ARSON INVESTIGATOR I - Cook County

 Agency:  Office of the State Fire Marshal 
Closing Date/Time:  07/18/2024 
Salary:  $5,891 - $7,985 Monthly CBA language applies OR Anticipated Starting Salary for Non-State $5,891  
Job Type:  Salaried 
County:  Cook  
Number of Vacancies:  1  
Plan/BU:  RC029   

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: You must reside in Cook County or a contingent county within 6 months of hire.

 

Posting Identification Number  [[39463]] 

MARKETING STATEMENT

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accepting applications to fill the position of Arson Investigator I – Special Agent. The successful candidate has obtained significant experience conducting effective and efficient arson investigations and must possess the ability to make quick decisions in situations of high uncertainty. The candidate will serve as a trained arson investigator in the determination of cause, origin, and circumstances of fires suspected of arson. The ideal candidate possesses good communication skills and the ability to professionally interact with the general public. As an Arson Investigator I – Special Agent and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

 

JOB DUTIES

1. Conducts a thorough search in the investigation of fires that are suspected of arson to determine the cause and origin of a fire. 25%
2. Examines the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for signs of forcible entry. 20%
3. Investigates the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for means of access. 20%
4. Creates photographs and videography of the fire scene, i.e. actual remains, debris, and bystanders. 15%
5. Determines the method, materials, motive, and malefactor of the arson. 15%
6. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 5%

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education including coursework in fire science, fire science administration, law, forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.
2. Requires certification as an Arson Investigator by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
3. Requires one of the following:  A) Requires successful completion of training as an Arson Investigator Trainee OR B) Requires two (2) years of full-time professional experience as a criminal investigator, forensic fire investigator, or professional fire investigative experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prefers three (3) or more years of professional experience as a criminal investigator, forensic fire investigator, or professional fire investigative experience.    
2. Prefers two (2) or more years of experience applying methods and techniques used in questioning of witnesses and suspects and collection, maintenance, and storage of physical evidence.       
3. Prefers completion and certification from a full law enforcement academy.          
4. Prefers certification as a Lead Ho