Position Description

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The Fire Inspections Specialist I is responsible for performing inspections and investigating complaints for both large residential and commercial properties. Including issuing orders, maintaining accurate records and participate in legal proceeding. The work of the Inspections Services Division ensures that homes are adequately maintained and supports the vision that all Minneapolis residents who rent their homes will live in safe, dignified, stable, and healthy housing. The Inspections Services Division staff support the intent of the Renter First Policy and recognize rental housing and renters as community assets. Fire Inspections Specialist I is expected to participate in and contribute to an effective and dedicated team to ensure that the division operates efficiently and supports the overall goals of the Department and the City. The Fire Inspections Specialist I position is an entry level position within the Division and is connected to the Department’s overall Career Pathways goals to advance opportunities for growth and development.

Work Location –This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings to identify fire hazards and to determine code compliance for permits, permit renewals and licenses following all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Perform fire & life safety inspections of new and existing structures and properties for construction, occupancy, fire protection and exposures.
• Investigate common complaints and nuisance conditions, given a reported situation or condition so that the complaint is recorded, the process is initiated, and the complaint is resolved.
• Re-inspect buildings for code compliance when necessary and initiate appropriate penalties for non-compliance.
• Identify applicable codes or standards, given a fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue, so that the applicable document(s), edition and sections are referenced.
• Assure time management, daily communications with supervisor and staff, timely response to customers and management voicemails, emails and text messaging.
• Document inspections, status actions taken and corrections completed, and prepare related letters and reports as required.
• Compute allowable occupant load of a single-use occupancy or portion thereof, given detailed description of the occupancy so that the calculated allowable occupant load is established in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Provide information and answer questions from the public regarding fire code and fire prevention.
• Verify the type of construction for an addition or remodeling project, given field observations or a description of the project and materials being used so that the construction type is clearly identified and recorded.
• Appear before the Board of Appeals and in court as necessary.
• Determine the operational readiness of portable fire extinguishers and existing fixed fire suppression & detection system(s), given test documentation and field observations so that system(s) are in operational state, maintenance is documented and deficiencies are identified, documented, reported and abated.
• Inspect public gathering venues, hotels and motels, and other sites to identify, mitigate or eliminate homeland security issues. Inspect means of egress elements, given observations made during field inspections of existing structure so that means of egress elements are maintained in compliance with applicable codes and standards and deficiencies are identified, documented, reported and abated.
• Conduct fire watch at large public gatherings. Verify that emergency planning and preparedness measures are in place and have been practiced in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Recognize basic hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes and operations, fire prevention practices, ignition sources, safe housekeeping and classification of hazardous materials.
• Verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids, gases and hazardous materials.
• Verify fire flows for a site, given fire flow test results and water supply data. Verify types of water distribution systems and ability to read gauges and other data gathering devices to calculate and graph fire flow results.
• Attend and actively participate in all required training sessions, seminars and classes specific to job performance requirements.
• Maintain workspace, City vehicles, and equipment in operative condition at all times.

Working Conditions:
Office and field with occasional exposure to hazardous conditions.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education
Associate Degree in Fire Science, Building Inspection Technology, or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum Experience
One year of related experience, including for example fire code, code enforcement of Minneapolis City Codes, building code, housing maintenance code or Firefighter experience

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid Driver's license to operate City vehicles
• Minnesota State Fire Inspector I or an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within 12 months of hire

Documentation Required: The following documents must be attached to your application. Without, your application may be deemed incomplete.

• Resume
• Copies of all applicable certifications (education or skills)

Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds, crouch, bend, kneel, pull, push, and grasp.

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position may be considered.

Selection Process
Decisions concerning an applicant's qualifications for this position will be based on information provided in one's application materials. Fill out the application form as accurately and completely as possible. Screening questions, if any, should all be answered, as needed. The following tests may be used as part of the selection process: an evaluation of education, training, and experience; an oral exam; a written exam; work simulation exercises, candidate assessments; and/or other relevant selection tools. At each step of the process, HR reserves the right to limit the number of applicants to be tested.

Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Medical Exam
After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a medical examination which includes a physical screening.

Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Eligible List
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire in two months after it has been established.

Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, Minnesota State Fire Codes and National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards.
• Basic knowledge of legal processes involved in the enforcement of fire prevention laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association 1031 standards for the Fire Inspector I level.
• Basic knowledge of hazardous materials and their properties.
• Basic knowledge of building design, materials and construction.
• Basic knowledge of fire behavior.
• Basic knowledge of computer operations and software applications.
• Basic knowledge of permit policies and procedures.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good decision making skills.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural agility, including establishing and maintaining effective relationships with persons of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including customers and team members.
• An interest in working with diverse social groups and recognizing when culturally relevant communication materials or translation services are required.
• Ability to contribute to and participate in a positive workplace culture and to engage with team members in a way that promotes teamwork and division goals.
• Knowledge of resources for renters and rental property owners to understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Ability to explain and enforce codes and regulations in a professional, unbiased, and respectful manner.
• Customer-oriented with a solid knowledge of customer service experience.
• Ability to prioritize and organize daily workload.
• Ability to recognize and document deficiencies with recommended solutions.
• Ability to read and comprehend basic plans, make decisions and apply applicable codes and standards.
• Ability to be self-motivated while performing field inspections, use effective time management skills, ensure daily communications with supervisor and staff, and respond to customers and management voicemails, emails and text messaging in a timely manner.

Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being.
Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page.

New 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave.
City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Benefits
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements.

Retirement
City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

Transportation
Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

• Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs-such as qualified parking and van pool expenses-with pre-tax dollars

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Learning and development
To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other perks
Employees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program (Download PDF reader), technology discounts and more.