Fire Investigator II

Renton, WA - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 48 - 61

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to the public.
Note: This position has been extended; if you previously applied in October 2025 you do not need to re-apply.

Become part of the King County Sheriffs Office Fire Investigator team!

On average we investigate over 400 accidental and criminal fires

Working with us provides the broadest range of fire investigations allowing you to experience variety every day and hone your skills to be a leader in the industry.

Job Duties

As a Fire Investigator you will be doing full-cycle fire investigations which include:

Investigating the origin and cause of fires
Interviewing witnesses and suspects and conducting follow-up investigations including detection apprehension and prosecution of arson suspects
Providing expert testimony in court for both criminal and civil cases
Preparing extensive detailed written reports systematically documenting the cause of a fire (when possible) in all cases that are investigated by the FIU and preparing reports and statistics for owners fire departments and other agencies.
Fire Investigators will conduct the fire investigation to determine the origin cause extent and responsibly of the fire as required by the Revised Code of Washington. If the fire is determined to be a criminal act or if other crimes are identified during the fire investigation the fire investigator shall assist other agencies to include; the King County Sheriffs Office in conducting the criminal investigation. Assistance may be in the form of but not limited to crime scene documentation conduct interrogations collection of evidence conduct the follow up investigation attend/assist/collect evidence at the autopsy of fire victims coordinate/conduct the arrest and testify in court.
This position is a full-time investigator to be permanently assigned to the Fire Investigation Unit (FIU).
Fire investigators are expected to work in a wide variety of physically challenging and hazardous environments.
Fire Investigators will have opportunities to develop an area of specialization and advanced training/certification in fire/arson investigations.

Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills

To do this job well you will need to already have:
The ability to write detailed reports systematically documenting evidence and investigative steps in a thorough and professional manner
High interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds in high stress situations
Skill in handling multiple competing priorities within tight timelines; agility in addressing urgent matters
Basic skill in using MS Word Excel and current database software; must be comfortable and proficient with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work

Additionally you will need to already have or be able to quickly learn and apply:
Principles and techniques of fire and/or arson investigations
Demonstrated/documented history of law enforcement and criminal investigations.
Fire investigation principles methodologies and techniques; principles of fire science and fire behavior; laws and legal ramifications of fire and criminal investigations; fire and building codes including: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Fire Investigator

We highly encourage your application if you have:
A law enforcement commission with significant (non-fire) investigation experience
Experience performing fire investigations
A fire investigator certification recognized by the State of Washington (IFSAC IAAI NAFI)

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

You must be a United States citizenLawful Permanent Resident or deferred action childhood arrival (DACA) recipient.
You must have the ability to read speak and write in the English language fluently.
Verify that you do notmeet any of the KCSO Automatic Disqualifying Behaviors . Background requirements will be evaluated throughout the hiring process.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must have a Washington State drivers license or be able to obtain one
Candidate must successfully complete the approved Law Enforcement and Fire Investigation Training.
The ability to work irregular hours which may include evenings and weekends in the outdoors under unfavorable weather and site conditions
The ability to handle strenuous physical tasks such as digging lifting and climbing
The ability to handle physical and emotional stresses including investigations with victim suffering and/or serious/fatal injuries

REQUIRED TO APPLY:

Online application
Cover letter expressing your background and experience specifically your investigation experience. If you do not include this information your application will not be considered.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

TIMEFRAME: The timeframe and order of this recruitment is provided below.

Oral Board Examination will be held via Zoom in December

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by the Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU)

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is overtime eligible with prior approval. The regular work hours are 40 hours per week 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. This position will be working in rotation for 24-72 hour shifts on call. While on-call the Investigator will be able to respond and conduct fire investigations anywhere in the county as needed. On-call status is a paid status.

CONTACT INFORMATION:If you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact:
Michelle Kobuki HR Analyst Civil Service Administration

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

Together with leadership and our employees were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a differenceCome join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.

Guided by our True North we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting support and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply including Native American and people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people living with disabilities and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race color religion national origin sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) age genetic information disability veteran status or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions including but not limited to recruitment hiring selection for training promotion transfer demotion layoff termination rates of pay or other forms of compensation.