Fire Investigator

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The Fire Investigator is responsible for conducting fire scene examinations to determine origin and cause, gathering and preserving evidence, preparing detailed reports, and potentially testifying in court. This position also assists in fire prevention, code enforcement, and public education initiatives.

Work also involves assisting contracted response agencies with incidents involving hazardous material releases, technical rescue operations along with investigating complaints
regarding violations of fireworks laws and open burning. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established policies and procedures.

Work is performed under the general direction of a Deputy Fire Marshal and is evaluated through reports and feedback on services and emergency coordination.

Work is performed on a rotational shift basis (24/72), including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to fire scenes as required to determine the origin and cause of fires.
• Responds and assists on emergency incidents.
• Conducts interviews with witnesses, property owners, and emergency responders.
• Collects and preserves physical evidence in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.
• Collaborates with local law enforcement, state agencies, and federal authorities when arson or criminal activity is suspected.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and timely reports of fire investigations.
• Testifies in legal proceedings regarding investigation findings.
• Participates in and presents public fire/injury prevention education programs and community outreach opportunities.
• Maintains investigation tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintains knowledge of fire science, investigative techniques, and legal requirements through ongoing training.
• Provides logistical assistance to EMS and Emergency Management Divisions as directed.
• Coordinates media inquiries with departmental staff.
  
• Investigates complaints regarding violations of firework displays.
• Investigates complaints regarding violations of open burning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of state laws and regulations regarding arson, explosives, hazardous materials and fireworks, as well as related criminal offenses.
• Considerable knowledge of County programs, policies and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of fire behavior, building construction, fire suppression techniques, and investigation methods.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of fire ignition, combustion, accelerants and explosives.
• Understanding of NFPA standards, and applicable state/local laws.
• Skilled in scene documentation, evidence collection, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team under stressful conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Physical ability to operate at incident scenes in adverse conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire service agencies, law enforcement officials, prosecuting attorneys, other employees and the
  general public.

• Work involves exposure to extreme temperatures, smoke, hazardous materials, and dangerous environments.
• Must be able to wear required PPE, including SCBA and respirator.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, crawl, climb, and perform strenuous physical activity.
• Subject to emergency call-back and 24-hour availability during shift rotation.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, for extensive reading; to operate a computer, inspect fire sites, to use measuring devices, to operate a motor
  vehicle, and to determine assurance and neatness of work.

Desired Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in firefighting, and fire investigation.
• North Carolina certification as a Fire Investigation Technician.

• Associate degree or higher in Fire Science, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.

• NC Firefighter Certification.
• NC Certified Fire Investigator (or equivalent IAAI-CFI certification) or the ability to obtain within 24 months.
• NC Emergency Medical Technician (Basic or higher preferred).
• NC Class C Driver’s License (Class B required within 6 months)Valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
• North Carolina Hazardous Materials Operations Certification.
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.