ordinances. It is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a mix of field work, technical review, and customer service while helping ensure safe, high-quality development in Urbandale.

• Health Insurance: Individual coverage for $77.46/month or family coverage for $237.74/month
• Additional Coverage Options: Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 10 holidays plus 3 personal days per year
• Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid time to care for and bond with a new child
• Retirement Plans: IPERS plan and 457(b) plan with 2% match
• Life Insurance: City-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage
• Disability Coverage: City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being Program
• Clothing Allowance: Non-taxable clothing allowance of up to $625 per fiscal year to assist with the cost of purchasing OSHA required PPE

The starting annual salary for this position is $73,729.00, which is Step 1. The position is a non-exempt, civil service role. The detailed pay range is outlined in the Non-Union Wage Schedule July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, which can be accessed HERE.

*The salary range reflects pay steps based on length of service. New employees are typically hired at Step 1. The full range is provided to illustrate potential future earnings.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides residential plan review for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and/or fire codes.
• Performs field inspections and provides code requirement interpretations relating to building (structural, framing, footings, etc.), plumbing (sanitary, storm sewer, utility etc.), electrical, and mechanical (HVAC, venting, gas line, etc.) for commercial and/or residential construction to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and ordinances. This includes new construction, remodeling, additions, rehabs, rental properties and/or other structures (fences, garages, storage sheds, etc.).
• Ensures that Special Inspection reports are submitted as required.
• Assists, consults and informs architects, engineers, contractors, builders and homeowners providing code related interpretations and education.  
• Enforces site plan requirements to ensure the construction complies with the zoning and engineering requirements regarding location and size, consults and coordinates with the Planning Division and\or Engineering\Public Works Department. 
• Provides updates to the Building Official and inspection team regarding critical or controversial determinations made during on-site inspections or plan review, which may require further review or an official administrative policy to maintain consistency.
• May administer and enforce nuisance ordinances including responding to complaints.
• May administer and enforce the Rental Housing Code by arranging/conducting inspections, keeping accurate records, billing owners/landlords and conducting re-inspections.
• Maintains accurate records of all inspections and correspondence including, but not limited to, construction permits, property activity, code violations, and contractor licensing and schedules appointments as required.
• Assures that all work performed meets the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, and efficiency.
• Assures that the City’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• May serve as a member of the Safety Committee.
• May be required to attend and report at Board meetings as assigned by the Building Official.
• May observe storm and sanitary sewer structures and existing sidewalks located in construction areas to determine possible damage caused by construction activities.
• Compiles various reports as required.
• Attends trainings, meetings, and various seminars relating to necessary certifications, as needed.

Typical Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus two years of additional education in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or three years of experience in construction inspection, plan review, or applicable construction experience.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Certified Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC) within twelve months of employment (ICC #E1 & #E2).
• Certified Residential and Commercial Building Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC) within eighteen months of employment (ICC #B1 & #B2).
• Other certifications as required for area of expertise must be obtained within eighteen months of employment.

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications and applicable technical codes and ordinances.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner.
• Ability to effectively convey information in verbal, written and graphic forms; to provide accurate guidance to the customer to resolve deficiencies and bring the structure into compliance with the appropriate codes.
• Ability to accurately calculate basic math and to utilize dimensions on plans to calculate permit cost, building area, various code applications and related information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships, ability to handle potential confrontational situations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.

Supplemental Information:

Interested candidates must complete the City of Urbandale's online application (through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/urbandale) by 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Qualified candidates will be notified of steps in the process via governmentjobs.com email notifications. Be sure to apply using an active email address that you check frequently to stay informed throughout the recruitment process, and consider signing up for text message alerts.

The civil service testing process for this position consists of a written exam and oral board interview.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the written exam step. Candidates passing the written exam, and who rank in the top fifteen (15)—including ties for fifteenth place—will be invited to participate in oral board interviews.

Candidates who successfully pass the interview process will be placed on a certified eligibility list. This list will remain active for up to one (1) year from the date of certification. There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Community Development Department for this classification. 

Written Exam Information:
Candidates will have two hours to complete four essay questions and sixty-one multiple-choice questions. Candidates may be asked to use basic math and geometry skills, in addition to calculating measurements such as area and volume. The use of a City provided basic calculator is allowed.

Tentative Timeline:
-Posting Close: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM
-Written Exam: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 & Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Urbandale City Hall (3600 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322). Exam will be offered at 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM both days. 
-Oral Interviews: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 & Wednesday, May 6, 2026
-Anticipated Start Date: Monday, June 8, 2026

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.