Fire Investigator - Northern Division

Department of Public Safety - Office of State Fire Marshal

Job Class Code: 7232
Grade: 22 (MSLEA) 
Salary: $56,867 - $76,356 (does not include $0.85/hour Stipend)

Location: Northern Division, ME

Opening Date: April 2, 2024

Closing Date:  April 17, 2024

This is investigative and protective services work as a certified law enforcement official investigating fire causes and hazards.  Responsibilities include investigating fires and explosions to determine the origin and if the cause is accidental, fraudulent, or criminal action and inspecting buildings and places of amusement for fire and life safety hazards.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Investigates fires and explosions to determine if the cause is accidental, fraudulent, or other criminal action. 
• Investigate all deaths/serious injuries caused by fire and explosion. Inspects and investigates fire and life safety hazards in public and private buildings to identify and report fire and life safety hazards and determine compliance with appropriate codes and laws.
• Inspects and investigates the transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, explosives, and flammables to determine compliance with applicable codes and laws.
• Gathers and analyzes facts and physical and digital evidence and applies scientific methodologies to formulate causation theory and develop and document findings. 
• Test site materials, scenarios, and causation theories to establish facts, document evidence details, and report conclusions.
• Inspects and investigates circuses, carnivals, racetracks, and other amusement activities to ensure public safety and compliance with applicable codes and laws.
• Interviews and interrogates complainants, suspects, and witnesses to develop information and evidence. 
• Writes and submits investigative reports, photographs, and other evidence to document cases.
• Testifies as an expert witness to provide evidence and assist in prosecuting cases.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of state license and permit procedures administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Knowledge of state fire laws and regulations. Knowledge of physics, chemistry of combustion, criminalistics, and forensic investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of surveillance techniques and criminal and financial investigation methodology.
• Knowledge of laws and processes to obtain search warrants, arrest warrants, and legal documents.
• Knowledge of mechanical rides and safety requirements for thrill rides and racetracks.
• Knowledge of basic photography. 
• Knowledge of evidence recognition, collection, and preservation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of insurance procedures and real estate records.
• Knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques.
• Knowledge of building construction. Knowledge of fire-protection designs and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic structural and mechanical blueprint reading.
• Knowledge of electrical and heating material and installation.
• Knowledge of fire hazards. Knowledge of fire behavior and patterns.
• Knowledge of NFPA 921 and 1033.
• Knowledge of flammable, hazardous, and explosive materials.
• Ability to interpret laws and regulations.
• Ability to plan work assignments.
• Ability to write technical reports.
• Ability to handle and use firearms safely.
• Ability to identify information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Ability to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Ability to utilize basic communications equipment.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters of investigation. 
• Ability to investigate highly sensitive situations.
• Ability to use a variety of equipment in the conduct of inspections and investigations.

Minimum qualifications:

Associates Degree in one of the physical sciences, criminal justice, or fire science technology -OR- an equivalent combination of related military or civilian experience or training.

*NECESSARY SPEICAL REQUIREMENT:   Employees in this classification must be able to pass the required physical examination as a condition of employment.  Employees in this classification must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, a personnel protective Level C suit, and pass a fit test as a condition of employment.  Employees in this class must be clean shaven everywhere the respirator touches the face during all work and on-call duty hours.

Licensing/registration/certification requirements: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Law Enforcement Certification as issued by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy
• Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or equivalent NFPA 1033.
• Must obtain American Heart Association First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Employees in this classification must be able to pass the required physical examination as a condition of employment.  Employees in this classification must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, a personnel protective Level C suit, and pass a fit test as a condition of employment.  Employees in this class must be clean shaven everywhere the respirator touches the face during all work and on-call duty hours.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Troy Gardner at Troy.a.gardner@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes  25.64% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.