Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

FIRE INVESTIGATOR ($34.40 - $49.53)

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. 

Essential Duties

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

Physical Strength for this classification is indicated below with an “X”
	Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
	Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
	Medium: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
X	Heavy: Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
	Very Heavy: Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

C	F	O	R	N
Continuously	Frequently	Occasionally	Rarely	Never
2/3 or more time	1/3 to 2/3 of time	Up to 1/3 time	< 1 hour per week	Never occurs

Note: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.

Physical Demand	Brief Description	C	F	O	R	N
Standing	Communicating with co-workers, observing work site, observing work duties		X
Sitting	Desk work		X
Walking	To other departments/offices/office equipment	X
Lifting	Supplies, files		X
Carrying	Supplies, files		X
Pushing/Pulling	File draws, tables and chairs		X
Reaching	For supplies, for files		X
Handling	Paperwork		X
Fine Dexterity	Computer keyboard, telephone pad, calculator, calibrating equipment		X
Kneeling	Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground			X
Crouching	Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground			X
Crawling	Under equipment			X
Bending	Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground			X
Twisting	From computer to telephone, getting inside vehicles		X
Climbing	Stairs, step stool			X
Balancing	On step stool			X
Vision	Reading, computer screen, driving		X
Hearing	Communicating with co-workers and public and on telephone, listening to equipment	X
Talking	Communicating with co-workers and public and on telephone		X
Foot Controls	Driving	X
Other (Specify)

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE:
Standard office equipment; vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

D	W	M	S	N
Daily	Several Times Per Week	Several Times Per Month	Seasonally	Never
Health & Safety Factors	D	W	M	S	N	Health & Safety Factors	D	W	M	S	N
Mechanical Hazards		X				Respiratory Hazards				X
Chemical Hazards				X		Extreme Temperatures			X
Electrical Hazards				X		Noise and Vibration			X
Fire Hazards		X				Wetness/Humidity				X
Explosives					X	Physical Hazards				X
Communicable Diseases				X
Physical Danger or Abuse				X
Other (Specify Below

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

C	F	O	R	N
Continuously	Frequently	Occasionally	Rarely	Never
2/3 or more time	1/3 to 2/3 of time	Up to 1/3 time	< 1 hour per week	Never occurs
Description of Non-Physical Demands	C	F	O	R	N
Time Pressure	X
Emergency Situation			X
Frequent Change of Tasks			X
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime			X
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously	X
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team	X
Tedious or Exacting Work	X
Noisy/Distracting Environment			X
Other (Specify Below)

PRIMARY WORK LOCATION:

	Office Environment
	Warehouse
	Shop
	Recreation/Neighborhood Center
	Vehicle
	Outdoors
X	Combination of Office, Vehicle and Field
	Other (Specify Below)

Salary : $30 - $50