Position Description

A Fire/Arson Investigator is a certified peace officer that investigates the origin and cause of fires or explosions that threaten life, property, or the environment. The Fire/Arson 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 Marshals 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

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

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 (TCFP) Basic Fire Investigator.

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.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigation Technician certification and/or Certified Fire Investigator certification.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Basic Peace Officer (or higher).

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Part-time

• 24 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 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.

• B-Shift works 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and every other Tuesday night.

• C-Shift works 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on every other Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

• D-Shift works 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. on every other Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night.

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

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.