Fire/Arson Investigator

A Fire Investigator is certified to investigate the origin and cause of fires or explosions that threaten life, property, or the environment. The Fire Investigator reports to a supervisor and any management member and may work from either office or field location, depending on the work assignment. The incumbent has a working knowledge of recognized standards for fire investigations, fire inspections, fireworks, and fire and life safety hazards, including LGC. 352.016. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigates the origin and circumstances of assigned fires and explosions and determine whether the event was the result of design, carelessness, or natural cause based on nationally recognized standards.
• Ensures quality, accuracy, and timely completion of assigned tasks including program management in accordance with Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO) policies and procedures.
• Assist in preparing a case to present to the district attorney or other proper authority where there is evidence of an incendiary fire.
• Performs administrative functions in accordance with policies and procedures, including completing, reviewing, and maintaining records and reports; and developing summary data reports, as required.
• Performs as a member of an Incident Management Team during emergency or disaster situations.
• Maintains situational awareness of all HCFMO activities.
• Serves on committees, boards, or other teams as assigned by the Fire Marshal.
• Performs assigned tasks safely and documents and reports initial accidents, injuries, or health exposures in accordance with accepted safety practices and HCFMO policy.
• May be assigned to any division within the HCFMO.
• Performs other duties as directed by a supervisor or senior staff member.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Education:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.

Licensures:

• At the date of hire, possess a valid license driver’s license, State of Texas Class C Texas. 

• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Fire Investigator Basic (or higher).

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Basic Peace Officer (or higher). 

Notice: Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained, or stored either manually or electronically (i.e., custodian, maintenance).
 
 Automatic Disqualification:

• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any Felony, and any Class A Misdemeanor.
• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B Misdemeanor, if within the previous 10 years.
• Open arrest for any criminal offense. (Felony or Misdemeanor) 
• Family Violence conviction.

• Within one (1) year of appointment, provide proof of completion for NIMS IS-700, IS-800, IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400. 

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time 

• 48/36 Hours per Week 

• Various Shifts, Includes Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

Schedule:

• The investigation division provides services 24/7.

• Investigators are assigned a shift and rotate the first week of June each year.

  • A-Shift works 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.
  • B-Shift works 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Saturday night.
  • C-Shift works 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on every other Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • D-Shift works 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday night.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Salary : $29 - $44