Fire Protection Specialist

 
Nature of Work
The Fire Protection Specialist is a technically skilled position focused on fire protection and prevention within the Rochester community.  Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: performing plan reviews and inspections of more complex structures in accordance with federal, state, and local fire codes; serving as the subject matter expert on fire protection as well as federal, state, and local fire codes; and identifying opportunities to improve existing processes and/or innovate new methods to enhance organizational success.  The Fire Protection Specialist will also be responsible for representing the Rochester Fire Department during development-related meetings with associated stakeholders including architects, engineers, property owners and government officials among others. 

Pay
To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before March 3, 2025.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.   

Notice of Exam

*Perform plan review and inspections of more complex structures in accordance with federal, state, and local fire codes Plan Review

• Examine plan documents for compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards as well as for any special hazards 
• Evaluate construction alternatives for equivalency to the requirements of building and fire codes and nationally recognized industry standards; confer with state and federal agencies and/or fire industry experts as applicable 
• 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
• Monitor and manage plans and permitting intake procedures and process

Inspections

• Conduct new construction, maintenance, and complaint inspections to ensure compliance with laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards; explore and educate owners and stakeholders about alternative opportunities to address inspection issues   
• 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

*Serve as the subject matter expert on fire protection as well as federal, state, and local fire codes

• Provide support to fire investigations as needed through documenting findings within area of expertise and providing court testimony in collaboration with law enforcement and the State Fire Marshal as requested 
• Educate fire suppression and City teammates as well as other collaborative partners on relevant topics including, but not limited to: the unusual applications of fire code, new design concepts and/or alternative methods or materials for code compliance 
• Provide code consultation and respond to inquiries from City teammates, architects, engineers, contractors, designers and/or the public regarding fire protection systems, fire codes and department policies/procedures 
• Serve as a resource to other teammates within the Fire Prevention Bureau 
• Assist in the development and implementation of local fire prevention ordinances, standards, and policies for the City of Rochester

*Identify opportunities to improve existing processes and/or innovate new methods to enhance organizational success

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders/partners to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of plan review, inspection, and other internal processes 
• Participate in opportunities related to the development or application of  fire prevention code, standards, and other issues at a local, state, and/or national level 
• Expand and share knowledge through membership in relevant organizations, committees, groups, or other work teams as appropriate.

Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.   

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Due to the hazardous work in this position, qualified candidates must be at least 18 years of age.  

Education and Experience 
Bachelor's degree in Fire Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering or related field OR be graduating from one of these noted programs by June of 2025. 
OR 
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.

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 

Within 12 months post hire: Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, Fire Plans Examiner  

Within 24 months post hire: Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner, Commercial Fire Alarm Plans Examiner I, Commercial Fire Alarm Plans Examiner II 

Desirable Certifications:

• Certification as a Fire Protection Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Engineer in Training
• Previous experience in the design and/or review of fire protection system designs and plans 
• MN Fire Inspector I and II
• NFPA Fire Prevention certification 
• Fire Investigator IAAI certification  
• State of Minnesota Firefighter I/II certification  
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certification in any of the following: fire alarm systems; inspection and testing of fire alarm systems; inspection and testing of water-based systems; special hazard systems; water-based systems layout; and/or other fire protection disciplines. 
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist 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.

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, this position 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, reaching, and fine dexterity.
Occasional demands: crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling, handling, carrying, crawling, 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)
Protective equipment required (earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)

Salary : $88,718 - $130,469