About the Department

Every building tells a story, and every inspection helps ensure that story begins with safety, quality, and confidence. The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring for a knowledgeable and customer-focused Building Inspector to join our team. In this role, you'll work with homeowners, contractors, developers, and business owners to help ensure construction projects meet applicable building codes while delivering exceptional customer service every step of the way.
This is more than an inspection role - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community. From new residential homes and commercial developments to remodeling project and renovations, no two days are the same. If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, and take pride in helping build a safe and vibrant city, we'd love to have you on our team. 

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here! 

Position Duties

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects construction for code compliance;
• Assists in the inspection of residential construction for plumbing, mechanical and electrical code compliance;
• Examines and reviews building plans, blueprints and permit applications;
• Supports and assists permit review and issuance;
• Supports and assists zoning inspection activities;
• Supports and assists zoning enforcement, rental housing and nuisance staff activities and inspections;
• Issues house-moving and demolition permits;
• Maintains manual and electronic inspection records;
• Prepares records and reports; 
• Travels by car to construction sites;
• Assists in prosecution of municipal code violations;
• Testifies in court and appeal hearings;
• Wears and properly uses safety equipment including personal protective and fall protection equipment;
• Attends staff meetings;
• Prepares correspondence;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Training:

• Graduation from High School or GED; and

• Five years documented journeyman-level experience in construction or related trades; or
• 2 years documented experience as a municipal building inspector ; or
• Graduation from an accredited or Iowa State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree or greater in Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology;
• Possession of a current International Code Council Residential Building or Commercial Building Inspector Certificate;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (1), (2), and (3) above.

• Valid Iowa Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain an ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector & One (1).
• Residential Trade Inspector ICC Certification within 12 months of appointment.

Other Qualifications

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm

Benefits

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families! 

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plans (IPERS)  with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year—learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance 
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

Supplemental Questions

01

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02

What was your major or primary field of study?

• Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology
• Other, related to Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology
• Other major
• no degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in construction or related trades?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

How many years do you have as a municipal building inspector?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 2 year of experience
• At least 4 years of experience
• At least 6 years of experience
• At least 8 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience.

05

Which of the following best indicates your total years of experience where primary duties consisted of (journeyman-level experience in construction or related trades)? Please only include experience where your primary job responsibilities were in one of these areas.

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience

06

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner – Able to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, entering data, sending emails, and using basic formatting.
• Intermediate – Comfortable with day-to-day use, including formatting documents, using basic formulas in Excel (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE), managing calendars, and creating standard presentations.
• Proficient – Regularly uses Microsoft Office in a professional setting; able to create complex documents, use intermediate Excel functions (e.g., IF statements), and manage data efficiently.
• Advanced – Highly skilled; able to use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis tools), automate tasks, create polished reports/presentations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Expert – Deep expertise across multiple Office applications; designs complex spreadsheets and reporting tools, uses advanced automation (e.g., macros), and may train or support others.

07

Do you hold any of the following Inspector Certifications?

• Residential Building
• International Code Council Residential Building
• International Code Council Commercial Building
• International Code Council Residential Trade
• No, I don't hold any certificate

08

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you able to obtain an ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector and a Residential Trade Inspector ICC Certification within 12 months of appointment.

• Yes
• No
• Already have a ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector and a Residential Trade Inspector ICC Certification

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer

City of Cedar Rapids

Address

101 1st Street SE








Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone

319-286-5000

Website

http://www.cedar-rapids.org/