Fire Inspections Specialist III - Alternative Enforcement Team

*This is restricted to Current City

of Minneapolis Employees*

Performs highly skilled complex technical work conducting complex fire and life safety inspections of new and existing structures, involving evaluation of construction types, occupancy types, fire protection systems and hazardous materials, grounds, and Fire Department access; and participates in emergency response training and prepares and presents technical fire protection educational trainings to FIS/HIS staff and other City disciplines as assigned.

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.

• Perform all types of occupancy inspections and coordinate the development of interdepartmental work teams to perform joint inspections of commercial, high occupancy dwelling, and mixed use buildings.

• Enforce permit regulations relative to adopted and applicable codes, standards, policies and code of ordinances of the jurisdiction so that enforcement actions are taken, and deficiencies and violations are mitigated.

• Evaluate and determine code compliance for required fire flows and hydrant locations and spacing relative to new and existing buildings.

• Assist with the recommendations and evaluation of policies and procedures for fire safety inspections and code enforcement activities.

• Provide training and be a resource to fire inspection specialist I & II and Housing Inspector I, II and Leads.

• Assist in facilitating code adoption and modification processes.

• Assist in developing policies and procedures relative to inspection functions.

• Evaluate and issue written reports, make decisions, and communicate requirements based on a working knowledge of the building and fire code laws, and national fire code standards.

• Participate in preliminary development review (PDR) meetings to determine fire vehicle ingress and egress, fire flow requirements, fire and life safety system installation requirements, building construction type requirements, water supply requirements, exposure requirements, etc.

• Participate in legal proceedings and appear before the Board of Appeals and in court as necessary.

• Inspect public gathering venues, hotels and motels, and other sites to identify, mitigate, or eliminate violations relative to Federal Government requests and presidential visits, etc.

• Conduct fire watch duties at large public gatherings.

• Attend and participate in all FIS/HIS staff meetings, outside training sessions, seminars and classes.

• Prepare and present technical fire protection educational trainings to FIS staff, HIS staff and other City disciplines as assigned. (Autonomy): requires self-discipline while performing field inspections, time management, daily communications with supervisor and staff, timely response to customers and management voicemails, emails and text messaging.

• Maintain workspace, assigned City vehicles, and tools in ready condition at all times.

• Train and mentor new staff to ensure consistent performance and adhearance to organizational standards.

• Conduct portfolio inspections to maintain compliance and quality across assigned properties.

• Assist in managing Tenant Remedies Actions (TRA) and Emergency Tenants Remedies Actions (ETRA) enforcement, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with legal requirements.

• Develop, improve, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency, consistency, and service.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection, Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent

Minimum Experience
Four years of experience which includes conducting fire safety programs, and one year of experience of lead responsibility in fire inspection and/or prevention

Licenses/Certifications
Minnesota Fire Inspector II or International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II certification, and a valid driver's license

Cover Letter/Resume

A cover letter and resume are required. You must attach a cover letter and updated resume to your application.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

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.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and AFSCME. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/afscme-general/

Eligible List Statement

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 upon hire.

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.

• Supplemental education and relevant certifications that demonstrate strong competence in Fire Inspection, and lead to consideration for higher certification.
• Desired specialized training in hazardous materials and certified Fire Protection Specialist within 12 months of hire and/or transfer.
• Thorough knowledge of City of Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, and Minnesota State Fire Codes.
• Thorough knowledge of 1031 National Fire Protection Association Codes and other Standards.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and their properties.
• Working knowledge of fire protection systems and plans
• Ability to evaluate, read and review fire protection plans, hazardous material inventory statements i.e. MSDS sheets and maintain (SARA) 302 mandates, high piled storage and commodities.
• Working knowledge of the behavior of fire.
• Knowledge of computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of building design, materials and construction and the ability to read, interpret and enforce approved plans and specifications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

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 City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.