TDI-Investigator (SFMO)

Do you have a passion for public state service and enjoy making a difference? Don’t miss out on this opportunity. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is hiring! Apply today if you’re looking for a rewarding career in public state service. TDI regulates the insurance industry, administers the Texas workers’ compensation system, educates, and protects consumers. TDI is located at the Barbara Jordan Building at 1601 Congress Avenue in Austin, near the Texas Capitol.

Benefits of working at TDI:

• Flexible work schedules.
• Work-life-balance.
• 96 hours of accrued vacation a year.
• 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year.
• 20+ holidays every year.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Free parking.
• 401(k) and 457 Programs.
• State of Texas retirement plan with a lifetime annuity through the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
• Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents (state pays other 50%).
• Optional benefits like dental, vision, life insurance, and many more.
• Qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Before you apply:

Learn about our selection process, our military employment preference, licensing, and credential requirements

TDI Investigator SFMO (Fire Investigator) C03

The Fire Investigator performs highly complex (senior level) investigative work for the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Work involves investigating cause and origin of fires and/or criminal investigations as a Deputy State Fire Marshal and a commissioned peace officer. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position:

• Works in hazardous environments while wearing personal protective equipment, including a respirator.
• Accurately interprets burn patterns and a mixed matrix of other evidence common to the fire investigation process.
• Documents, collect, packages, secures, and transfers physical evidence to ensure proper chain of custody.
• Photographs and diagrams fire scenes.
• Maintains weapons proficiency as determined by the agency.
• Assists with complex criminal investigations of fire related offenses including arson, homicide, and insurance fraud.
• Effectively communicates with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Interviews witnesses, interrogates criminal suspects, and takes sworn statements.
• Detains and arrests persons involved in criminal activity as appropriate.
• Prepare detailed case reports which include diagrams and photographs.
• Files criminal charges with prosecutors and magistrates as warranted.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court and before grand juries.
• Instructs fire service, law enforcement, and insurance personnel as directed.
• Conducts public demonstrations, community outreach, and fire prevention activities.
• Assists with special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position requires:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field related to assignment.
• Three years of experience in criminal investigation or fire investigation work.
• Education and experience relevant to position requirements may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Peace Officer.
• Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) as a Certified Arson/Fire Investigator or the ability to obtain certification within six months from date of hire.
• Successful qualification with applicable firearms prior to employment offer.
• Working outdoors, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Driving for extended periods of time, often in remote areas.
• Successful completion of all training assignments, including the field training program.
• Compliance with state and federal safety standards related to fire investigation.
• Relocating to meet the operational needs of the agency as required.
• Extensive stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, reaching, shoveling, and climbing a ladder.
• Final candidates meet screening criteria for respirators and other safety equipment.
• Must reside within one of the listed counties or relocate within 90 days from hire date. Counties: Anderson, Rusk, Cherokee, Smith, Angelina & Walker

Preferences for this position include:

• Experience in arson investigations.
• TCOLE intermediate peace officer certificate.

This position requires demonstrated knowledge of:

• State laws, rules, procedures, and regulations relevant to job requirements.
• Personal computers and software including word processing and electronic spreadsheets.
• Fire and fire safety investigations process.
• NFPA 921 (National Fire Protection Association) and NFPA 1033.
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.
• Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and major decisions related to fire investigations.
• Accepted courtroom procedures related to witness testimony.

This position requires demonstrated skill in:

• Problem solving, critical thinking and decision making.
• Using Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Using personal computers sufficient to enter and extract data from related systems and programs such as Centralized Accounting Payroll and Personnel (CAPPS) and other systems required to perform the job.
• Interpreting burn patterns on a fire scene.
• Conducting, organizing, and managing criminal investigations.
• Interviewing witnesses and interrogating criminal suspects.
• Operating a motor vehicle in a safe and courteous manner in compliance with traffic laws.

This position requires the demonstrated ability to:

• Communicate and work effectively with a wide range of people with varied skills, knowledge, and backgrounds.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Analyze and solve work-related problems and work independently on a variety of administrative work and technical assignments.
• Manage and coordinate multiple tasks and priorities to meet necessary deadlines.
• Work both independently and as a team player.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate, analyze and interpret information.
• Use relational databases and tracking systems, knowledge of fire and the fire investigation process.
• Make sound decisions.
• Work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Have a high degree of integrity in a position of trust.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all employees and the general public.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with fire service, law enforcement and insurance representatives.
• Pass a respirator fit test.
• Satisfy the requirements to maintain fully qualified driving status.
• Lift materials up to 75 lbs, bend, crawl, kneel, reach, stoop, shovel, climb a ladder, and perform other strenuous physical activity required of the job.

Military Employment Preference

Get help translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets. Redact personal or sensitive information from all attachments.

To receive a military employment preference, you must submit the following documents, as applicable, with your application. See How to Apply – Military Employment Preference.

• Copy of the DD-214; member #4.
• Statement of compensation from the Veteran’s Administration or
• Copy of the DD1300.

Applicable Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes are included, but not limited to one of the following: 1A, 31B, INV, 5805, 5821

Click or copy and paste the following link into your browser to access Military Crosswalk information:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Search/SiteSearch/#?cludoquery=military crosswalk inspectors&cludopage

How to apply:

All applications must contain complete job histories, including job title, dates of employment, name of employer, manager’s name and phone number, and a description of duties performed. We may reject applications that do not include all the required information. Resumes do not substitute for this required information.

Submitted through Work in Texas:

Work in Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Career Center to register or log in and access your profile.