FIRE INVESTIGATOR

The State of New Hampshire; Concord (NH); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of New Hampshire is recruiting for a skilled investigator to determine origins of fires, explosions, building collapses, and CO releases. You will act as lead investigator, coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, and provide expert testimony in court as needed.

Minimum qualifications include an Associate’s degree in fire science or criminal justice, five years of relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and eligibility for required certifications and background

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or its equivalent with major study in a fire science, criminal justice, or related field.
• Five years of experience conducting fire inspections and fire investigations OR five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, including handling evidence, courtroom testimony, interviews, and interrogations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must pass physical agility test unless NH full-time police officer already certified.
• Background, polygraph, psychological exams; medical exam after conditional offer; possible drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the origin and cause of fires, explosions, building collapses, and carbon monoxide releases; submit detailed reports.
• Serve as lead investigator supervising division personnel in major cases.
• Assist agencies with investigations involving fire/code violations.
• Provide direction to division staff using applicable laws and procedures.
• Engage with the public, media, officials, and partner agencies to educate and guide.

Skills

Physical fitness

Education

Associate’s degree in fire science or criminal justice

Tools

Polygraph examination

Job description

For assistance, contact the State of New Hampshire - Division of Personnel Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST 603-271-3261 or [e-mail]

Summary

Perform skilled technical and investigative duties concerning the origin and cause of fires, building collapses, and carbon monoxide releases. Conduct criminal investigations and act as a Peace Officer authorized by RSA 21-P:4 and RSA Chapter 594. Conduct inspections as they relate to current RSAs and fire and building codes.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree or its equivalent with major study in a fire science, criminal justice, or related field.

Five years of experience conducting fire inspections and fire investigations OR five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, including experience investigating criminal matters, collecting evidence, presenting courtroom testimony, conducting interviews, and interrogating witnesses.

License and Certification

Valid driver’s license.

Other Requirements

• Successfully participate in a physical agility test administered by the NH Police Standards and Training Council, unless currently certified as a NH full-time police officer.
• Undergo comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological examination; must have a record free of serious offenses.
• Pass a comprehensive medical examination after conditional offer; subject to unannounced drug testing.
• Willing to accept employment anywhere in the State of New Hampshire.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of full‑time police officer certification or full‑time firefighter certification strongly preferred.

After‑Hire Requirements

• Possess a valid New Hampshire driver’s license within 12 months of hire.
• Obtain full‑time police officer certification within 12 months of hire and maintain throughout tenure.
• Obtain full‑time firefighter certification within 12 months of hire and maintain throughout tenure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

In-Band Advancement Available: No

Broad Group Level Advancement Available: No

Responsibilities

Investigate the origin and cause of fires, explosions, building collapses, and releases of carbon monoxide (other than from a motor vehicle) as required, including any resulting deaths, and submit detailed written reports.

Act as lead investigator exercising general field supervisory duties as delegated by superiors in major case investigations, overseeing performance of all subordinates to ensure compliance with Division policies and procedures.

Assist Division personnel and other federal, state, and local agencies with investigations involving violations of the state fire code and/or criminal code.

Utilize specialized knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures and laws to provide direction to division staff.

Interface with the public, media, businesses, federal, state, and local officials, providing positive public relations, education, training and guidance.

Facilitate the judicial process by maintaining an effective liaison with federal, state and local prosecutors; provide expert witness testimony in criminal trials and civil litigation.

Interview complainants and witnesses and interrogate suspects to obtain evidence and/or admission of guilt.

Respond to hazardous materials incidents to coordinate state agency response, and assume control at the request of the fire officer in charge or when in the best interest of public safety.

For further information please contact Brian Allard, Assistant Director/Deputy Fire Marshal, at [e-mail] or [phone].

Total Compensation

Salary: USD 31.03 - 41.77 per hour.

Benefits:

• HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits (value varies by plan chosen).
• State’s share of Employee Retirement: 30.95% of pay.
• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and families (value $500 - $1800).
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan.
• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program (up to $500).

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

EOE. TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964.