Electrical Inspector

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

About the role

The Building Code Department (BCD) administers the Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC) in accordance with the rules, regulations, and laws adopted by the State of Minnesota. The division’s mission is to protect the health, welfare, and safety of University students, employees, and visitors in the built environment through education and code enforcement.

The Electrical Inspector is authorized by the University Building Official to enforce the electrical provisions contained in the MSBC. The position reviews and inspects the design, construction, alteration, demolition, and repair of all items covered by the Minnesota Electrical Code on all University properties system-wide. This position administers the rules and regulations and enforces the laws related to fire, life safety, health, and public welfare as adopted per the MSBC.

This role performs plan reviews, inspections, and evaluations of electrical systems and installations for all new and existing buildings in accordance with the Minnesota State Electrical Code. The Electrical Inspector serves as a liaison to other University departments for questions or concerns involving design, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems, and acts as a technical code advisor and professional resource to the University construction community, architects, engineers, and owners representatives.

Location and work environment

Work is generally performed in the field and includes site visits to outdoor areas, roofs, mechanical rooms, controlled access areas, tunnels, and confined spaces. Physical ability to climb ladders, enter tunnels, and access all construction sites is required. This position may involve field inspections requiring a variety of physical activities, safe vehicle operation, tools, and equipment. Exposure to hazardous conditions or equipment may occur, including closed or small areas, weather conditions, animals, sewage, fires, dust, gas, fumes, noise, asbestos, mold, or other environmental conditions. Agility, strength, balance, and familiarity with varied construction worksite conditions, tools, and machinery are required.

Responsibilities

• 65% - Inspection:
  • Inspect all permitted electrical maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and construction work on all University of Minnesota properties system-wide.
  • Conduct on-site construction inspections and record results in permit software system.
  • Perform field inspections for permitted projects located in the Twin Cities and throughout 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.
  • Conduct inspections on all permitted construction work involving electrical and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
  • Perform electrical inspections to verify compliance between plans and actual construction.
• 20% - Plan Review:
  • Review electrical plans and scopes of work prior to electrical permit issuance to verify compliance with all electrical codes and standards.
  • Examine design documents of electrical systems at different phases of design: schematic, design development, and construction documents.
  • Identify life safety hazards, minimum construction standard inadequacies, sanitation and health hazards, and other code inadequacies in submitted plans and specifications.
  • Coordinate plan reviews with building inspectors; combine review comments in written correspondence to designers and contractors.
  • Review deferred submittals and changes made to permit documents throughout construction to ensure continued code compliance.
  • Review plans for conformity with requirements, issue electrical permits, calculate fees, and submit documentation for collection.
  • Identify appropriate application of codes for commercial, industrial, and mixed occupancies for existing, historical, and new structures (e.g., educational and large assembly facilities, research laboratories, hospitals, hazardous buildings, underground buildings, high-rise buildings, experimental structures, and stadiums).
  • Assess risks of electrical systems based on occupant classification and overall safety of University students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• 15% - Consultation and Advice:
  • Consult, advise, discuss, and meet with designers, engineers, project managers, facilities managers, and stakeholders regarding electrical code requirements.
  • Meet and correspond throughout design phases with project managers, architects, engineers, faculty/staff, end users, and contractors regarding electrical materials, installation requirements, standards, and building design to verify compliance with the State of Minnesota Electrical Code.
  • Discuss or explain code intent for electrical systems; provide awareness of code impacts to projects and interpret both prescriptive and performance code for prospective designs.
  • Assess risks of electrical systems based on occupant classification and safety of University students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
  • Consult with all stakeholders on building projects to facilitate information flow with other internal and external regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A current Minnesota Master or Journeyman Electrical License with the ability to obtain a Master’s within 1 year of hire.
• An Associate’s or vocational technical degree with at least seven years of related experience in commercial/institutional plan review, electrical inspection, and commercial construction, or a BA/BS plus at least five years of experience, or a combination of related education and work experience totaling at least nine years. Experience toward completing an electrical license can substitute for years of experience.
• A valid Class D Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• IAEI Electrical Inspector Certification.
• ICC Electrical Inspector Certification or equivalent certification(s) from a nationally recognized code organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and independence of action for highly varied, complex, and non-recurring problems requiring creative approaches.

About the department

Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM) provides leadership, resources, and services to protect the environment and ensure the health and safety of the University's students, faculty, staff, patients, and visiting public. HSRM supports a safe, healthy, and sustainable University environment through its work and collaborates with clients to foster a culture of safety throughout the University of Minnesota System.

Pay and benefits

Pay Range: $115,000 to $121,000 annually, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Appointment: 100% time, Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

While salary ranges provide a framework, initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range to ensure compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity. The salary offered will be based on individual credentials and experience.