Fire Investigator

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 68,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

12 days sick leave

3+ weeks vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Gym reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

State of Maine seeks an entry-level Fire Investigator to determine origin of fires and hazards and enforce life safety standards. Travel within Augusta area; perform inspections of amusement venues and hazardous materials handling to ensure code compliance.

Reports and testifies as needed. The role requires knowledge of interviewing, building construction, and fire-protection concepts, with strong writing and analysis abilities.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in physical sciences, criminal justice, or fire science technology.
• Equivalent military or civilian experience or training.
• Pass required physical examination and wear protective gear.

Responsibilities

• Investigate fires and explosions to determine cause and action.
• Inspect buildings for life safety hazards and code compliance.
• Interview suspects and witnesses to gather information and evidence.
• Prepare investigative reports and testify as an expert witness.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Building construction

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Fire-protection design

Blueprint reading

Electrical materials

Fire hazards

Legal interpretation

Independent work

Technical reporting

Firearms safety

Fire behavior

Hazardous materials

Surveillance techniques

Evidence handling

Education

Associate degree physical sciences

Criminal justice

Fire science technology

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

Department of Public Safety - Fire Marshals Office

Job Class Code: 7232

Grade: 23 (Admin Unit F - MSLEA)

Salary: $67,516.80 - $94,328.00/Annually *Salary does not include $0.85/Hour Stipend

Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: November 13, 2026

Closing Date: December 1, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION

This is investigative and protective services work at the entry level involving the investigation of fire causes and fire hazards. Responsibilities include investigating fires and explosions to determine origin and if cause is accidental, fraudulent, or a criminal action; and inspecting buildings and places of amusement for fire and life safety hazards. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS

Investigates fires and explosions in order to determine if cause is accidental, fraudulent, or from other criminal action. Inspects and investigates fire and life safety hazards in public and private buildings in order to identify and report fire and life safety hazards and determine compliance with appropriate codes and laws. Inspects and investigates the transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, explosives, and flammables in order to determine compliance with applicable codes and laws. Inspects and investigates circuses, carnivals, race tracks, and other amusement activities in order to ensure public safety and compliance with applicable codes and laws. Interviews and interrogates complainants, suspects, and witnesses in order to develop information and evidence. Writes and submits investigative reports, photographs, and other evidence in order to document cases. Testifies as an expert witness in order to provide evidence and assist in the prosecution of cases.

KNOWLEDGES,SKILLS,ANDABILITIESREQUIRED

Knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques. Knowledge of building construction. Knowledge of basic interpersonal communications skills. Knowledge of basic writing skills. Knowledge of fire-protection designs and techniques. Knowledge of basic structural and mechanical blueprint reading. Knowledge of electrical and heating material and installation. Knowledge of fire hazards. Ability to interpret laws and regulations. Ability to plan work assignments. Ability to work without direct supervision. Ability to write technical reports. Ability to handle and use firearms safely.

FULLPERFORMANCEKNOWLEDGES,SKILLSANDABILITIESREQUIRED

Knowledge of fire behavior and patterns. Knowledge of flammable, hazardous, and explosive materials. Knowledge of state license and permit procedures administered by the Maine Office of the Fire Marshal. Knowledge of state fire laws and regulations. Knowledge of physics and chemistry of combustion, criminalistics, and forensic investigative techniques. Knowledge of surveillance techniques and criminal and financial investigation methodology. Knowledge of mechanical rides. Knowledge of safety requirements for thrill rides and race tracks. Knowledge of basic photography. Knowledge of evidence recognition and preservation. Knowledge of insurance procedures and real estate records. Ability to speak to groups. Ability to utilize basic communications equipment. Ability to testify as an expert witness. Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters of investigations. Ability to investigate highly sensitive situations. Ability to use a variety of equipment in the conduct of inspections and investigations.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS

Associates Degree in one of the physical sciences, criminal justice, or fire science technology -OR- an equivalent combination of related military or civilian experience or training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Employees in this classification must be able to pass the required physical examination as a condition of employment. Employees in this classification must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, a personnel protective Level C suit, and pass a fit test as a condition of employment. Employees in this class must be clean shaven everywhere the respirator touches the face during all work and on-call duty hours.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS

(These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

Valid Driver's License

Law Enforcement Certification as issued by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy

Must obtain American Heart Association First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification.

The desired candidate would be expected to cover Waldo and Knox County.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto - "Dirigo" or "I lead" - as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 19.84% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

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