ARSON INVESTIGATOR I - Wabash County

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Tuition reimbursement

GI Bill benefits

Commuter savings (Chicago)

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Office of the State Fire Marshal, is accepting applications to fill the Arson Investigator I – Special Agent role. The successful candidate will conduct investigations to determine cause and origin of fires suspected of arson and will perform field work with occasional home-office reporting.

This union position requires college-level study and law enforcement training; the role offers state healthcare, a pension plan, and a comprehensive benefits package, with hybrid work

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge and completion of four years of college in fire science, law, forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.
• Requires either Arson Investigator Trainee training or completion of a full-time law enforcement academy.
• Requires valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including overnight stays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough fire investigations to determine cause and origin.
• Examines interiors and exteriors of buildings and vehicles for signs of entry.
• Assists in determining method, materials, motive, and malefactor of arson.
• Creates photographs and videography of the fire scene and surroundings.
• Performs additional duties within the scope of arson investigation.

Skills

Arson investigation

Communication

Fire scene analysis

Education

Four years college (related field)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58556

Opening Date: 09/22/2026

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Agency: Office of the State Fire Marshal

Class Title: ARSON INVESTIGATOR I - 01481

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,446 Monthly; Full-Range $6,446 - $8,958 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC029 Paraprofessional Investigatory & Law Enforcement Employees, Meat and Poultry Inspectors, and Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainees, IFPE. The RC-033 bargaining unit merged into RC-029 bargaining unit effective May 15, 2014.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5PM; Field Position, Home Office

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need

Headquarter Location: Springfield - 1035 Stevenson Dr

Work County: Wabash

Agency Contact: Kathy Fairfield at [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

This position requires the selected candidate to live in Wabash County (or a contiguous county) within six (6) months of hire.

Position Identification Number: 58556

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Marketing Statement

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accepting applications to fill the position of Arson Investigator I – Special Agent. The successful candidate has obtained significant experience conducting effective and efficient arson investigations and must possess the ability to make quick decisions in situations of high uncertainty. The candidate will serve as a trained arson investigator in the determination of cause, origin, and circumstances of fires suspected of arson. The ideal candidate possesses good communication skills and the ability to professionally interact with the general public. As an Arson Investigator I – Special Agent and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Functions

• 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 reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 one of the following: A) Requires successful completion of training as an Arson Investigator Trainee OR B) Requires successful completion of a full-time law enforcement academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid, appropriate, and current driver’s license and ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history and ability to pass drug screening.
• Requires certification as a law enforcement officer from an accredited Illinois law enforcement academy.
• 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 independent medical examination and 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.
• Overtime is a condition of employment and you may be requested to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24-hour on-call capacity.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• 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. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to the job duties as listed in the job description.

About The Agency

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is dedicated to working with our partners and providing assistance to the fire service in the protection of life, property, and the environment through communication, inspection, investigation, certification, and licensing. The OSFM is committed to fostering a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).