Special Agent I/II/III - Investigative Services/Arson Unit

State of South Carolina • Richland County, SC

6d

About The Position

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is hiring a Special Agent for its Investigative Services – Arson Unit. Under general supervision, the agent conducts fire investigations, determines fire origin and cause using the scientific method, prepares investigative reports, and works with the appropriate Solicitor’s Office to secure arrest warrants and support prosecutions.

The role includes responding to fire scenes, sometimes immediately and at any time of day, examining scenes in accordance with NFPA 921, documenting and collecting evidence, and conducting follow-up criminal investigations when a fire is determined to have been intentionally set. Agents must remain response-ready, support other SLED assignments as directed, and build cooperative relationships with law enforcement and fire-service leaders in their region.

The position involves regular strenuous physical activity, nighttime and weekend responses, and 24-hour emergency call availability. Applicants must be able to perform the physical requirements of a certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer, including arrests, searches, prolonged standing, and emergency response.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to obtain Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy upon hire if not already certified.
• Law enforcement officers from another state or federal agency must successfully complete South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy requirements to become a Class I Law Enforcement Officer in South Carolina.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of a certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer, including apprehending and arresting physically resistant individuals; conducting investigations, inspections, searches, and seizures; working crowd control and security at special events; and responding to disasters and other emergencies.
• Ability to respond 24/7 as needed and to stand post or take other law enforcement action for extended periods, including 12 or more continuous hours.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities regularly and respond at night and on weekends.
• Availability for 24-hour emergency call.

Nice To Haves

• Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or equivalent certification from another state or federal agency.
• Two years of investigative experience.
• One year of documented fire investigation experience.

Responsibilities

• Respond safely within the specified time frame when notified of a request for assistance; respond immediately to church fires, fatal fires, and major fire investigations regardless of time of day.
• Remain response-ready during the week, respond as directed by supervisors, and be available for additional SLED assignments.
• Obtain lawful access to fire scenes and conduct examinations in accordance with NFPA 921.
• Excavate scenes as needed to examine burn patterns and assess the possible presence of accelerants.
• Request assistance from the SLED Accelerant Detection K9 when needed and available.
• Document fire scenes using digital photography, collect samples, submit them to the SLED Lab using iLAB, and prepare rough and final scene sketches.
• Safely decontaminate assigned equipment after scene examinations in accordance with NFPA 921.
• When a fire is determined to have been intentionally set, conduct a criminal investigation, including interviewing potential witnesses and suspects, obtaining available surveillance video, scheduling polygraphs when applicable, and gathering and analyzing cell phone, insurance, and mortgage information when appropriate.
• Coordinate arrests with the appropriate local police department or sheriff’s office and the relevant Solicitor’s Office.
• Prepare timely, accurate investigative reports documenting actions taken and attend report-writing training provided by the Field Training Officer.
• Develop professional relationships with regional sheriffs, police chiefs, and fire chiefs to foster cooperation with the SLED Arson Unit.
• Assist with additional details or duties as directed and as part of the general responsibilities of a SLED Agent.
• Work with the appropriate jurisdictional Solicitor’s Office to secure arrest warrants for violations of South Carolina law and participate in prosecutions.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for the employee, spouse, and children.
• 15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days of sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time