Under the direction of the Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal, the Fire Inspector is responsible for community risk reduction, fire prevention, inspections, investigations, and public education. The role ensures compliance with fire and life safety codes through plan reviews and inspections of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The Fire Inspector also assists with fire cause investigations, emergency and pre-fire planning, and community risk reduction efforts. As a certified firefighter, this position will also respond to emergency calls as assigned and may act as Fire Marshal in the Assistant Chief's absence.
This is a full-time, union position with a regular schedule of five 8-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, requiring flexibility to perform fire investigations, public education activities, or inspections outside of regular hours as needed.
Anticipated starting pay is $87,152 to $97,572 per year, depending on qualifications. Full 2026 pay range is $87,152 to $114,816 per year.
- Conduct inspections and enforce fire codes.
- Review construction plans for fire and life safety compliance.
- Review and evaluate life safety systems to ensure proper installation and function.
- Respond to emergency scenes to investigate the origin and cause of fires; support arson prevention and reporting.
- Respond to a wide range of emergency incidents and scenes, as assigned, to control and extinguish fires, contain hazardous materials, deliver emergency medical care; and protect life and property.
- Develop, direct, and assist with community risk reduction programs.
- Collaborate with city departments and community partners on safety initiatives.
- May act as the Fire Marshal in the absence of the Assistant Chief.
- Maintain records, complete reports, and support administrative functions.
- Continued education on fire codes, regulations, and industry best practices through ongoing training and professional development to ensure accurate code interpretation and effective enforcement.
- Conduct training in code enforcement, community risk reduction, fire protection, fire investigation, and other assigned fire-related training.
- Maintain individual firefighting, EMS, and rescue skills, including physical conditioning.
- Assist in other departmental administrative activities as assigned.
- Perform other related work as assigned.
General
- High school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- Valid driver's license.
- Must meet the minimum physical fitness standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), including completing an annual physical agility/endurance test.
- Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological evaluation.
- Physical ability to perform inspections at all elevations (above, at, and below grade level).
Education & Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in fire service, fire inspections, or a related field.
- Fire Inspector I Certification (Minnesota or IFSAC Accredited), or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Fire Inspector II Certification (Minnesota or IFSAC Accredited), or the ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
- IAAI Fire Investigation Technician certification (or equivalent), or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
- Fire Instructor I Certification (Minnesota or IFSAC Accredited), or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Proficiency in MS Office and other database management software.
Certifications
- Licensed by the State of Minnesota as a firefighter, or the ability to obtain licensing within one year of hire (Minnesota Statute §299N).
- State Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
- Obtain the Local Hazard Zone (BlueCard) Certification within one year of hire.
