Fire Investigator - Deputy State Fire Marshal

Fire Investigator

This position is responsible for investigating the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires in accordance with state statutes, specifically those outlined in 299F statutes. This work involves a systematic approach of post-fire scene processing, documentation, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony. Post-fire scenes are complex incidents involving fatalities and / or injuries, as well as high-dollar losses. This position is also responsible for providing fire investigation information, instruction, and consultation to local fire and law enforcement authorities. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting with the development and delivery of arson training programs for law enforcement, fire service personnel, and prosecutors. This position may also periodically assist with investigating fires / explosions related to fireworks and explosives.

This position will be responsible for part of the Central and South regions of the State of Minnesota, which may include the counties of McLeod, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Sibley, Nicollet, Le Sueur, Rice, Goodhue, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston. The incumbent of this position will be required to reside (and home office) within one of the counties listed above within one year of the date of hire.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

The following must be included and clearly stated in the application and / or resume to be considered eligible for this position :

• Three (3) years of experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer.
• An Associates degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for six (6) months of the experience requirement.
• A Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.
• Work experience must include knowledge and experience in fire science, building construction, and writing technical reports.

Candidates will be further assessed on the following :

Preferred Qualifications

1. Five (5) years experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer.

2. IAAI -Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) or Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)

3. National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified Fire / Explosion Investigator (CFEI)

4. Associates or Bachelors degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation.

5. Minnesota fire investigation part 1 & 2 classes (formerly Basic / Advanced) or equivalent.

6. POST law enforcement certification.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following :

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer / educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.