The City of Chaska is looking for a Firefighter/Inspector. There are two main functions for this position, rental inspections and responding to emergency calls. The Firefighter/Inspector enforces local codes on all rental properties in Chaska and have thorough knowledge of state and local codes. This position conducts fire safety and prevention education programs in the community, assists the Fire Marshal with new construction plan reviews and inspections, and assists with fire investigations as needed.
All employees are expected to contribute to the success of our organization by demonstrating the shared expectations: Customer Focus, Flexibility, Initiative, Results Orientation, Public Stewardship, Teamwork, and Integrity.
This position will fill the Firefighter/Inspector I or Firefighter/Inspector II vacancy, depending on qualifications. The Firefighter/Inspector I conducts fire safety and prevention education programs in the community and assist the Fire Mashal with new construction plan reviews and inspections. This role requires the Minnesota State Certification of Firefighter I/Hazmat Ops, and Firefighter II by the MFSCB. The Firefighter/Inspector II will conduct fire safety and prevention education programs and may conduct new construction plan reviews and inspections and will assist or conduct fire investigations as assigned.
- Respond to calls for any fire, medical, rescue, or other call for service.
- Attend and actively participate in all required fire department and outside trainings to maintain and improve knowledge, skills, abilities, and maintain certifications.
- Participate in the CFD Duty Crew program and meet all requirements and expectations.
- Conduct fire and life safety inspections on all rental properties and commercial buildings in Chaska to identify safety hazards and to determine code compliance.
- Assist in investigating issues related to unwanted fire alarms.
- Lead and assist the Fire Marshal in reviewing plans, construction documents, and inspections to ensure they meet fire code, city ordinances, and state and federal construction codes.
- Coordinate department programs and assist with the preparation of special events.
- Provide data entry into the Minnesota Fire District incident reporting systems (FirstDue and SmartGov) including calls for service, locations, and activities, including regular duty crew hours, and other payroll entries line programs.
- Serve as the technical resource for NERIS fire reporting, pre-plans, fire scheduler, and other CFD RMS programs.
- Additional duties may include: scheduling and coordination of training for other department staff, research and administration of equipment and supplies, assisting with community event planning for Fire Department, creating and maintaining reports for Administration.
- Lead/assist with fire investigations as appropriate and as assigned by the Fire Marshal.
- Participate in 8 hours of approved, annual outside Inspector-related continuing education.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Valid, unrestricted Minnesota driver’s license
- Minnesota State Certification of Firefighter I, Hazmat Ops, and Firefighter II by the MFSCB
Firefighter/Inspector II Additional Requirements
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Minnesota Firefighter License
- Must possess Minnesota State Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Certification or be a current Chaska FAO.
- Current Fire Inspector II / Inspector Certification, issued by MFSCB (or equivalent)
- Completion of Sprinkler plan review class including at least 2 days of hydraulic calculations.
- Coursework in MN State Fire Marshal's Fire Investigation Part I course or International Association of Arson Investigator's Fire Investigation
- Current Chaska Right Front Seat (RFS)
- Current Plans Examiner Certification, issued by MFSCB (or equivalent)
- Current Blue Card certification
Equipment Used
- Computer, office machines, electronic devices including cell phones, pagers and two-way radios
- Telephone
- Office equipment such as copier, calculator, fax, etc.
- Emergency Medical Equipment including a defibrillator (AED)
- Hydraulics, electric air-operated rescue tools
- All firefighting equipment including ladders, hoses, pumps
- Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Mental Effort
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Communication with the public and staff
- Basic mathematical skills
- Attention to detail and deadlines are required in completing reports and paperwork
- Ability to assess emergency situations; coordinate and direct firefighting & rescue efforts as rapidly as possible.
- Ability to drive and act under high-stress and urgent situations.
Physical Requirements
- Operate a computer and basic office equipment
- Operate a motor vehicle
- Ability to sit/stand for varying periods of time and ability to climb up and on top of fire apparatus
- Must be able to stand, climb ladders, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and read
- Walk or run on uneven surfaces
- Climb, carry, pull, lift, and move objects or people of varying weights.
- Wear gear that can weigh up to 70 lbs
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150+ lbs
- Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions
- General Office Environment
- Work involves frequent inspections and working with tenants and landlords
- Driving to emergency sites
- Exposure to all weather types and extreme temperatures
- Exposure to smoke, fumes, heat, chemicals, solvents, oils, and pathogens
- Heights and enclosed spaces