SENIOR FIRE INVESTIGATOR 42185
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for investigating fires to determine their cause and origin and assisting in the collection of evidence for prosecution in cases of known or suspected arson. Under the general supervision of the Director of Emergency Management (Fire), an employee in this class performs on the scene fire investigation including examination of physical evidence and interviewing persons having knowledge of the fire. Responsibilities also include working directly with a Sheriff's or other police agency's criminal investigator on arson fires and assisting the District Attorney's Office in the prosecution of arson cases. An employee in this class also assists in teaching fire investigation classes.
This position is distinguished from other Investigator positions in that a specialized field of knowledge is required in the performance of the duties. Assignments may come from any local Fire Chief or other government official requiring the Fire Investigator's expertise in determining the cause or origin of a fire. Direction may be provided by an Assistant District Attorney in the investigation or collection of evidence for legal prosecution. Work is reviewed
by the Director of Emergency Management (Fire) through conference and submission of fire investigation reports. An employee in this class will mentor/train new investigators. An employee in this class exercises supervision over Fire Investigators. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
When requested, responds to a fire scene and reports to the officer in charge or County Fire Coordinator, or his representative, to conduct an investigation in accordance with the policy of the Onondaga County Fire Investigation Unit.
Performs physical examinations of the remains of a fire to determine the cause and origin of the fire by operating scientific instruments to determine the presence of flammable liquids, taking appropriate photographs of the fire scenes, making appropriate sketches or diagrams, examining char and burn patterns and using his or her knowledge of factors affecting fire spread and the heat characteristics of various materials.
Secures samples of fire remains and any other evidence from fire scene, maintains chain of evidence and delivers materials to proper police agency for preservation or laboratory analysis.
Interviews people who may have witnessed the fire, firefighters involved with suppression activities, owners and/or occupants of fire property and others who may have information that will assist in determining the cause and origin of the fire, such as location, quantity and color of flame and smoke when first discovered, obstacles to extinguishment, and the presence of strangers at the scene prior to the fire.
Works directly with a Sheriff's or other police agency's criminal investigator in cases of known or suspected incendiary fire in order to provide expertise in areas of fire investigations.
Investigates documents and contracts such as deeds, leases, liens, judgments, mortgages, and insurance policies to ascertain the facts and discern possible motives for arson.
Testifies at Grand Juries or court trials as to evidence obtained in fire investigations.
Coordinates all requests for presentations/training provided to local fire departments.
Teaches fire investigation techniques to other Fire, Police, and insurance claims personnel to provide basic knowledge in the areas of fire investigations through seminars, classroom sessions and on‑the‑job training.
Prepares fire investigation reports covering all aspects of each investigation using the information, physical evidence and statements collected during the investigation and submits reports to the Fire Coordinator, the local Fire Chief, police agency having jurisdiction, the District Attorney and, when approved to the insurance company.
Initiates follow‑up investigations by proper authorities when the cause of the fire involved faulty equipment or when there was a delay in the detection of the fire or in the transmission of the alarm because of faulty fire protection equipment.
Responsible for follow up/research of all Burn Injury Reports received by Emergency Management.
Assists insurance companies in civil cases involving incendiary fires by providing fire investigation report and, if requested, testifying as to evidence obtained in the fire investigation.
Assists in coordination of Fire Investigation Unit meetings, agendas, and trainings for the team.
Mentors/trains new investigators or potential investigators.
Manages PPE, meters, and other equipment and supplies provided to Investigators in collaboration with the Program Assistant.
Operates county vehicle to transport equipment, materials, evidence, etc. used in the investigation of fires.
FUIL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Good knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in determining the point of origin of a fire and its probable cause.
Good knowledge of interpreting char and burn patterns, the reaction of materials to fire and heat including household products and furnishings, and the ability to reconstruct the fire scene.
Good knowledge of fire's effect on buildings, vehicles, and content thereof.
Good knowledge of building construction, building materials and their effect on fire and fire spread.
Good knowledge of fixed fire protection and detection equipment.
Good knowledge of the laws governing search, seizure and evidence including its admissibility and the individual's constitutional rights.
Good knowledge of how photographs may be used during prosecution of a case and the admissibility of same as evidence.
Working knowledge of the procedures and techniques of interviewing and taking statements and confessions.
Working knowledge of explosives and explosion characteristics.
Working knowledge of the human motivation and behavior patterns related to false alarms, fire, explosions and incendarism.
Working knowledge of documents and contracts, including insurance policies, deeds, leases, liens, judgments and mortgages and the procedures or requirements for obtaining or reviewing such material and information.
Working knowledge of legal prosecution case preparation procedures and courtroom procedures associated with the performance of the duties of the position.
Ability to operate various types of investigative and detection equipment including cameras and flammable vapor detectors.
Ability to recognize, protect and secure evidence, including proper identification procedures for such evidence.
Ability in note taking, sketching, and preparing reports.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Ability to work well with others.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion:
Five (5) years of active service as a Fire Investigator with the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management Fire Investigation Unit.
Open Competitive:
Active participation in the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management’s Fire Investigation Unit as a Fire Investigator for three (3) years, and either
* Two (2) years as a volunteer fire investigator means length in time in calendar years as an active member in good standing of a volunteer fire department. This does not have to be full time experience.
** Work experience of less than one (1) year or less than full time may be credited on a pro-rata basis. In all cases, candidates must have the appropriate number of years of experience as described above.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license.
7/2022 Date of original composition