Fire Investigator II
King County
Auburn, WA
Full-time
Law Enforcement / Security
Posted on September 16, 2019
- Summary
Become part of the King County Sheriff's Office Fire Investigator team!
On average we investigate 365 fires and close double the national average of cases annually.
Working with us provides the broadest range of fire investigations allowing you to experience variety every day and hone your skills to be a leader in the industry.
As a Fire Investigator, you will be doing full-cycle fire investigations which include:- Investigating the origin and cause of fires
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects and conducting follow-up investigations including detection, apprehension and prosecution of arson suspects
- Providing expert testimony in court for both criminal and civil cases
- Preparing extensive detailed written reports systematically documenting the cause of a fire in all cases that are investigated by the FIU and preparing reports and statistics for owners, fire departments and other agencies
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
- Complete online application and
- Attached letter of interest, expressing your background and experience, specifically your investigation experience.
- The ability to write detailed reports, systematically documenting evidence and investigative steps in a thorough and professional manner
- High interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds in high stress situations
- Skill in handling multiple competing priorities within tight timelines; agility in addressing urgent matters
- Basic skill in using MS Word, Excel and current database software; must be comfortable and proficient with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work
- Principles and techniques of fire and/or arson investigations
- Fire investigation principles, methodologies and techniques; principles of fire science and fire behavior; laws and legal ramifications of fire and criminal investigations; fire and building codes including: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033 – Standard for Professional Fire Investigator
- A law enforcement commission with significant (non-fire) investigation experience
- Experience performing fire investigations
- A fire investigator certification recognized by the State of Washington (IFSAC, IAAI, NAFI)
- Candidate must have a Washington State driver's license or be able to obtain one
- Candidate must successfully complete the approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or state approved Reserve Academy within the first six (6) months of employment and/or from the next available Academy date if not already commissioned
TIMEFRAME: The timeframe and order of this recruitment is provided below. Please note that dates are subject to change based on resource availability.- Oral Board Examination will be held the week of October 28, 2019
WORK SCHEDULE: This position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is overtime eligible with prior approval. The regular work hours are 40 hours per week, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.- Positions require the ability to work irregular hours which may include evenings and weekends, in the outdoors under unfavorable weather and site conditions
- Positions require the ability to handle strenuous physical tasks such as digging, lifting and climbing
- Positions require the ability to handle physical and emotional stresses including investigations with victim suffering and/or serious/fatal injuries
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01You must be a current US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to apply for civil service positions with the King County Sheriff's Office. Are you now a United States citizen?
- Yes
- No
02Can you read, write and speak the English language?- Yes
- No
03The background of all King County Sheriff's Office employees and applicants are thoroughly checked. The required background investigation will review and evaluate driving records, criminal records, employment histories, military records, personal and employment references, and related information. A polygraph examination is also required. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation and polygraph examination as part of the employment process?- Yes
- No
04Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to DRUGS: •As an adult, convicted of any drug crime, felony or misdemeanor •Use of mushrooms within the last three (3) years •Use of hallucinogens (includes GHB & ecstasy; excludes mushrooms), cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates within the last ten (10) years •Use of any other illegal drug, including steroids, within the last five (5) years •Illegal use of four (4) or more different controlled substances, including marijuana, in the last ten (10) years •Any instance of manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs for the purpose of sale or distribution •Use of any illegal drugs while employed in a criminal justice capacity •Obtaining a prescription under false pretenses •Any instance of illegally injected amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, barbiturates, or valium •Any instance of illegally using a drug after submitting an application to any Law Enforcement agency •Marijuana use will reviewed on a case-by-case basis; however, in order to increase the likelihood of continuing on in the hiring and background process, an applicant should not have used Marijuana in the last 12 months- Yes
- No
05If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain.06Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to DRIVING: •Conviction of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol within the last ten (10) years •Conviction of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol more than once •As an adult, conviction of Attempting to Elude, or Hit and Run •As an adult, conviction of Reckless or Negligent Driving 1st degree in in the last 5 years •Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.- Yes
- No
07If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain.08Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to MILITARY: •Any discharge from any military service other than honorable will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis •A dishonorable discharge remains an automatic disqualifier.- Yes
- No
09If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain.10Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to CRIMINAL ACTIVITY: •Any adult felony convictions •Any adult misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving theft or crimes of violence •Conviction of Minor In Possession of Alcohol within the last three (3) years •Any conviction for a sex related crime •Any instance of required registration as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status •Any conviction for solicitation of prostitution.- Yes
- No
11If you answered "yes" to the above, please explain.Required Question