Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator

Description

Queen Creek Fire & Medical seeks to fill a vacancy in its Fire Inspections / Fire Investigations division. The vacant position will be filled at either the Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator level, based on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications. As you complete your application, please be sure to include all applicable information (i.e. certifications held, related work history, etc.) so you can be considered for the appropriate classification.

NOTE: This position may require evening, weekend, or holiday assignments for special events, and may be subject to stand-by and call-out duty. Work schedules and locations are subject to change based on business needs.

FIRE INSPECTOR ($29.85 - $42.23)

The Fire Inspector performs routine fire inspections of public, commercial, industrial, and residential occupancies to ensure compliance with the Town’s fire prevention codes and regulations. Duties include investigating complaints and violations, recommending corrective actions, conducting plan and system reviews, and participating in public fire safety education programs. Work is performed under general supervision with increasing independence in carrying out assignments.

This is the journey-level classification in the fire inspection and prevention series. Incumbents are expected to independently conduct routine fire inspections, assist with moderately complex inspections, and provide technical support in fire prevention activities. They may also assist in fire investigation tasks under supervision.

Essential Duties

• Independently conducts routine inspections of properties for compliance with fire codes, regulations, and standards.
• Investigates complaints and identifies corrective actions to bring properties into compliance.
• Reviews fire exit plans and fire protection system designs under supervision.
• Inspects and tests fire protection and detection systems.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions have been completed.
• Prepares and maintains reports and records of inspection findings.
• Explains fire prevention policies, codes, and procedures to the public and Town staff.
• Assists in fire origin and cause investigations by collecting information, documenting observations, and photographing scenes under supervision.
• Participates in fire safety education and community outreach programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience as a fire or building inspector, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

Licensing & Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License;
• ICC Fire Inspector I or Arizona State Fire Inspector I (required at hire);
• CPR/First Aid/AED within 6 months of hire;
• Must meet respirator medical clearance if assigned to assist in fire investigation activities;
• Incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE);
• Must maintain all required certifications and licenses.

Special Requirements:

• This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. Upon conditional offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Knowledge:

• Basic principles of fire prevention and suppression;
• Fundamentals of fire inspection and building safety;
• Applicable fire codes, ordinances, and standards;
• Principles of record keeping and reporting;
• Use of computers and office software for documentation.

Skills:

• Learning and applying fire codes and regulations;
• Observing and documenting conditions accurately;
• Communicating clearly with the public and staff;
• Following written and verbal instructions;
• Using basic inspection tools and equipment.

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for performing advanced investigations of the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and hazardous material incidents; conducting arson and criminal fire investigations; collecting and preserving evidence; preparing and presenting investigative reports; and collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies for prosecution of fire-related crimes. This classification also tracks fire occurrences to identify trends, patterns, and potential prevention strategies and assists with developing programs to mitigate future incidents.

This is a journey-level classification within the fire investigation series. It is distinguished by its emphasis on criminal and complex fire investigations, evidence handling, and collaboration with law enforcement. Incumbents work under general direction and are expected to operate independently, exercise discretion in investigative matters, and serve as subject matter experts in origin and cause determination. Fire Investigators may provide technical guidance and training to Fire Inspectors or other staff.

• Conducts comprehensive investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents.
• Performs on-scene examinations, including photography, evidence collection, diagramming, and analysis of fire dynamics.
• Identifies and preserves physical evidence in accordance with legal and procedural standards to ensure admissibility in court.
• Interviews witnesses, property owners, and suspects; prepares detailed statements and documentation.
• Collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during criminal fire investigations.
• Prepares thorough investigative reports, affidavits, and case files; provides expert testimony in court proceedings as required.
• Tracks fire occurrence data, analyzes trends and patterns, and recommends prevention strategies based on investigative findings.
• Coordinates with fire prevention staff to address code deficiencies and identify systemic fire risks.
• Maintains chain of custody for evidence and ensures compliance with applicable legal standards.
• Participates in task forces or interagency teams to combat arson and related criminal activity.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to Fire Inspectors and other staff in investigative techniques.
• Assists in developing training programs and procedures for fire investigation operations.
• On-Call rotating assignments will be required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• College coursework in Fire Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fire inspection or fire service.
• Two (2) years in conducting or assisting fire origin and cause investigations.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Associate’s Degree preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or Criminal Justice highly desirable.

Licensing & Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License;
• Fire Inspector I Certification;
• Fire Investigator I and Fire Investigator II certifications;
• Fire Investigator III & IV through AZIAAI within 12 months of hire;
• First Responder Hazardous Materials Operations Certification within 12 months of hire;
• CPR/First Aid/AED within six (6) months of hire;
• Must meet qualifications for respirator use and medical evaluation per CFR 1910.134;
• Incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE);
• Must Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

Special Requirements:

• This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. Upon conditional offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Knowledge

• Advanced principles and practices of fire origin and cause determination;
• Fire dynamics, burn patterns, and forensic fire analysis techniques;
• Arson investigation techniques, criminal statutes, and rules of evidence;
• Applicable Federal, State, and local fire and criminal codes;
• Chain of custody procedures and legal standards for evidence handling;
• Fire protection systems and building construction features relevant to fire behavior;
• Data analysis methods for identifying fire trends and prevention strategies;
• Report preparation and courtroom testimony procedures;
• Use of specialized investigative tools, testing instruments, and software.

Skills

• Conducting independent and complex fire origin and cause investigations;
• Collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence for legal proceedings;
• Applying fire dynamics and forensic principles to investigative findings;
• Preparing clear, detailed investigative reports, affidavits, and testimony;
• Interpreting and applying fire and criminal laws, codes, and regulations;
• Using specialized investigative tools and technology;
• Coordinating with law enforcement and external agencies;
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, including expert testimony in court;
• Exercising sound judgment and discretion in sensitive situations;
• Leading or mentoring others in investigative procedures.

The following is a list of employment benefits offered by the Town of Queen Creek to full-time employees. The list is for informational purposes only. It does not create or connote any contractual rights or obligations. Additional details will be provided upon hire and are available in the Town of Queen Creek Employee Handbook.

Major Benefits for Full-Time Employees
(Employees choose the benefits that best meet their needs.)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pre-tax unreimbursed medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Arizona State Retirement System membership
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance for the employee
• Town-paid basic life insurance
• Optional employee-paid employee and dependent supplemental life insurance
• Commuter life insurance for business travel and travel to and from work
• Deferred compensation plan (457) with employer match
• Retirement Health Savings Account
• Optional enrollment in Identity Protection Program
• Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday annually
• Vacation leave hours annually
• Four weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Optional income replacement insurance
• Worker's compensation insurance
• Employee assistance program; offers confidential individual/family, marriage, legal and financial counseling
• Training opportunities and continuing education opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for pre-approved programs
• Direct deposit of paychecks
• Wellness Programs with incentives