Nature of Work
The Fire Inspector is an entry-level, skilled position in the Fire Prevention Bureau focused on fire prevention through the enforcement of regulatory fire codes and education of the public. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, conducting plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire codes and recordkeeping requirements; and conducting public information and education programs.
View official Notice of ExaminationThe work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment. 
*Enforce federal, state, and local fire codes and comply with recordkeeping requirements 
Plan Review

• Examine plan documents for compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards
• Identify deficiencies and communicate corrective actions to applicant(s); review revised plan documents to ensure compliance with minimum requirements
• Issue the appropriate permit document authorizing the applicant to proceed with the proposed project or activity/event

Inspections

• Conduct new construction, maintenance, and complaint inspections to ensure compliance with laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards
• Identify deficiencies and communicate corrective actions and required timelines; conduct follow up inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes
• Issue the appropriate operational and/or occupancy permits

*Conduct public information and education programs 

• Conduct fire prevention classes and demonstrations as directed
• Provide training to department employees in fire prevention techniques and procedures

*Conduct limited/supportive fire investigations activities assisting with determining origin and cause 

• Respond to on-scene investigation calls for fires and explosions when requested 
• Collect evidence from fire scenes as directed
• Take photographs of fire scenes, fire hazards, and possible evidence as directed
• Interview firefighters, victims, and witnesses of fire incidents as directed

.*Perform other related duties as assigned 

• Respond to emergency calls as directed
• Complete special projects as assigned

Due to the hazardous work in this position, qualified candidates must be at least 18 years of age. 
Education and Experience 
High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience in the design, installation, and/or maintenance of fire protection systems, code enforcement, facilities management, or related field.
OR 
Associate's degree in Fire Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering or related field.
OR Current RFD employees only: High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience as a Firefighter in the Rochester Fire Department.
Licenses and/or Certifications 
Valid driver's license
 
Achievement of the following certifications is required within the specified time period below as a condition of continued employment. All certifications must be maintained throughout employment in this position.
Issuing Agency: International Code Council or MN Fire Service Certification Board

• Fire Inspector I (within 6 months post hire)
• Fire Inspector II (within 12 months post hire)

Desirable Qualifications
Fire Inspector IAAI
Fire Investigation Technician (F.I.T.) Certification
ICC Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector
ICC Commercial Fire Alarm Inspector
MN Fire Inspector I and II
NFPA Fire Prevention certification
POSITION COMPETENCIES
Foster Inclusive Workplace and Belonging - Cultivate a work environment where all members feel a sense of belonging. Contributing to an inclusive workplace includes language and actions that show an understanding of and ability to interact with people and groups from all backgrounds.
Relationship Effectiveness - Build and maintain healthy working relationships with other employees and community partners, interacting and collaborating in an effective and professional manner.
Service Focus - Serve the larger community and city teammates. As such, act in accordance with the City’s foundational principles and values. Provide outstanding service to the public as a representative of the City of Rochester.
Results – Demonstrate knowledgeable expertise in designated area of responsibility; meet the goals and objectives set for the role; and produce the appropriate quality and quantity of work.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: modern fire protection methods and procedures; fire chemistry and principles of fire behavior; building construction practices; theories, principles and practices of fire science; statutory regulations related to fire, building and housing codes; associated industry standards; and risk reduction principles, techniques and equipment.
Skill in: work independently in organizing and prioritizing work assignments; exercising good judgment in stressful situations; and effective communication techniques.
Ability to: critically analyze information; make sound decisions; interpret and apply appropriate codes, ordinances, and regulations; read and write technical reports; keep accurate records; present complex information in an understandable manner; understand principles and operation of alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems and other relevant technology; deal courteously and effectively with the public; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external customers; adapt to changing work environments; utilize management information systems; and operate a motor vehicle in all weather conditions.THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT 
As a condition of continued employment, employees must establish and maintain their residence within a response time of no more than thirty (30) minutes from the city limits of Rochester.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort and the exertion of force (lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling) required to perform this position, the work is best described as Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Frequent demands: standing, sitting, walking, and fine dexterity.
Occasional demands: crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling, handling, carrying, crawling, reaching, kneeling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and foot controls.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Work at heights (such as on scaffolding or ladders)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)