University Fire Inspector

About the Job

This position has responsibility for performing complex inspections and evaluations of building sprinkler, fire alarm and emergency communications systems for the University throughout the state. Additional tasks involve the regular and periodic performance of fire inspections of existing University buildings as well as evaluation of proposed improvements related to the Fire Code. All of the related tasks involve interpretation and enforcement of both the State Building Code and State Fire Code as well as a firm understanding of local and national trends in industry.

Responsibilities

/ Essential Functions Inspection of all permitted fire maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel and construction work on all University of Minnesota properties system-wide (65%)

• Conduct on-site construction inspections, record results in permit software system.
• Perform field inspections for permitted projects located in the Twin Cities and throughout the state of Minnesota as needed.
• Document and initiate appropriate corrective action to enforce code compliance.
• Maintain daily inspection log and related records in an up-to-date and orderly fashion to expedite record keeping procedures.
• Conduct inspections on all permitted construction work involving fire and related systems to assure work is performed consistent with applicable codes and standards.
• Perform fire inspections to verify compliance between plans and actual construction.

Review fire plans and scopes of work prior to fire permit issuance to verify compliance with all fire codes and standards (20%)

• Examine design documents of fire systems at different phases of design: schematic, design development and construction documents.
• Examine plans and specifications submitted for permit to identify life safety hazards, minimum construction standard inadequacies and other related code inadequacies.
• Coordinate plan reviews with building inspectors; combining review comments in written correspondence to designers and contractors.
• Review deferred submittal(s) and changes made to the permit documents throughout the construction process to ensure code compliance is being maintained.
• Review plans for conformity with requirements and issue fire permits; calculate fees to be assessed for projects and submit documentation for collection.
• Identify the appropriate application of codes for commercial, industrial, and mixed occupancies for existing, historical and new structures (educational & large assembly facilities, research laboratories, hospitals, hazardous buildings, underground buildings, high‑rise buildings, and stadiums).
• Assess risks of fire systems based on occupant classification and overall safety of University students, facility, staff and visitors.

Consult, advise, discuss, and meet with designers, engineers, project managers, facilities managers and stakeholders regarding fire code requirements (15%)

• Meet and correspond throughout the phases of design with project managers, architects, engineers, faculty/staff, end users and contractors with respect to fire materials, installation requirements, fire standards, and building design in order to verify compliance with State of Minnesota Fire Code.
• Identify the appropriate application of codes for commercial, industrial, and mixed occupancies for existing, historical and new structures (educational & large assembly facilities, research laboratories, hospitals, hazardous buildings, underground buildings, high‑rise buildings, and stadiums).
• Discuss or explain code intent for fire systems; providing awareness of code impacts to a project, interpretation of both prescriptive and performance code to prospective designs.
• Assess risks of fire systems based on occupant classification and overall safety of University students, facility, staff and visitors.
• Consult with all stakeholders on building projects to facilitate flow of information with other internal and external regulatory agencies.

Problem Solving and Independence of Action

Problems encountered are highly varied and unpredictable, complex and often non-recurring, requiring new and creative approaches; precedents may exist and supervisor provides broad guidance and…