Special Agent II/III - Investigative Services/Arson

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Long term disability

Life insurance (Employee, spouse, and/

Vacation leave 15 days

Sick leave 15 days

Holidays 13 days

State retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) seeks a Special Agent for the Investigative Services - Arson Unit to conduct full fire investigations, determine origin and cause, and prepare accurate investigative reports for prosecution. The role requires a bachelor’s degree, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service.

The candidate will work with state and local agencies, prosecutors, and SLED laboratories, with 24/7 on-call availability and opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university required.
• Knowledge of law enforcement investigative techniques and case management.

Responsibilities

• General Responsibility: Serve as a Special Agent in the Arson Unit; conduct fire investigations and prepare concise investigative reports.
• Specific Duties: Respond to assignments promptly; perform fire scene examination; document scenes; assist with accelerant analysis; coordinate with prosecutors and law enforcement; develop relationships with regional agencies.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Class I LEO certification

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Special Agent position in our Investigative Services - Arson Unit. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, integrity, and a strong desire for public service.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility

Under general supervision, serve as a Special Agent in the Arson Unit. Conduct full and complete fire investigations upon notification of the supervisor or on call duty agent; render an expert opinion as to the origin and cause of the fire utilizing the scientific method; prepare an accurate and concise investigative report; work closely with the appropriate jurisdictional Solicitor’s office in securing arrest warrants for violation of South Carolina Law and participate in the prosecution of the violator.

Specific Duties

• Availability/Response: Safely respond within a specified time frame from time of notification when notified of an incoming request for assistance. In the event of a church fire, fatal fire or major fire investigation, respond immediately, regardless of time of day. Remain response ready during the week and respond as directed by Supervisory personnel. Be available to respond to additional SLED assignments as determined by Supervisory personnel.
• Fire Scene Examination: Once on scene, acquire lawful access to conduct the fire scene examination. Process the scene in accordance with NFPA 921. Properly excavate each fire scene to provide more detailed information regarding burn patterns and the possible presence of accelerants. When needed & if available, the request the assistance of the SLED Accelerant Detection K9 to assist with the fire scene examination. Document the fire scene with use of digital photography, collect, and submit samples to the SLED Lab utilizing iLAB, and prepare a rough & final sketch of the scene. Once the scene examination is completed, safely and properly decontaminate assigned equipment in accordance with NFPA 921.
• Follow-Up Investigation: If the case that a fire scene examination reveals an intentionally set fire by NFPA 921 Guidelines, conduct the criminal investigation including but not limited to the following procedures: Interview all potential witness/suspects, obtain surveillance videos if available, schedule polygraphs when applicable, gather and analyze cell phone records, as well as Insurance and Mortgage information when appropriate. Coordinate the arrest process with the appropriate local police department or SO and the Solicitor’s Office in the appropriate jurisdiction.
• Investigative Report: In a timely manner, prepare an investigative report that accurately depicts all actions taken during the investigation. Attend training on how to prepare reports by the Field Training Officer.
• Develop professional relationships with all Sheriffs, Police Chiefs and Fire Chiefs in the region to foster a cooperative atmosphere between the SLED Arson Unit and each respective agencies. Respond as directed to assist in any additional details or duties that may arise as part of the general responsibilities as a SLED Agent.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university.
• Must be a certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer through the SC Criminal Justice Academy OR the equivalent from another State or the Federal Government. If the candidate is a law enforcement officer from another State or Federal Agency, he/she must successfully complete the requirements from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) to become a Class I LEO in South Carolina.
• Knowledge of law enforcement investigative techniques, interviewing methods, inspections, compliance review strategies, and overall case management procedures.
• Position requires strenuous physical activities on a regular basis and requires weekend and night time responses.
• Position subject to twenty-four-hour emergency call.
• Must be able to perform all of the physical requirements of a certified Class I LEO including, but not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of criminals, including physically resistant individuals; performing investigations, inspections, search and seizures, including searching vehicles, buildings, attics, and crawl spaces; working crowd control and security during special events, including protests, marches, concerts, political rallies, and other events; working emergency response during natural disasters and other emergent crises. Must be able to respond 24/7 as needed and able to stand post or take other law enforcement action for long periods of continuous time (12+ hours).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer with certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy
• Two (2) years of experience in investigations
• One (1) year of documented fire investigation experience

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $70,150 and $77,165?