Fire Investigator I

State of careers Rhode Island•Warwick, RI

3d•$56,123 - $63,695•Onsite

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To assist in conducting comprehensive investigations into the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and fire related fatalities throughout the state; to assist in the charging and apprehension of violators of the General Laws within the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Fire Marshal; to assist in the prosecution of violations of the fire safety laws and codes; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior and receives instruction from a Fire Investigator of a higher grade; work is reviewed for conformance to agency codes, laws, regulations, agency policies and results obtained. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.

Requirements

An introductory knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of fire investigation
An introductory knowledge of state and federal codes and regulations pertaining to fire safety
Working knowledge of and skill in the use of firearms
A familiarity with the basic rules of legal evidence, criminal law, and criminal procedure
The ability to assist in ascertaining the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires by means of personal contact, observation, and the examination of records
The ability to assist in the preparation of written reports
The ability to assist in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with local, state, and federal officials and the general public
The ability to assist in explaining the goals and services of the unit to public groups and organizations
Graduation from a senior high school
Employment in responsible position involving assistance with the investigation of fires.
Or, a minimum of three (3) years of experience as an operational member of a fire department, law enforcement agency, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
At the time of appointment, must successfully pass a background criminal history examination.
At the time of appointment, must have been evaluated and tested by a certified psychologist and receive a satisfactory rating in writing.
At the time of appointment, must pass all mandatory medical examinations.
At the time of appointment, must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Nice To Haves

Within twelve (12) months of appointment, must attain and maintain certification, at a minimum, to the level of Fire Investigation Technician through the International Association of Arson Investigators, or a comparable level of certification by a nationally recognized organization as deemed comparable by the State Fire Marshal or their designee.
Within twelve (12) months of appointment, must satisfactorily complete a Law Enforcement training course as identified by the State Fire Marshal or their designee, or must have previously completed a course as deemed comparable by the State Fire Marshal or their designee.
Within twelve (12) months of appointment, must meet the State of Rhode Island qualification requirements to carry weapons used in the performance of duty and must maintain such qualification requirements as a condition of employment.
Within two (2) years of appointment, must successfully complete the Criminal Investigation Course offered by the University of Rhode Island, or a course of instruction from another institution as deemed comparable by the State Fire Marshal or their designee.

Responsibilities

To assist in conducting comprehensive investigations into the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and fire related fatalities throughout the state.
To assist in the charging and apprehension of violators of the General Laws within the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
To assist in the prosecution of violations of the fire safety laws and codes.
To assist in conducting exterior and interior surveys, interpreting and analyzing fire patterns, examining and removing fire debris, and reconstructing the area of origin for the purposes of determining which points have suffered the most severe fire damage; and to assist to attempt to locate and identify an origin, cause, and classification for the fire.
To assist in documenting the fire scene by use of any and all applicable means.
To assist in conducting a complete criminal investigation to obtain a motive for the fire.
To adhere to proper rules and procedures in identifying, documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence while maintaining the chain of custody.
To assist in conducting interviews with witnesses.
To carry firearms and other weapons in the performance of required duties.
To assist in the preparation and submission of written reports containing conclusions reached from the investigation.
To cooperate with local, state, federal officials, and industry-related investigators.
To appear in court or at hearings and to give testimony.
As required, to be available for emergency recall outside of scheduled work hours.
To participate in training.
To safely operate an emergency response vehicle.
To do related work as required.

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit.
Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

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