Fire Investigator

FIRE INVESTIGATOR

CLOSES ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5 2025

SALARY RANGE: $101482 - $119177

South Metro Fire Rescue is accepting internal and external applications for a full-time Fire Investigator.

Must successfully pass and maintain a criminal background clearance requirements as well as maintain an appropriate level of fitness to pass the SMFR pre-employment and annual physical testing requirements.

*All candidates interested in applying are required to submit a resume and cover letter.*

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of the Fire Investigator is to determine the origin cause and circumstances of fires explosions and hazardous material releases in a manner consistent with organizational addition this position enforces arson laws and adopted fire code provisions responds to scenes identifies and collects evidence analyzes information and executes law enforcement functions pertaining to the Fire Marshals Office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this position. The District retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time without notice.)

Performs the duties related to investigating fires hazardous materials and explosive incidents within the geographic boundaries of the District in accordance with NFPA 1033 as appropriate.

Conducts examinations of incident scenes; interviews witnesses and other associated persons; collects identifies and preserves evidence following chain of custody procedures; documents incident scenes to include taking and cataloguing photographs and report writing.

Prepares and submits investigation reports and related work products including case filings to be submitted to the District Attorney with recommendations of criminal charges.

Issues administrative subpoenas legal requests or similar documentation requiring the production of insurance legal and/or financial records pertinent to investigations.

Testifies and/or gives depositions in legal proceedings.

Investigates complaints regarding violations of adopted codes and ensures compliance with violations.

Assists law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations as necessary.

Provides technical and code assistance to Operations as requested.

Responds to requests for specialized assistance from other investigators fire service agencies and law enforcement officials.

Participates in periodic evaluations and training sessions in fire investigation techniques to maintain required certifications.

May write and submit administrative and criminal warrants to the court through the district attorneys office for right of entry and search of evidence.

May serve as a member of a regional task force.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) is required.

Minimum of two (2) years of investigation experience.

Must meet the job performance requirements (JPRs) defined in NFPA 1033.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Drivers license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SMFRs Driving Records Policy.

Possess and maintain:

• International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II
• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (CDFPC) Fire Inspector II
• National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Wildland Investigation Certification (FI210)
• Red Cross CPR for the professional rescuer (or an approved equivalent)
• ICS-100 200 FEMA IS-700 800

Must be able to obtain and maintain criminal background clearance requirements in accordance with Colorado Bureau of Investigation and/or Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office.

Successful completion of specialized investigation training by recognized providers such as:

• FEMA/National Fire Academy (R206/R0772)
• Public Agency Training Council (PATC)
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

Must obtain International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) within 24 months of selection.

Desired Certifications (not all are expected to be obtained):

International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

• Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
• Evidence Collection Technician (ECT)
• Certified Instructor (CI)

National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG)

• Wildland Investigation Certification FI-310

National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
• Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
• Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII)

Blue Card Certification

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of state laws and regulations regarding the crime of arson explosives hazardous materials fireworks and related criminal offenses.

Knowledge of fire dynamics and fire chemistry.

Knowledge of techniques and methods used in conducting and documenting fires and explosions as addressed in NFPA 921 and the release of hazardous materials.

Knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate interviewing techniques including effective methods of obtaining information from hostile and reluctant individuals.

Knowledge of methods for the identification collection and preservation of evidence.

Knowledge of emergency fire service operations protocols to include radio operations.

Ability to perform job duties in accordance with NFPA 1033 where appropriate.

Ability to evaluate evidence from fire scenes and accurately determine its origin cause and circumstances.

Ability to gather relevant data analyze problems evaluate alternatives make sound judgments develop conclusions and present complex findings to a variety of audiences.

Ability to train fire and law enforcement personnel regarding the investigation of fires.

Ability to recognize hazardous conditions required safety practices and proper use of appropriate PPE.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire service members law enforcement officials attorneys other employees and the general public.

Ability to communicate clearly and prepare detailed reports of investigation findings.

Ability to be on call for scheduled 24-hour response.

Ability to meet investigations response policy benchmarks while on duty and on call including adhering to the vehicle use policy while in a District vehicle.

Ability to use current technology code information and equipment in completion of conducting investigations and inspections.

Must have strong communications skills both verbal and written and the ability to interact well with staff employees citizens and members of other departments.

Thorough understanding of the interdependent relationship between building codes fire codes and national standards and how these are applied by various jurisdictions.

Understanding of Hazardous Materials compliance regulations and basic understanding of Hazardous Materials incident operations.

Understanding of inspection processes including testing of fire protection and detection systems.

Knowledge of and ability to use modern office equipment including a computer and a variety of software including database and word processing systems in order to prepare reports and maintain the Fire Marshals Office records.

Knowledge of District emergency operations and its interrelationship with code enforcement practices.

Knowledge of and ability to read construction documents and drawings.

Skill in inspection documentation record keeping and data entry.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to work with interrupted sleep cycles.

Skill in time and resource management.

Skill in setting priorities.

Knowledge of building construction occupancy type classification; fire protection systems; means of egress; special systems and processes; water flow requirements; hydrant placement; and fire department access.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant Fire Marshal - Investigations. General supervision and direction may also be received from the Deputy Fire Marshal and/or the Fire Marshal as appropriate.

The Fire Investigator exercises considerable independent judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established policies and guidelines.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide immediate or general direction to others and/or on-call investigators participating in an investigation.

EQUIPMENT and SYSTEMS

Requires frequent use of equipment including a personal computer (including various software packages database and spreadsheet programs) SMFR emergency vehicles mobile data computers portable radios fire inspection equipment construction site and emergency incident PPE measuring devices sound meters ladders respiratory protection apparatus air monitoring equipment pitot gauges calculators telephones facsimile machines copy machines printers and other general office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Maintains an appropriate level of fitness to pass the SMFR annual physical testing requirements.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit stand walk talk use hands fingers handle feel or operate objects climb balance stoop kneel crouch crawl reaching pushing pulling lifting grasping hearing seeing and exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The incumbent is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

Must be able to climb stairs ladders and walk on uneven terrain and surfaces.

Will be subjected to IDLH environments and will be required to be qualified to wear respiratory protection equipment such as SCBA respirators firefighter bunker gear and helmet and varying other types of protection equipment.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus allowing a broad field of vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Some work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment. The work environment also includes inside and outdoor facilities. Various operations and processes may be encountered including but not limited to educational industrial storage manufacturing business office retail food preparation and service operations. Some work sites may have hazardous materials or processes present and be exposed to outside weather conditions and smoke.

While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions including temperature extremes during day and night shifts.

Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.

The employee will work on emergency scenes in damaged structures on construction sites and on uneven terrain and may work near and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions mechanical parts high or precarious places smoke noxious odors fumes or airborne particles toxic or caustic chemicals solvents oils risk of electrical shock radiation vibration and/or explosives.

It is reasonably anticipated that the individual will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of their duties.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except during emergency incidents when the scene is loud and the incumbent will be exposed alarms and hazards associate with fires.

BENEFITS

South Metro Fire Rescues compensation philosophy is built to attract and retain highly skilled motivated employees by offering more than just base pay; all regular full-time employees receive a comprehensive total compensation package that includes competitive wages generous leave employer-paid medical dental vision and life insurance premiums contributions to Retiree Health Savings and pension plans and coverage under Death & Disability addition SMFR fosters a positive work environment through its robust Fitness Wellness and Rehabilitation Program tuition reimbursement and other meaningful non-monetary benefits. Recognizing that the definition of an employer of choice varies by individual SMFR is committed to being a great place to work for all.