Fire Inspector

City of Edina•Fire Station #1 6250 Tracy Avenue, MN

20h

About The Position

The Fire Inspector develops and maintains specialized skills and knowledge in public information, fire prevention, community risk reduction, fire detection and control systems, hazardous materials, building construction, and fire investigation. The position applies and interprets fire and building codes, ordinances, and statutes, exercises independent judgment, and assists, trains, and guides other fire personnel in prevention, inspection, investigations, and pre-fire planning. The Fire Inspector also represents the Fire Department as an advisory member to public and private groups, committees, and planning teams. The role includes inspecting fire protection systems and buildings, reviewing plans, enforcing fire safety regulations, conducting public education, and investigating fires and complaints. During emergencies, the Fire Inspector performs firefighting, EMS, SOT, investigation, or other duties as assigned. Inspection work takes place in an office or at sites being evaluated; assigned emergency-response duties involve exposure to hazardous and sometimes extreme conditions. The position is contingent upon background checks, medical exams, and drug testing.

Requirements

High school diploma and three years of firefighting experience, or equivalent.
Maintain certifications for firefighting, Fire Inspector, and EMT-B.
Licensed as a firefighter by the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE).
Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state license.
Within one year, meet Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (MFSCB) requirements or equivalent for Fire Inspector First Responder and Fire Inspector (NFPA 1031), and Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033).
Within two years, acquire Public Fire Educator I and II (NFPA 1035) or equivalent; obtain other certifications as determined by the Fire Marshal.
Knowledge of basic and advanced fire investigation and fire inspection.
Knowledge of fire sprinkler and fire alarm design and application, building and fire codes, and public fire education.
Basic familiarity with common mechanical and electrical codes and emergency management planning principles and practices.
Ability to speak publicly to provide education and training programs.
Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to build positive relationships with employees and the public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive or private information.
Ability to meet the physical demands of assigned duties, including firefighting tasks such as climbing, kneeling, moving over uneven surfaces, and lifting or dragging objects.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in applied science in Fire Science or equivalent.
NICET certification in fire protection or Fire Protection Engineer qualification.
National Fire Investigator certification or equivalent.
Sprinkler and fire alarm plan review experience.
Community risk reduction education and experience.

Responsibilities

Apply and interpret fire, building, electrical, and mechanical codes, ordinances, and statutes related to fire safety and prevention.
Inspect new and existing sprinkler, fire alarm, and special fire suppression systems; existing buildings; licensed daycare centers; and commercial kitchen exhaust cleanings.
Respond to public concerns about fire hazards and take appropriate action.
Prepare, approve, and sign fire prevention orders; issue citations; and take other actions needed to enforce fire safety regulations.
Make observations and recommendations to the Fire Marshal or Shift Officer regarding fire prevention, inspection, investigation, policy, and procedure.
Review and approve plans and specifications for fire protection systems, building and site design, materials, and process hazards, and guide others in these activities.
Inspect and approve Fire Department Special Hazard Permits, and guide others in this work.
Perform firefighter, SOT, investigation, and EMS duties as assigned.
Assist, train, and guide fire personnel in fire prevention and safety, inspections, pre-fire planning, fire scene investigation, and evidence security.
Test, calculate, report, and interpret results involving municipal and private hydrant systems, fire control systems, sprinklers, and standpipes; assist or guide others, including engineers and designers.
Conduct or guide framing, conditional, temporary, Code Compliance, pre-fire, and final occupancy inspections for new or remodeled buildings.
Represent the Fire Department to the public and serve as an advisory member to public and private safety groups, committees, and planning teams.
Prepare and conduct fire prevention and public education programs for children, seniors, juvenile fire setters, business staff, and civic groups; deliver fire safety information through demonstrations, media, training, or other means.
Investigate fires as requested, independently or as a team member; conduct and record interviews and witness statements; prepare investigative reports; and maintain investigation, inspection, and plan-review records.
Investigate complaints and resolve questions in accordance with Department policy and practice.
Photograph, sketch, and collect evidence while maintaining proper chain-of-evidence procedures.
Coordinate fire prevention activities with other City departments.
Maintain high ethical standards and public trust, and perform other assigned duties and activities.