Deputy State Fire Marshal Investigator (SE Nebraska)

State of Nebraska•Telecommuting Employee - no city, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has one open Fire Investigator position serving southeastern Nebraska. The role is under general supervision and enforces state laws relating to the suppression of arson, investigates the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires, and performs related work. The employee must successfully complete the Nebraska Law Enforcement certification program within a timeframe established by the Investigations Chief if not already certified. The position requires residency in an agency-approved geographic area, preferably along the NE Highway 2 corridor in Otoe County. Consideration may also be given to southern Cass County, northern Nemaha County, northern Johnson County, northeastern Gage County, and southeastern Lancaster County. The job has a minimum nine-month probationary period. To leave probation, the employee must reside in one of the specified counties, attain Special State Sheriff Credentials, and demonstrate good performance, attendance, and punctuality. The position responds to emergencies and incidents involving fires, explosions, and public safety; investigates fires, explosions, and fireworks violations; gathers evidence and prepares reports for court proceedings; and works with fire departments, law enforcement, legal authorities, insurance companies, and community stakeholders. It also includes recordkeeping, evidence and equipment handling, and other administrative work. The position is subject to call, may require weekend and holiday work or hours outside 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and involves adverse weather conditions and occasional travel with overnight lodging. The role requires training or experience in fire service, fire science, building construction, code enforcement, regulation enforcement, engineering, or architecture, along with a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Applicants who need law enforcement certification must meet applicable Nebraska statutory and academy eligibility requirements. The agency conducts background investigations and requires psychological and medical examinations, physical fitness standards, and the TABE test.

Requirements

Training or experience in fire service, fire science, building construction, code enforcement, regulation enforcement, engineering, or architecture.
A valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Successfully complete the Nebraska Law Enforcement certification program within the timeframe established by the Investigations Chief if not already certified.
For law enforcement certification, meet Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship and age 21 before completion of certification training; fingerprinting and criminal-record review; a valid motor vehicle operator or chauffeur license; correctable vision of 20/30 and no sight-affecting irreversible disease; required criminal-history and character standards; high school graduation or GED and English-language skills at the eleventh-grade level; no disqualifying recent impaired-driving conviction; required physician examination and physical qualifications; and other statutory certification restrictions.
Reside in an agency-approved county in the specified southeastern Nebraska area as a condition of moving out of the minimum nine-month probationary period.
Attain Special State Sheriff Credentials as a condition of moving out of probation.
Meet performance, attendance, and punctuality expectations.
Complete the agency background investigation and required psychological and medical examinations, pass physical fitness standards set by the Nebraska Crime Commission, and pass the TABE test.
Be available for call and potentially work weekends, holidays, and hours outside 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; work under adverse weather conditions and travel with occasional overnight lodging.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

A college degree in a relevant field such as fire science, criminal justice, engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, public administration, forensic science, or forensic psychology.
Prior experience in fire service, law enforcement, fire code enforcement, building construction, or related fields.
Completion of a certified law enforcement academy or equivalent training program.
Familiarity with Nebraska fire laws, regulations, and policies.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergencies and incidents involving fire, explosions, and public safety, and assist other agencies during natural disasters such as wildfires or floods.
Investigate fires to determine origin, cause, circumstances, and possible arson; investigate post-blast incidents and consumer and display fireworks violations.
Gather evidence and prepare comprehensive reports for court appearances involving fire and explosion offenses, including arson and insurance fraud.
Collaborate with legal authorities and provide information to prosecutors; testify in court and serve as a witness in civil litigation related to fire scene examinations.
Develop positive relationships with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, private investigation firms, fire victims, and community stakeholders.
Participate in joint operations, interagency collaborations, and community events addressing fire-related issues and building public trust.
Prepare and submit accurate investigative reports, maintain records and evidence, handle and use equipment, and complete related administrative tasks.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines for fire and explosion investigations.
Enforce state laws relating to the suppression of arson and perform related work as required.

Benefits

Stable employment
Flexible schedule
13 paid holidays
Step pay plan
Vacation and sick leave totaling 24 days in the first year, accruing immediately
Attraction and retention bonus of $1,500 after one year, $2,500 after three years, and $3,000 after five years
Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and other leave
156% state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
Excellent benefits package with low monthly premiums
Comprehensive pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities