Fire Investigator

Department of Public Safety; United States; On-site; USD 68,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Job summary

Department of Public Safety – Fire Marshals Office in Augusta, ME seeks an entry-level investigator to determine the origin of fires and assess life-safety hazards. Responsibilities include inspecting buildings, analyzing hazardous materials handling, and reporting findings with photographic evidence.

The role requires an associate degree in a physical science, criminal justice, or fire science, plus the ability to pass a physical exam and respirator fit test.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent military/civilian experience in physical sciences, criminal justice, or fire science.
• Ability to pass a required physical examination and respirator fit test.
• Must wear PPE and maintain cleanliness as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Investigates fires and explosions to determine origin and cause.
• Inspects buildings for fire and life safety hazards and compliance with codes.
• Investigates handling/storage of hazardous materials and circus/amusement safety.
• Witnesses testimony and compiles investigative reports and photos.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Building construction

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Fire protection design

Blueprint reading

Electrical/heating materials

Fire hazards

Interpret laws

Plan work

Supervision not required

Technical reports

Firearms safety

Education

Associate degree in physical sciences, criminal justice, or fire science technology

Job description

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.

Representative Tasks

• 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, and Abilities Required

• 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.

Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities Required

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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/Certification Requirements

• 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

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.