A Fire Inspector or Investigator visits buildings and inspects for fire hazards. Checks buildings for compliance with government fire codes. Inspects equipment such as fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. May inspect larger building structures such as malls or stadiums. Visits fire scenes, collects evidence and analyzes findings to determine the cause of fires; may provide official findings or testimony in cases where arson is the cause of a fire.
DETROIT FIRE DEPARTMENT - FIRE INVESTIGATION DIVISION
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DETROIT FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY
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INTERNAL PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FIRE INVESTIGATOR - LT
We're here for you when an emergency strikes. The Detroit Fire Department provides a safe environment for Detroit's citizens and visitors through public education enforcement of fire codes and deployment of efficient emergency response resources. The Detroit Fire Department is dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being. We go beyond just firefighting. Our mission is to create a secure environment for each one of you, our cherished residents, and visitors. Our robust system of public education initiatives, we strive to empower you with the knowledge needed to prevent emergencies and protect your loved ones. Our commitment extends to the rigorous enforcement of fire codes, ensuring that every corner of our city adheres to the highest safety standards. We are a part of your community, a familiar face dedicated to safeguarding the place we all call home. Together, let's build a safer, stronger Detroit. The Fire Investigation Division (FID) is mandated by the state law and municipal ordinance to determine the origin and cause of fires that occur within its jurisdiction. The FID staff consists of police certified firefighters, detectives, and federal law enforcement agencies that utilize the most up-to-date techniques in fire investigation to reduce the frequency of fire incidents, and actively pursuing individuals responsible for setting fires within the city of Detroit. Under general supervision, conduct fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions which have been deemed to have an undetermined, suspicious, or incendiary nature, or any fire incident that results in civilian or first responder fire-related injury or death. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may perform other duties as assigned) Investigate fire incidents that have been deemed to have an undetermined, suspicious, or incendiary to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigate multiple-alarm fires or fires that have been deemed "high profile" or "media sensitive". Investigate the origin and cause of fire incidents that result in the death or serious injury of civilians or first responders. Interview witnesses. Identify, collect, record, and store evidence; submit evidence for analysis to the appropriate agency. Prepare a written report of the fire investigation conducted. Prepare and submit warrant requests to the prosecutor's office. Apprehend, interrogate and arrest arson suspects. Testify in civil and criminal court proceedings. Serve as liaison with police agencies and other interested parties regarding fire incidents. Answer telephone, assist civilians, and perform routine office-related duties. Enforce the laws of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the City of Detroit. Qualifications (required) : High School graduation or GED (General Education Development) equivalent. Five (5) years of experience in the Detroit Fire Department - Fire Fighting Division Active Detroit Fire Department employee. Pass the Administered Exam. Employees shall not qualify for a promotion if the employee is currently on attendance control, or under retention for a suspension of two (2) days or greater, prospectively from the signing of the contract. Fire Investigator 1 Certification or current state equivalent (must be obtained within one (1) year of promotion). Fire Officer 1 Certification or State Equivalent (must be obtained within one (1) year of promotion.) Qualifications (preferred) : Preferably advanced coursework in chemistry, physics, or allied subjects.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements :
Employees must be licensed by the State of Michigan to perform Medical First Responder (MFR) level work at a minimum. As a condition of employment, the department may require employees to perform MFR-related work. Employees in this class will be required to operate a motor vehicle. Valid State of Michigan Driver's License required. Once eligible, employees in this class shall be required to successfully complete the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards curriculum and be certified as a law enforcement officer in the State of Michigan. Employees will be subject to a thorough background check prior to placement in the Fire Investigation Lieutenant position. Qualifying applicants will be required to attend and pass the basic police training course and be certified as a police officer by the State of Michigan to remain in the classification after promotion. An Employee placed in the Fire Investigation Lieutenant position who fails to pass the basic police training course will revert back to his/her prior classification. Evaluation Process The weights assigned to the four (4) criteria that compose the Administered Examination shall be as follows:
Seniority:
40%
Evaluation and Discipline History:
15%
Computerized Examination:
30% Oral /
Proficiency Interview:
15%
LRD:
3/25/2024 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of fire behavior. Knowledge of heat release rates in relation to form and ignitability of various materials. Knowledge of current fire investigative methodology and technology. Knowledge of basic computer skills and common office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Skill in powers of observation. Skill in managing multiple priorities. Skill in mechanical aptitude. Skill in effective oral and written communication. Skill in organizing and prioritizing work. Ability to Comply with the Job Performance Requirements (JPR's) within National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 Professional Qualifications for the Fire Investigator within the probationary period. The candidate will receive instruction on JPR's by Fire Investigator-Captain and be evaluated by the Fire Investigator-Captain as part of the Fire Investigator Training Curriculum. Ability to become a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Michigan by completing an accredited police academy and being sworn into the Detroit Police Department. Ability to complete mandatory Detroit Police recertifications pertaining to retaining full police powers and weapon qualifications. Physical Demands The employee frequently engages in strenuous physical activity that requires good dexterity, coordination, and stamina which may include operating motor vehicles as well as light and/or heavy equipment for an extended period of time. The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend (e.g. stairs, ladders, trees etc.) to accomplish tasks. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to (50) pounds on a regular basis and infrequently weighing up to 75 pounds. Work Environment Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to conditions that may include fumes, extreme heat, and cold, wetness, loud noise, confined spaces, dust, hazardous chemicals, blood, bodily fluids, airborne pathogens, inclement weather, etc. Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Individuals promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of one year. The performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continued employment in this class will be contingent upon the successful completion of the probationary period and meeting all of the performance expectation requirements.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO ACTIVE DETROIT FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY PLEASE ATTACH AN UPDATED RESUME AND ANY CERTIFICATIONS WITH YOUR APPLICATION INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Notes:
A review of the applicant's attendance records and work performance will be considered in the promotional process. Person applying must meet the position qualifications, including licensing and certifications. Completion of an evaluation process is required. If you have previously applied for this position, you must re-apply to be considered for this vacancy. The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.
