Arson Investigator I

Jobtailor; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks an experienced Arson Investigator to thoroughly examine fire scenes, identify arson causes, and collect critical evidence. You will assess entry methods and motives, documenting findings with photos and video.

The role requires a four-year college background in fire science or criminology, plus formal arson/investigative training, and preferred experience in witness questioning and evidence handling.

Qualifications

• Completion of four-year college with relevant fields (fire science, criminal justice, criminology).
• Successful completion of Arson Investigator Trainee training or full-time law enforcement academy.
• Prefers 3+ years of professional investigation experience.
• Prefers 2+ years of experience questioning witnesses and handling evidence.
• Prefers certifications as Lead Homicide Investigator and Evidence Technician.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough fire investigations to determine arson cause and origin.
• Examine interiors and exteriors for signs of entry or access methods.
• Create photographs and videography of the fire scene and evidence.
• Determine the method, materials, motive, and malefactor of the arson.
• Perform additional duties within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Education

College degree (4 years) in fire science, criminal justice, or criminology

Arson Investigator Trainee training or police academy

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

• Conducts a thorough search in the investigation of fires that are suspected of arson to determine the cause and origin of a fire.
• Examines the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for signs of forcible entry.
• Investigates the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for means of access.
• Creates photographs and videography of the fire scene, i.e. actual remains, debris, and bystanders.
• Determines the method, materials, motive, and malefactor of the arson.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college which may include coursework in fire science, fire science administration, law, forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.
• Requires successful completion of training as an Arson Investigator Trainee OR successful completion of a full-time law enforcement academy.
• Prefers three (3) or more years of professional experience as a criminal investigator, forensic fire investigator, or professional fire investigative experience.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience applying methods and techniques used in questioning of witnesses and suspects and collection, maintenance, and storage of physical evidence.
• Prefers certification as a Lead Homicide Investigator through an accredited institution.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience maintaining comprehensive data and investigation reports in the Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS).
• Prefers certification as an Evidence Technician through an accredited institution.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience in the utilization of Microsoft Office programs which include MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Requires a valid, appropriate, and current driver’s license and ability to pass drug screening.
• Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires candidate to be a resident of the position county or a contingent county within six (6) months of employment.
• Requires the ability to qualify for a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card.
• Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
• Requires ability to pass physical agility test at time of potential hire and an acceptable level of physical fitness be maintained in accordance with agency standards.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires the ability to pass an independent medical examination.
• Requires certification as a law enforcement officer from an accredited Illinois law enforcement academy.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in fire investigation techniques, including the examination of fire scenes and evidence collection. Possesses strong analytical skills to determine the cause and origin of fires, along with effective communication abilities for interviewing witnesses and suspects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Arson Investigation
• Forensic Fire Investigation
• Evidence Collection
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Law Enforcement Certification

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Fire Scene Examination
• Investigation Reporting
• Data Maintenance
• Questioning Techniques
• Physical Evidence Storage

Soft Skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• Lead Homicide Investigator
• Evidence Technician
• Law Enforcement Officer Certification

Industry Keywords

• Fire Science
• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Science
• Firearm Owner Identification (FOID)
• Continuing Education Requirements

Tools & Technologies

• Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS)
• Photography
• Videography