SFM Arson Investigator 1/2/3

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

State Fire Marshal's Office in Louisiana is seeking an Arson Investigator to determine the origin and cause of fires and to gather evidence for criminal and regulatory proceedings. You will conduct scene examinations, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports while collaborating with local authorities.

The role requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and a willingness to respond to after-hours incidents.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in law enforcement, investigatory work or military intelligence work.
• Twelve semester hours of college training in a criminal justice field.
• An associate’s degree in a criminal justice field.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the origin and cause of fires in residential, commercial, vehicle, and other fire-damaged properties.
• Investigate fatal fires to determine cause and identify potential criminal activity.
• Collect, document, and preserve fire scene evidence in accordance with legal standards.
• Interview witnesses, victims, and involved parties to obtain investigative information.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports and case documentation.
• Collaborate with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors during investigations.
• Determine whether fires are accidental, incendiary, natural, or undetermined in origin.
• Testify in court and administrative proceedings regarding investigative findings.
• Respond to emergency fire scenes, including after-hours and weekend callouts.

Skills

Detail orientation

Analytical thinking

Investigative skills

Education

Associate’s degree in criminal justice

Criminal justice coursework (12 semester hours)

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

About This Job

Mission Statement of the Office of State Fire Marshal: To uphold the law and provide for the protection of life and property from the hazards of fire or explosion, to ensure the safety of our citizens in the constructed environment, to provide equal access to disabled individuals and to promote the efficient use of energy in commercial buildings. This position location will be TBD and may fill multiple vacancies.

The State Fire Marshal Arson Investigator 1, 2, or 3 plays a critical role in protecting lives and property through the investigation of residential, commercial, vehicle, and other fire-related incidents. This position is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires, including those involving fatalities, through detailed scene examinations, evidence collection, witness interviews, and collaboration with law enforcement and fire service agencies. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and committed to uncovering the facts to support public safety and criminal investigations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience in law enforcement, investigatory work or military intelligence work; OR
• Twelve semester hours of college training in a criminal justice field; OR
• An associate’s degree in a criminal justice field.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be eighteen years old at time of application.

An applicant will be disqualified if he or she has been convicted of a felony or if there are any indictments or bills of information pending against him or her in which felony charges are included; or if he or she has been convicted within the past three years of hit and run or driving while intoxicated.

May be required to possess a current Louisiana driver's license at the time of appointment.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

As a State Fire Marshal Arson Investigator, You Will Investigate The Origin And Cause Of Fires, Enforce Fire And Safety Laws, And Gather Evidence To Support Criminal And Regulatory Proceedings. In This Role, You Will:

• Conduct origin and cause investigations involving residential, commercial, vehicle, and other fire-damaged property.
• Investigate fatal fires to determine cause and identify potential criminal activity.
• Collects, documents, and preserves fire scene evidence in accordance with legal standards.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, and involved parties to obtain investigative information.
• Prepares detailed investigative reports and case documentation.
• Collaborates with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors during investigations.
• Determines whether fires are accidental, incendiary, natural, or undetermined in origin.
• Testifies in court and administrative proceedings regarding investigative findings.
• Responds to emergency fire scenes, including after-hours and weekend callouts.
• Utilizes accepted fire investigation techniques and safety procedures during scene examinations.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment

Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Arson Investigator 1, 2, or 3.

Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

Location: This vacancy is located with the State Fire Marshal. Domicile is TBD.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Department of Public Safety

ATTN: Human Resources/Ariyana Perkins

P.O. BOX 66614

Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Email: [e-mail]

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:

Benefits

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others