This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is supervisory investigative and law enforcement work for the Department of Public Safety to determine the cause, origin and circumstances of fires and explosions, and to enforce laws regarding arson, fireworks violations and related offenses.
An employee in this class supervises, trains, assigns, evaluates and monitors the performance of Fire Investigators in an assigned geographic region of the state for the Division of Fire Safety. Work involves coordinating major investigations in the field and being available to respond to any assigned investigation. The employee also oversees and participates in investigations of complaints regarding suspected violations of fireworks laws. The employee typically exercises considerable independence under the direction of a Law Enforcement Manager or other designated administrative superior who reviews reports and provides direction through periodic, consultative personal contact.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)
Two years experience as a Fire Investigator with the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
OR
Five years of experience as a fire fighter, fire inspector, investigator or law enforcement officer, of which two years must have involved fire investigation or criminal investigation; and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency. (College coursework with specialization in fire science, law enforcement or closely related areas may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the stated general experience).
Possession of certification as a peace officer in accordance with the requirements established by the state.
Possession of a Missouri Fire Investigators Certificate.
Possession of a valid Missouri vehicle operator’s license
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Supervises, trains, assigns, evaluates and monitors the performance of Fire Investigators within an assigned geographic region of the state.
Provides administrative support and advice to management on division policies, procedures and issues.
Provides consultative advice, technical assistance and expertise to Fire Investigators in the conduct of investigations.
Reviews reports concerning case status, investigative findings and recommendations; reviews and approves weekly reports.
Coordinates and/or participates in highly sensitive arson investigations and those involving multiple fatalities.
Supervises major investigations; serves as liaison and/or assists in multi-agency investigations that relate to fire, explosion and related crimes.
Investigates fire-related offenses, such as homicide, drug crimes, burglary, insurance fraud, etc.
Performs a specialized function, such as Canine Handler or CVSA (Computer Stress Voice Analyzer) Operator; responds to requests for specialized assistance from other investigators, fire service agencies and law enforcement officials.
Testifies and/or gives depositions as an expert witness in legal proceedings regarding fire scene investigations.
Maintains a schedule, approves off time and monitors and compiles work/leave reports.
Monitors staff participation and personally participates in periodic evaluation and retraining sessions in the use of firearms, fire investigation techniques and arrest tactics to maintain required certifications.
Oversees and/or participates in developing and/or conducting training seminars for fire and law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation of arson, bomb threats, methamphetamine laboratories and related topics.
Responds to media inquiries related to the work.
Serves as on-call duty chief for the Division on a rotating schedule.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Thorough knowledge of state laws and regulations regarding arson, explosives, hazardous materials and fireworks, as well as related criminal offenses.
Thorough knowledge of Division programs, policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of the principles of fire ignition, combustion, accelerants and explosives.
Thorough knowledge of techniques and methods used in conducting investigations of fires, arson, explosions and hazardous materials.
Thorough knowledge of the practices and techniques used in law enforcement work.
Thorough knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques, including effective methods of obtaining information from hostile or reluctant witnesses.
Thorough knowledge of civil and criminal justice procedures employed in the prosecution and adjudication of alleged law violations.
Thorough knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and fire service agencies.
Working knowledge of the principles of personnel management in a law enforcement work setting, including leadership, training, work scheduling and performance evaluation.
Skill in the use of firearms and arrest tactics.
Ability to evaluate evidence from a fire scene and accurately determine its cause, origin and circumstances.
Ability to work in a potentially hazardous environment as encountered at fire scenes.
Ability to coordinate, plan and schedule regional activities to achieve established goals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire service agencies, law enforcement officials, prosecuting attorneys, other employees and the general public.
Ability to communicate clearly and to prepare detailed reports of investigation findings.
Ability to travel extensively in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
Ability to be subject to periodic on-call duty.