| Location | St. Paul, MN |
| Salary | $32.97–$48.60 Per Hour |
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Job Details
Working Title: DSFM School Inspector
Job Class: Deputy State Fire Marshal
Agency: Public Safety Dept
The work youll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
This posting was originally announced on 9/01/2026 - 9/14/2026 and is being re-announced for additional applications. If you have already applied, your application is still being considered.
This position combines the best of both field and office work. Youll work remotely from your home office, travel in a state-issued vehicle to conduct inspections, provide technical code assistance, and educate stakeholders through presentations and training. Its an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys independence, professional interaction, and a diverse workload that keeps every week interesting.
This position is responsible for enforcing Minnesota Statutes, the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) and other rules, regulations and standards relating to fire and life safety through inspection and analysis of new and existing educational occupancies. This position is also responsible for enforcement of the MSFC in buildings of all occupancy classifications, as necessary, for the investigation of complaints or to assist and advise local government units where requested. This work involves complex application and interpretation of the state fire code, state building code, referenced codes and standards, state statutes, and administrative rules through comprehensive onsite inspections and the review, evaluation, and interpretation of building design plans, specifications, and technical reports.
This position is also responsible for providing fire code and fire-safety information, instruction, and consultation to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, fire code officials, building code officials, public and professional groups, and other stakeholders. This position requires investigation of fires in previously inspected buildings for determining lessons learned based on the performance and adequacy of fire protection systems, fire resistive construction, egress design, human behavior, and emergency preparedness.
RESIDENCY
The Deputy State Fire Marshal School Inspector of the West Central region must reside in one of the following counties within 6 months of hire: Benton, Chippewa, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, or Wright.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum 3 years' full-time experience conducting comprehensive building inspections, including the issuance of corrective orders or detailed reports of findings and verifying compliance through follow-up inspections, to ensure compliance with a nationally recognized model fire code or building code such as IFC, NFPA 1, NFPA 101, IBC, or NFPA 5000; and where such inspections were a primary duty of the position.
Possession of a valid Class D Drivers License. Towing trailers up to a gross vehicle combination weight of 26,000 pounds may also be required.
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Preferred Qualifications
A working knowledge of building construction types, fire-related construction components and design, and the ability to apply appropriate fire code requirements to specific construction types and designs.
Knowledge of fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, hydrant, standpipes, and alternate systems; and the applicable MSFC and NFPA requirements for these systems.
Demonstrable history of solving complex fire- and life-safety issues through application of fire safety methods, materials, and technologies.
Ability to manage and organize work activities with minimal direct supervision.
Ability to learn and use computer-based software and applications to write correction orders and reports of findings.
Ability to impart knowledge in a non-confrontational manner to people on a one-to-one basis as well as to large audiences.
Ability to provide consultation on the fire code and develop effective working relationships with professional groups including building owners, maintenance personnel, architects and design engineers, fire and building service officials and other state, county, local and federal agencies.
Certification as a Fire Inspector I with the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (or equivalent).
Ability to effectively develop and present fire code and inspection related educational content to groups of various sizes.
Ability to educate property owners and managers on the benefits of achieving compliance by explaining the rationale and history behind specific fire code provisions and fire-safety practices.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time and visually inspect all interior and exterior areas of buildings. This includes the ability to ascend and descend ladders and stairways and traverse along uneven terrain. This position involves driving long distances to and from inspection sites and to various locations throughout the state. The appointee must also have the physical ability to maintain a stationary position for extended periods while at a workstation, in a classroom setting, or when giving a presentation. The appointee must be able to lift items up to 30 lbs. in weight (laptop computer, training materials, etc.) and carry these items for short distances.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:
Criminal history
Reference check
Drivers License check
Drug screen
Pre-employment physical
SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Kara Kreutzer at kara.kreutzer@state.mn.us or 651-201-7379.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kara Kreutzer at kara.kreutzer@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesotas State employees have in common?
Benefits
As an employee, youll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at ADA.accommodations.DPS@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.