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Fire Inspector / Arson Investigator
McKinney, United States
Summary
The Typical Pay Range for this Postion is Step 6 and Above:
$81,944.44 - $101,778.67 Annually
$39.39 - $48.93 Hourly
OUR CORE VALUES
$81,944.44 - $101,778.67 Annually
$39.39 - $48.93 Hourly
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.
OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization.
SUMMARY
The Fire Prevention Specialist/Arson Investigator (FPS/AI) serves as a key member of the Fire Prevention Division and is responsible for promoting fire and life safety through inspections, engineering (plan review), and fire and arson investigations. This position performs technical, investigative, and administrative duties to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes, standards, ordinances, and criminal statutes. Depending on assignment, the FPS/AI conducts field inspections, reviews construction documents and fire protection system designs, determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions, and pursues criminal investigations into arson, insurance fraud, and related offenses. The role requires strong knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire dynamics, investigative methods, and enforcement practices. FPS/AI are expected to communicate effectively with the public, professionals, and partner agencies, prepare accurate and defensible documentation, and operate within legal and ethical standards. Work is performed under the direction of the Division Supervisor in accordance with the job performance requirements outlined in NFPA 1030 and 1033 and in compliance with Texas statutes and certification requirements for fire and arson investigators.
SUMMARY
The Fire Prevention Specialist/Arson Investigator (FPS/AI) serves as a key member of the Fire Prevention Division and is responsible for promoting fire and life safety through inspections, engineering (plan review), and fire and arson investigations. This position performs technical, investigative, and administrative duties to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes, standards, ordinances, and criminal statutes. Depending on assignment, the FPS/AI conducts field inspections, reviews construction documents and fire protection system designs, determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions, and pursues criminal investigations into arson, insurance fraud, and related offenses. The role requires strong knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire dynamics, investigative methods, and enforcement practices. FPS/AI are expected to communicate effectively with the public, professionals, and partner agencies, prepare accurate and defensible documentation, and operate within legal and ethical standards. Work is performed under the direction of the Division Supervisor in accordance with the job performance requirements outlined in NFPA 1030 and 1033 and in compliance with Texas statutes and certification requirements for fire and arson investigators.
Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
ESSENITAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
- Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.
- Contribute to a positive work culture.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
- Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
- Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.
ESSENITAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform duties across multiple functional areas of the Fire Prevention Division, including inspections, engineering (plan review), and investigations, as assigned.
- Locate, interpret, and apply fire and life safety codes, standards, and laws to various situations.
- Evaluate building and site plans, design concepts, and system submittals to determine compliance with adopted codes and ordinances; identify and document deficiencies.
- Conduct fire code inspections to ensure proper installation of regulated systems, construction standards, and continued compliance with fire code.
- Perform fire code plan reviews to ensure proper design of regulated systems and construction standards.
- Identify hazardous or non-compliant conditions and recommend or enforce corrective actions.
- Prepare clear, concise, and legally defensible reports, documentation, and correspondence related to inspections, plan review, and investigations.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with internal staff, other city departments, contractors, business owners, and the public.
- Collaborate with Fire Operations, Building, Engineering, Health, and other external partners to support life safety and operational readiness.
- Utilize inspection, reporting, and design software, digital tools, and field test equipment to conduct job duties efficiently.
- Provide education and outreach on fire prevention and life safety topics as assigned.
- Respond to emergency scenes in support of Operations.
- Perform all job performance requirements (JPRs) related to assigned duties per NFPA 1030 and 1033.
- Attend professional development and specialized training as required.
- Maintain required state and third-party certifications.
- Adhere to assigned work schedule, including on-call or after-hours response as required.
- Travel to various locations, which may include operating city vehicles.
- Respond to structure, vehicle, wildland, and other fire incidents to conduct systematic origin and cause investigations.
- Secure scenes, document conditions (photographs, sketches, notes), and maintain chain of custody for collected evidence.
- Identify, collect, and process physical evidence for forensic analysis.
- Analyze fire effects and patterns, burn indicators, smoke and heat movement, and structural damage to reconstruct fire progression.
- Interview witnesses, occupants, responders, and other involved parties to gather information.
- Recognize indicators of arson, tampering, or other suspicious activity.
- Prepare thorough investigation reports outlining findings, methodology, and conclusions utilizing the scientific method.
- Conduct criminal investigations into arson, attempted arson, insurance fraud, explosive incidents, and related offenses.
- Apply for and execute search warrants in collaboration with prosecutors and law enforcement partners.
- Prepare and serve arrest warrants when probable cause exists for criminal violations.
- Conduct suspect interrogations and witness interviews in accordance with legal standards and departmental policy.
- Collect, preserve, and submit physical and digital evidence for forensic analysis, maintaining chain of custody.
- Prepare detailed criminal case files, including affidavits, reports, and supporting documentation, for submittal to the District Attorney’s Office.
- Testify in grand jury, criminal, and civil proceedings as an expert in fire and arson investigations.
- Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies (e.g., Collin County District Attorney’s Office, ATF, Collin County Fire Investigators Task Force) to support joint investigations.
- Investigate firefighter line-of-duty deaths, serious injuries, or near-miss incidents and present findings to Fire Administration.
- Conduct pre-employment background investigations for Fire Department applicants as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS
- Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
- Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
- Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
- Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.)
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
- Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
- Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
- Knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire dynamics, building construction, and applicable codes, standards, and ordinances.
- Knowledge of criminal law, investigative procedures, and rules of evidence related to arson and fire-related offenses.
- Skill in conducting systematic fire scene examinations, collecting and preserving evidence, and preparing investigative reports.
- Skill in reading and interpreting construction documents and fire protection system designs.
- Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and legally defensible documentation and testimony.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism under pressure and collaborate effectively with partner agencies and the public.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.
High School Diploma or equivalent required, supplemented by two (2) years of work experience in a related field.
Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certification (TCFP) as Basic Fire Inspector and Arson Investigator.
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Licensure as Peace Officer.
International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I and II within one year of employment.
May be required to obtain TCFP Fire Plans Examiner Certification at the direction of the Fire Marshal.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must pass a drug screen and background check.
- Must pass TCOLE medical and psychological examinations as required by the commission
- Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.
- Must meet the City’s driving standards.
Physical Demands/Supplemental
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Some tasks require visual, depth, odor and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Tasks may risk exposure to extreme heat/cold or extreme weather conditions, strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals.
SUPPLEMENTAL
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
The City offers a full complement of benefits:
Health Insurance
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Medical and Childcare Account (FSA)
- Mental Health Care and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- City-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance
- City-paid and Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance through Aflac
- Legal Services through Legal Shield
- Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
- Wellness Program (earn up to $600 per year)
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Mandatory 7% employee contribution
- City match 2:1
- 5 year vesting
- Retire after 20 years of service, or age 60 with 5 years of service
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
- Paid Vacation (80 hours per year for new hires; tiered increases after 2 yrs)
- Sick Leave (135 hours per year for yourself and immediate family)
- Paid Parental Leave (80 hours for birth, adoption, or placement of a child in foser care)
- Ten Paid Holidays
- Personal Day
- Optional compensatory time for hourly employees
- Compensatory time for salaried employees
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