SFM Arson Investigator 1/2/3

DPS-Office of State Fire Marshal; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

DPS-Office of State Fire Marshal is seeking an Arson Investigator to determine the origin and cause of fires through scene examinations, evidence collection, and witness interviews. You will collaborate with law enforcement and prosecutors to support public safety and investigations.

This role requires detail-oriented experience in arson investigations, the ability to testify in court, and readiness to respond to after-hours emergencies.

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

• 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.

Education

Associate’s degree in criminal justice

Twelve semester hours in criminal justice

Two years of law enforcement/investigative experience

Job description

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.

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.

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]