Fire Investigator ll
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is currently accepting online applications.
Interested applicants can apply online at: www.metrofire.ca.gov/careers
Final Filing Date 12/28/18 at 4pm
Salary: $6,762.17 - $8,203.80/monthly
Under general supervision, conducts investigations and determines origin and cause of fires and explosions; identifies, apprehends, and assists in the prosecution of arsonists; enforces laws and regulations pertaining to Fire Prevention such as fireworks; identifies, preserves, collects, and presents evidence; is subject to call back and can work weekends or irregular work hours during the day or evening; performs other duties as required.
|
This classification is the second of a two (2) level series in fire/arson investigation, which requires prior training, and/or experience in the occupational field. The work of the incumbent is generally performed independently following recognized investigative practices and procedures and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and records. This classification represents the journey level professional. The position incumbent is not authorized to make Budget Expenditures.
|
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
1. Investigates the origin and cause of a fire/explosion; preserves evidence; interviews witnesses; interrogates suspects; issues citations for code violations or criminal conduct; makes physical arrests and serves warrants.
2. Enforces laws, codes and regulations pertaining to fireworks, Fire and Building Codes.
3. Participates in special operations, such as surveillance and service of high-risk warrants.
4. Responds to emergency scenes as requested/directed and reports to the Incident Commander to provide technical assistance or investigation for origin and cause or performs other duties as assigned by the Incident Commander.
5. May conduct training for District personnel in fire dynamics and behavior, fire chemistry, determination of fire/explosion origin and cause, fireworks and explosives and their related laws and regulations, laws of arrest and search and seizure, and investigative techniques and practices.
6. Collects, analyzes, and evaluates data and prepares comprehensive reports.
7. Writes reports based on field notes; obtains criminal complaints; confers with district attorneys and prosecutors in preparing cases for court; testifies as an expert witness.
8. May conduct and assist in test burns for training and investigative purposes.
9. Participates in local task forces; may perform special District investigative assignments.
10. Maintains proficiency with assigned firearms and safety equipment; performs routine maintenance of assigned equipment.
11. In a temporary situation, can be in command of an area, its personnel and programs; can be in a position to act as supervisor to probationary investigators.
12. Checks subordinate's work for completeness and accuracy; ensures that all possible sources of information have been utilized and determines whether conclusions agree with the findings.
Minimum Qualifications:Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and a physical to include a drug screen.
The education or experience requirements may be modified or waived at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief. At least one of the education or experience requirements must be met; both requirements cannot be modified or waived. The Sacramento Metro Fire District Board of Directors shall be notified of any such modifications or waivers.
Age
Must be at least twenty one (21) years of age.
Education and Experience
Education must be obtained through a post secondary institution currently accredited by any accreditation body recognized by either the Counsel for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education.
Required:
1.Possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate.
2. Two (2) years of recent experience as a Fire Inspector or Law Enforcement (Peace Officer) Investigator, or District suppression staff.
3. Possession of and ability to maintain State Fire Marshal certification as a Fire Investigator I.
4. Meet Fire Investigator expert witness qualifications per NFPA 1033.
5. Possess a minimum of a Level II P.O.S.T. certificate or its functional equivalent to satisfy the minimum District standards for carrying firearms.
6. Successful completion of the Fire Investigator Task Book by the end of twelve (12) month probationary period.
7. Completed 12 college units in Fire Science or Criminal Justice in approved courses at date of hire.
8. Possess Penal Code 832 certificate at date of hire or promotion as a condition of employment.
9. Must possess California State Fire Marshal Level II or its functional equivalent.
Desirable:
1. Bilingual ability
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of:
1. Local, state, and federal fire and explosive laws.
2. Types and characteristics of fire.
3. Chemistry and physics of fire; fire dynamics and behavior; characteristics of vegetation and building materials under varying degrees of fire intensity and duration.
4. Techniques of identifying, preserving, collecting, and presenting evidence.
5. Laws of arrest and search and seizure.
6. Methods of scene documentation, including photography and sketching.
7. Techniques of interview and interrogation, human behavior and motivation in order to reduce hostility and reticence on the part of witnesses and informants.
8. Rules of evidence and courtroom procedure.
9. Criminal investigation and background and internal affair investigation techniques.
10. Modern methods and equipment used in arson detection.
11. Characteristics and properties of fire safety hazards, fireworks and explosives, and flammable and combustible liquids.
12. Fire detection and distinguishing systems and equipment.
13. Local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding fire protection, building codes, and hazardous materials.
14. Principles and practices of fire and life safety inspection, enforcement work and hazardous materials disclosure including their relationship to fire ground operations.
15. Correct English usage for effective written and oral communications.
Ability to:
1. Establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with a wide variety of people that include senior management, employees, outside agencies, and the general public.
2. Understand, interpret, and apply Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Uniform Fire Code, and other applicable state and local laws and ordinances and federal laws.
3. Understand and apply District program goals, objectives, and policies.
4. Gather and analyze facts and evidence and present such evidences as required.
5. Conduct complex and sensitive investigations.
6. Qualified personnel shall demonstrate the ability to maintain and use firearms.
7. Write and serve warrants, file complaints, and make arrests.
8. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
9. Express positions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing. Prepare clear and comprehensive reports and keep accurate records.
10. Use tact and good judgement in contact with the public and state and local agencies and officials.
11. Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance.
12. Perform common math processes involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
13. Plan and independently perform arson fieldwork with general supervision.
14. Judicially qualify for and appear as an expert witness.
15. Associate with criminals, suspects and work in a high crime environment.
16. Use keyboard skills and utilize District computer software and type at least 30 words per minute.
17. Understand, interpret, and apply complex procedures, regulations, and directions in order to process or to verify the accuracy of information or documents.
18. Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence without benefit of well-established procedures, draw conclusions and make sound recommendations to Executive Staff.
19. Establish effective rapport with victims, suspects, and witnesses in order to achieve cooperation and, in many cases, obtain confidential, personal information.
20. Provide technical assistance to District personnel on the laws and techniques
Other Requirements:PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet position tasks and responsibilities. Physical abilities must commensurate with the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position.
No person shall pose a threat to themselves or to the health and safety of other individuals in the work place, or to the public they serve.
LICENSE
Possession of and ability to maintain a current valid California Driver's License, Class C, is a condition of employment.
Health Exposure:HEALTH EXPOSURE
This is a Department of Health and Human Services Category I position. Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues and hazardous materials.
The Human Resources Division works under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Administration who reports directly to the Fire Chief.
Human Resources supports the District and its employees by providing a full range of services, including:
- Employee Compensation and Benefits
- Policy Development
- Recruitment and Selection
- Background Investigations
- Affirmative Action
- Employee Relations
- Workers’ Compensation Administration
- Insurance Needs