Fire/arson investigator at Harris County Houston, TX

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County is seeking a Fire/Arson Investigator for the Fire Marshal's Office in Houston, TX. The role requires investigating fire origins, preparing cases for authorities, and managing the documentation of incidents. Applicants must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, a valid Texas driver's license, and appropriate fire investigation and law enforcement certifications. The position works full-time with various shifts, including nights and weekends, and is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Texas Class C driver's license.
• Possess Texas Fire Investigator Basic certification or higher.
• Must have Texas Peace Officer certification or higher.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the origin of fires and explosions.
• Prepare cases for authorities where evidence of incendiary fire exists.
• Maintain records and prepare data reports.

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

Tools

Valid Texas Class C driver's license

Texas Commission on Fire Protection Fire Investigator Basic

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Basic Peace Officer

Job description

Position Overview

Fire/Arson Investigator at the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO), Houston, TX. The role involves investigating the origin and cause of fires or explosions that threaten life, property, or the environment and reporting results to a supervisor or higher-level management.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the origin and circumstances of assigned fires and explosions and determine whether the event was the result of design, carelessness, or natural cause based on nationally recognized standards.
• Ensure quality, accuracy, and timely completion of assigned tasks, including program management in accordance with HCFMO policies and procedures.
• Assist in preparing a case to present to the district attorney or other proper authority where there is evidence of an incendiary fire.
• Perform administrative functions, including completing, reviewing, and maintaining records and reports; and developing summary data reports as required.
• Serve as a member of an Incident Management Team during emergency or disaster situations.
• Maintain situational awareness of all HCFMO activities.
• Serve on committees, boards, or other teams as assigned by the Fire Marshal.
• Perform assigned tasks safely and document and report initial accidents, injuries, or health exposures in accordance with accepted safety practices and HCFMO policy.
• May be assigned to any division within the HCFMO.
• Perform other duties as directed by a supervisor or senior staff member.

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.

Licenses

• Valid Texas Class C driver's license.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Fire Investigator Basic (or higher).
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Basic Peace Officer (or higher).

Notice

Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting, applicable to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to CJIS data.

Automatic Disqualification

• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any felony, and any Class A misdemeanor.
• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor within the previous 10 years.
• Open arrest for any criminal offense (Felony or Misdemeanor).
• Family violence conviction.

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. Resume information alone will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Within one year of appointment, provide proof of completion for NIMS IS-700, IS-800, IS-100, IS-200, and IS-300, IS-400.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours

• Regular full-time.
• 48/36 hours per week.
• Various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Schedule

• The investigation division provides services 24/7.
• Investigators are assigned a shift and rotate the first week of June each year.
• Shift details:
  • A-Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.
  • B-Shift: 6:00 PM-6:00 AM Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Saturday night.
  • C-Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM every other Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • D-Shift: 6:00 PM-6:00 AM Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday night.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications, the position may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

EEO Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.