The City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections is hiring a DSI Inspector I in the Licensing unit. Join our team to perform entry-level technical and customer service work, conduct inspections and investigations, and educate the public. Work with us to build a city that works for all.

Here’s what you can expect to do:

• Determine compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with city codes, ordinances, permits, licenses, and related regulations.
• Assess property maintenance, use, zoning, public health and safety, neighborhood livability, vitality, and right of way regulations.  
• Issue orders of corrective actions and/or progressive enforcement actions for non-compliance. 
• Assist with more complex inspections.  
• Prepare routine documents, forms, and reports related to inspections, investigations, compliance, and research.
• Engage with customers to complete inspections, investigations, and education.

For more information and essential functions, see our job description.

The Department of Safety and Inspections holds inspection positions in the following areas: Code Enforcement, Licensing, and Zoning.

Code Enforcement duties for DSI Inspector I include the following:
Perform entry level field inspections of environmental violations such as tall grass/weeds and snow/ice. Respond to complaints regarding garbage, overflowing trash, illegal dumping, and abandoned vehicles. Issue correction orders, abatement orders, and excessive consumption fees. Respond to the public by phone, email, and mail. Provide assistance to DSI II and/or DSI III inspectors in the field. Help collect information, do research on addresses for assessment appeals, or other information requests. Provide training, supervision, and assistance to Interns. DSI Inspectors within Code Enforcement will be driving their own vehicles to and from job locations.

Licensing duties for DSI Inspector I include the following:
Perform basic compliance inspections both in the office and in the field and assist with investigations, resolve complaints, and assist in various licensing application and education efforts. Participate in meetings and special projects with other DSI divisions, City departments, and agencies to further department goals and objectives. Gather information to assist project facilitators, produce inspection reports, issue enforcement letters, and assemble other written correspondences. Assist in the service of customers at the DSI service counter.

Zoning duties for DSI Inspector I include the following:
Provide customer service at the front counter, by phone, by email, review site plans and construction plans for zoning compliance, process applications and enter information in the property data base, research the history of properties, prepare letters of zoning compliance, gather information and prepare summary reports and respond to complaints. Conduct field inspections, some might be at night, and coordinate enforcement of licensed businesses that have zoning violations. Work may involve collecting evidence, organizing information, and testifying at hearings.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time. 

The eligible list created from this assessment will be used to fill DSI Inspector I positions as they become available in various areas within the Department of Safety and Inspections. 

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Requirements may be met by one of the following options:

• Thirty college semester credits
• One year of related experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license. 

As position vacancies are based on identified service needs in specific neighborhoods, certain positions within this classification may require reading, writing, and speaking fluently in a language other than English. Refer to the Job Announcement for specific language information.

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload or submit the following required documents via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) 
   • A legible copy of your proof of education if using education to meet the position requirements (an unofficial transcript is acceptable). 
   • Resume - please ensure your vacancy related experience is documented.

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Assessment: Qualifications Rating

The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered. 

Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.  

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. 

Human Resources Contact Information:
Danni Smith at 651-266-6566
Email: danni.smith@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. 

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.