Employment Opportunities

Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction / Fire Marshal
This position will direct and coordinate the functions of the Fire Prevention Division, approve plans for all new and remodeled commercial construction, including site, building, fire suppression, fire alarm, and other plans as required. Coordinate and perform final inspections to ensure compliance with the adopted fire code including testing of all new fire sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and fire extinguishing hood systems. The principal functions of the Fire Marshal are to ensure fire safety, prevention, fire code enforcement, and investigative procedures are completed in a professional manner and with an adherence to all relevant guidelines and laws. Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in routine and emergency situations. May be tasked with assuming operational responsibilities of the department in the absence of other Chief Officers.

The minimum requirements for this position are a minimum of 10 years of fire service experience, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II, Fire Investigator and Plans Examiner. Requirements that are highly preferred are a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, EMS, Emergency Management, Public Administration or a closely related field as approved by the Fire Chief, Fire Officer II, and Iowa EMT or equivalent. Applicants must possess a valid Iowa driver's license.

Apply for the position.
Learn more (PDF) about the position. 
Annual salary is 90,285 - $122,756
Application deadline is Sunday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m.

Community Development Planner
We are currently seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join our team as a Community Development Planner. As a Community Development Planner, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Community Development Director by conducting operational and policy analysis through public engagement, research, and presentations.

A few essential duties and responsibilities include: 

  • Administer zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other municipal codes, offering guidance to the public and advising boards, commissions, and council on necessary changes.
  • Handle applications for Change of Zoning, Site Plan Review, Replat, and Plats of land within the City, including preparing recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission's review and the City Council's final action.
  • Collaborate with developers, property owners, and consultants to ensure the smooth coordination of meetings and community input.


Salary: $67,000 - $90,000
Apply and learn more about the position. 

Police Officer - Certified Lateral Transfer
Seeking dedicated, team-oriented individuals to perform a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention duties for the safety and protection of life and property in the Johnston community. Officers regularly engage in problem-solving, community education/outreach/intervention, critical thinking, and perform investigative work in preparation for arrest, referral, or mitigation.

Annual starting salary: $67,714 – $79,980
Apply for this position today.
Learn more (PDF) about the position. 

Click the image below to view a PDF of what JPD offers.

JPD_Lateral transfer program_3.22.23

Public Works Maintenance Worker I - Streets Division
This job entails performing a variety of tasks such as manual labor, operating equipment, and carrying out semi-skilled building and mechanical trades duties. The tasks involve maintaining and repairing the streets, properties, and premises of a municipality and providing scheduled and emergency services within the Public Works Department.

Examples of duties include:

  • Builds and sets forms for the pouring and finish of concrete for curbs, gutters and sidewalks, footings, catch basins, manholes, storm sewers; mixes, pours and spreads concrete, asphalt, gravel and other materials using hand and power tools.
  • Spreads and levels earth, sand and gravel using public works vehicles, hand and power tools; lifts, carries and holds materials, cleans tools, equipment, materials and work areas.
  • Cleans and repairs catch basins, manholes, culverts and storm drains using public works equipment, hand and power tools.

    Hourly pay: $26.30 - $31.15
    Learn more and apply for this position.

Important NEOGOV Notes

You must create an applicant profile with NEOGOV to use the system. If you have already registered at governmentjobs.com, you can use that account for the City of Johnston application process. To receive City of Johnston job notifications, you must sign up here.

Most job related notifications, including testing date, application status, and other time-sensitive items, will be sent to you via email. Please be sure you monitor your email account for notifications and updates.

We only accept applications during the announced recruiting period, so make sure to check the application deadline. Those job openings listed as "continuous" have no specific filing deadline, but you should submit your application as soon as possible to be sure you are considered for the next opening. Continuous recruitment may close at any time.

Complete a separate application for each job. A resume or letter of interest cannot be accepted in place of the City application, but may be attached to an application as additional information. Also make sure to complete any required supplemental application forms or online assessments. Remember that it is your responsibility to make sure your application is complete and that all required documents (licenses, transcripts, supplemental questionnaires, etc.) have been submitted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications are required to be submitted using the City's online recruitment system powered by NEOGOV.