Fire Investigator

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary 

Under direct or indirect supervision, assists the Office of Emergency Services and the Hays County Fire Marshal in conducting fire inspections and/or fire investigations.

• Investigates and determines cause, origin, and circumstances of fires in accordance with Chapter 352 of the Local Government Code.
• Investigates any incident that relates to explosives, explosions or any damage caused by an explosive or explosions in accordance with Chapter 352 of the Local Government Code.
• Enforces all state and county regulations or laws that relate to fires, explosions, or damages of any kind caused by fire or explosions in accordance with Chapter 352 of the Local Government Code.
• Enforces all state and local laws.
• Collects evidence and identifies whether the fire was result of arson, negligent or intentional conduct.
• Initiates and completes assigned investigation and case reports and related documents.
• Conducts follow-up investigations.
• Prepares affidavits for arrest warrants, search warrants and subpoenas and executes them.
• Prepares cases for presentation to prosecutor’s office. Testifies before grand jury, justice of the peace court, state and federal courts.
• Takes and preserves witness statements, affidavits, and depositions to prepare for the filing of a complaint charging arson, attempted arson, conspiracy to defraud, or any other crime.
• Documents and takes photographs of fire scene, makes sketches, gathers and preserves evidence. Conducts interviews with witnesses, suspects, and those with interests in the property.
• Maintains records of investigations.
• Files criminal citations with the Justice of the Peace in their respective precincts.
• Conducts fire inspections of businesses and homes to provide information on how to better protect property and life. Schedules and responds to citizen requests for fire inspections. Performs inspections of homes, businesses, schools and other structures. Detects fire hazards and makes recommendations for corrections. Performs timely follow-up inspections to insure compliance. Performs inspections of county owned and leased facilities.
• Approves fire protection equipment, construction, and fire safety plans for organizations and new construction within the County.
• Maintains records and reports of inspections.
• Makes public education presentations.
• Trains emergency service organizations, community awareness organizations, and emergency responders on fire safety, fire protection, fire investigation, emergency rescue and emergency response.
• Plans, coordinates and assists with all county fire districts, volunteer fire departments, and other emergency services agencies in relation to fire protection and emergency services functions.
• Develops strategies and techniques of fire protection and safety that best fits Hays County.

• Conducts arson investigations any time of the day or night in any type of weather.
• Maintains all current certification and continuing education requirements through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Two years of coursework form an accredited college or university with a major in fire science, police science, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field and three years of experience in law enforcement or fire protection.

• Possess current certification as, at minimum, a Basic Fire/Arson Investigator Certification with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) within one year of appointment or
• Possess current certification as, at a minimum, a Basic Inspector license from Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license.
• Preferred current certification as a Basic Peace Officer License under the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Ability to maintain continuing education requirements as outlined by TCOLE.