FIRE INVESTIGATOR8081L1 Pay Grade: 28 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work in determining the cause of fires and in investigating those in which arson is suspected. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Fire Investigation or Fire Prevention Division Chief class which includes full supervisory and administrative responsibilities. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Determines the cause and origin of a fire by observing it in progress, if possible; by interviewing fire fighters, local law enforcement personnel, and other witnesses; taking their statements; and by examining the scene of the fire after it has worked. Conducts criminal investigations of suspected arson cases to provide county attorneys with evidence necessary for prosecuting a case. Conducts surveillance of known pyromaniacs in an attempt to apprehend them in the act of setting a fire; appears in court as an expert witness during the trial of an alleged arsonist. Collects any evidence of possible arson, labels it, and preserves it for an analysis and possible trial presentation; takes a complete series of pictures of the scene from all angles. Interviews suspects in an arson investigation; informs them of their rights; may request that they take a polygraph test. Writes detailed reports of investigations, including all pertinent information, and presents it to the director, county attorney, or other proper authorities and to the State Fire Marshal. Testifies and presents evidence in a court of law if arson charges are filed and a suspect is brought to trial. Uses expolsi-meter, strobe-meter, and various tools, such as rakes and shovels, to analyze the fire scene. Talks to various civic, school, and other groups to inform the public of the purpose of the State Fire Marshal's office and to acquaint them with various fire hazards found in homes or businesses, the use of fire extinguisher, and other facts related to fire prevention. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to arson and fire knowledges. Knowledge of electrical systems, building construction, chemicals, and the flammable properties of various substances in their solid, liquid, or gaseous states. Knowledge of char and burn pattern characteristics, factors affecting fire spread, color and density of smoke, flame and heat characteristics, material burning rate, and heat release characteristics. *Knowledge of investigative procedures, the rules of evidence, and the rights of suspects. *Knowledge of criminal court procedures and practices. Abilities *Ability to plan and conduct investigations, ascertain facts, and obtain evidence. Ability to establish and maintain favorable relationships with co-workers, professionals, and the public. *Ability to keep records, prepare reports, speak in public, and present evidence. Ability to use a camera. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Two years experience in general law enforcement and criminal investigation.
Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the
agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/89 |