Fire Inspector I/Firefighter

Under the general supervision and direction of the Community Standards Manager, the primary duty of this position is to respond to emergency calls as a firefighter. In addition, the Fire Inspector I will enforce state and local fire, housing, zoning, health, safety and/or nuisance codes through inspection and public education. This position reports to the Community Standards Manager/Fire Marshal.

These examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all inclusive. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Emergency response as a firefighter, including emergency medical calls and fire calls that include the hazards of firefighting.
• Enforces state and local fire codes in response to inspections, complaints, and fire incidents.
• Inspection of commercial, industrial, and residential complexes to ensure compliance with the state and local fire code.  Issues orders of correction that may include timed compliance, immediate closure or stop work orders.  Recommends legal action for non-compliance cases and prepares documentation for prosecution.
• Conducts post incident inspections of fire calls and alarms to determine cause and provide education to the business community on ways to eliminate future calls.
• Conducts fire prevention education to ensure public and building owner(s) awareness and the importance of fire safety and conformance with fire safety codes.
• Promotes and maintains the safety and well-being of the residents of the City by enforcement of state and local codes by responding to citizen complaints, identifying violations and issuing violation notices.
• Identifies zoning and nuisance code violations and notifies and negotiates with property owners to achieve code compliance.
• Administers abatements of nuisances.
• Enforces and oversees local housing codes:
  1. Conducts routine inspections of rental housing property to ensure compliance with the housing maintenance and fire codes.
  2. Responds to citizen complaints, identifying violations, resolving disputes, and issues violation notices. 
  3. Works with property owners to identify and promote potential home improvements and facilitates the home improvement process through coordination of community resources.
  4. Assists in the development of brochures, web site info, cable productions, workshops, presentations and other informational resources to educate and inform the public about the value of rental licensing programs, home improvements and available incentive programs. 
  5. Assists with the promotion of housing rehabilitation loan programs.
  6. Assist in the administration of the Rental Housing Licensing Program including:
  7. Monitoring and collecting information from various sources including police call data regarding the conduct of persons in rental dwellings that may be disorderly.
  8. Communicating with rental dwelling owners, agents or managers regarding violations occurring in violation of applicable City Ordinances.
  9. Receiving, processing and evaluating written reports provided by rental dwelling owners, agents or managers regarding remediation of City Ordinance violations at their property.
• Creates and maintains administrative forms, entries and files.
• Prepare routine correspondence.
• Fulfill all minimum Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) firefighter requirements
• Other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of the practices and principles of fire suppression and medical emergency rescue.
• Knowledge of practices, principles, and techniques of effective code enforcement/fire prevention principles.
• Knowledge of the geography of the city and locations of hydrants, building and special areas requiring special pre-fire control planning, inspection and special firefighting techniques.
• Knowledge of Minnesota State Fire Code, state laws and local ordinances.
• Skill in public presentations and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret state and local codes as they apply to the position.
• Ability to effectively communicate procedures and decisions to other City staff, builders, developers and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1 year of course work relating to fire inspection, housing inspection or code enforcement, or equivalent inspection experience.
• Licensed Firefighter by the State of Minnesota. 
• Certified as Fire Inspector I by the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board.  
• Certified as a Firefighter II by the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board.
• Certification in HazMat Operations by the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board.
• Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
• Valid State of MN Drivers’ License.

Desirable Requirements

• Associates or Bachelors degree in fire science or related field.
• Certification as a Plans Examiner by the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board.
• Current certification as, Fire Inspector II.
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar digital plan review tools.

Supervision of Others

• N/A

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions, such as, mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibrations; atmospheric conditions, such as fumes, odors, gases, and poor ventilation; hazardous materials, such as chemicals, blood, and other bodily fluids; extreme temperatures; inadequate lighting; work space-related movement restrictions; intense noise; and other environmental conditions, such as, challenging behaviors, imminent danger, and threatening environments.