Working Title: DSFM School Inspector

Job Class: Deputy State Fire Marshal

Agency: Public Safety Dept

- Job ID: 96672
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing [email protected] by 11:59 PM 09/08/2026.
- Date Posted: 09/01/2026
- Closing Date: 09/14/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Fire Marshal / School Inspections/State Code
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, up to 75%
- Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
- Job Class Option: Fire Protection Specialist
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll 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. This position combines the best of both field and office work. You'll 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. It's 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.

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 Driver's 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

Driver's 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.

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. 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 [email protected] or (phone hidden).

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 [email protected].

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 Minnesota's State employees have in common?

- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and qualified growth

Benefits As an employee, you'll 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

- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] 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 [email protected] or call (phone hidden) (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.

📌 DSFM School Inspector - Deputy State Fire Marshal (Saint-Paul Parish)
🏢 Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
📍 Saint-Paul Parish