LEAD INSPECTOR

Salary: $67,272.00 Annually
Location : Health Dept., 1907 Carpenter, Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-1113
Department: Health Department
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PRA
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME/Professional
Salary Grade: 10
Location: Health Department

Under general supervision, conducts lead hazard inspections, risk assessments, and remediation investigations; analyzes data, performs environmental sampling, prepares reports, and delivers educational sessions to families and groups. Received elevated blood lead results from Iowa HHS and supports families in reducing lead exposure, in accordance with state guidelines.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Collects environmental samples to perform risk assessments in homes occupied by children with elevated blood lead levels.
2. Provides reports of investigation results and hazard reduction options to stakeholders, including health care provider, occupants, property owners, parents/guardian of child, and other technical and professional staff.
3. Conducts client assessments via home visits and phone interviews, performs follow-up calls, and provides referrals to the appropriate resources as needed.
4. Obtains, coordinates, and submits complete and accurate patient information for all home visits, client conversations, and patient information in a timely manner; documents inspection information, follow-up events, and results of investigation into HLLPSS database and maintains other case file records and prepares reports as directed.
5. Oversees all renovation phases on department-managed lead abatement projects; prepares progress reports, coordinates activities with contractors, property owners, and others, and manages the biding process which includes developing cost estimates and work specifications, obtaining bids from contractors, evaluating bids, and preparing loan documents; follows up as necessary until repairs are completed and the case is closed.
6. Advises family in their home and property owners on lead hazard remediation.
7. Operations and maintains X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to conduct paint sampling and other field equipment.
8. Provides technical assistance and consultation to public/private entities or individuals on lead poisoning prevention; attends meetings and makes presentations to community/neighborhood advisory, ad hoc committees, and other program staff on lead prevention program activities.
9. May instruct others on performing lead testing, or other activities as directed.
10. Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the health hazards of lead, risk assessment methods, and lead based paint inspection and investigation methods.
• Knowledge of paint, dust, and soil sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and techniques involved in building construction, repair, and alteration.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to lead health hazards and remediation.
• Knowledge of case management principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals, groups, multiple agencies, the general public, and diverse communities.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications including Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to accurately interpret and adhere to policies, procedures and regulations contained in the Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 70.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret scientific data.
• Ability to perform basic math computations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing, including the ability to conduct presentations.
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of individuals from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds and to conduct investigations in homes where people live under extremely unsanitary conditions.
• Ability to utilize teaching and counseling principles in working with individuals, families, and other community members in relation to lead abatement activities.
• Ability to operate equipment used in lead testing/analysis including X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer.
• Ability to handle confidential information of a sensitive nature.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds of equipment throughout a home, climb ladders, and work in dimly lit areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, employees of other agencies and organizations, medical personnel, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, or Biological, Chemical, or Physical sciences or related field, and
• Two years of experience in lead, environmental health, public health, housing inspection, building trades, or related, or
• Associate's Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Health, or related field, and
• Four years of related experience in lead, environmental health, public health, housing inspection, building trades, or related, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate is required to obtain Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor and EBL Inspector certifications within six months of hire and maintain.
• Candidate is required to obtain Lead Abatement Contractor certification within six months of hire and maintain.
• Candidate must complete training in the use of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer within six months of hire and maintain.
• HIPAA training is required upon hire and annually.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is required within six months of hire.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.

Salary as of July 1, 2026 is $69,290 annually.
Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.