Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing inspections, investigations, and educational work in fire prevention and arson investigation as an agent of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS
The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:
• Conducts investigations of criminal violations of state law pertaining to suspected arson and other violations related to statutory authority and, based upon the evidence obtained, prepares reports, advises and assists prosecutors in filing charges, and drafts and executes legal documents for use in criminal or administrative investigations to include affidavits, search warrants, orders, and citations and appears as a witness in court.
• Processes fire, explosion and crime scenes; gathers and analyzes information; interviews witnesses; collects materials, substances, documents and other evidence including photographs, ignitable substances, fingerprints, and other items; arranges for scientific testing and analysis as needed.
• Inspects buildings and premises of facilities, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, theaters, apartment houses, hotels, and correctional facilities; reviews plans and specifications for construction of new buildings or major alterations to existing buildings to determine compliance with statutes and rules, building and life safety codes.
• Inspects storage locations for explosives to enforce state laws governing the manufacture, storage and handling of explosives; inspects locations which store or sell fireworks; enforces the state fireworks laws governing the sale and/or possession of illegal explosives, investigates and enforces laws in regards to licenses for fireworks shooters. • Investigation and enforcement of the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act.
• Speaks before a variety of groups, providing information on fire safety and prevention; assists governmental subdivisions throughout the state in instituting or improving fire and life safety programs.
• Attends conferences; prepares and presents classes on fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, and safety to fire and law enforcement personnel.
• Participates in covert investigations and surveillance operations; operates computers and other equipment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Level I:
Knowledge of modern fire investigative techniques; of fire prevention, life safety and building codes; of fire protection equipment, such as sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and extinguishing equipment; of state criminal law pertaining to crimes of arson and other statutory laws enforced by the State Fire Marshal; of search and seizure, arrest, rules of evidence, and recent court decisions affecting fire investigation, law enforcement and code enforcement; of public relations; of correct English grammar; and of basic elements of computer operation and software. Ability is required to conduct interviews, investigations, and inspections; to present clear and accurate reports and court testimony; to maintain chain of custody over evidence; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to gather and analyze evidence; and to organize and present facts and opinions orally and writing.
Level II:
Those identified in Level I plus knowledge of the principles and techniques of arson and related investigations; of code enforcement and plan review; of investigative laboratories and agencies; of crime scene processing; and proper evidence procedures. Ability is required to conduct multiple investigations and inspections simultaneously; and to organize and present facts in a concise and objective manner.
Level III:
Those identified in Level II plus knowledge of specialized investigative and inspection techniques and ability to train and coordinate the activities of others in complex investigations or inspections.
Level IV:
Those identified in Level III plus knowledge of public relations pertaining to investigative activities; of supervisory principles and practices; of agency policies and procedures; and of safety and training practices. Ability is required to supervise the activities of investigative and inspection personnel and to conduct internal investigations.
Level V:
Those identified in Level IV plus knowledge of the state personnel and budget practices; of the state legislative process; and of management principles and practices. Ability is required to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate agency programs; to analyze, interpret, and resolve personnel and management problems; to prepare department, division, or program budgets; and to manage the activities of investigative, inspection, public education, and other programs within the agency.
LEVEL DESCRIPTORS
This job family consists of five levels which are distinguished based on the complexity of job assignments, the expertise required to complete assigned duties, and the responsibilities assigned for providing leadership to others.
Level I:
This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities involving entry level work in a training status to build their skills in conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, conducting building inspections, collecting and analyzing evidence, and other related duties. In this role, new agents will be trained and assisted by Field Training Officers (FTOs) and supervisors, in completing required actions related to the job.
Level II:
This is the career level of this job family where employees are fully trained in to perform basic fire investigation and code enforcement duties and are assigned responsibilities for a full range of duties including investigations and inspections, plan review, and other essential functions associated with the position. Employees may be assigned as resident agents, may participate in the training of new employees, and may participate in covert investigations.
Level III:
This is the specialist level of this job family where employees are assigned advanced level duties and responsibilities which may include serving as a Field Training Officer agent for probationary agents, organizing and coordinating multiple investigations or inspections within the agency or with other agencies, or participating in the development or presentation of educational programs.
Level IV:
This is the leadership level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for supervising investigative and inspection activities of Agents. Duties shall include review of investigation and inspection reports, activity reports and Agents' activity scheduling; preparation of employee performance evaluations; planning, directing, and coordinating field operations or programs; and assisting with the preparation of division budgets. Responsibilities will also include assisting with establishing and maintaining effective relationships with fire, law enforcement, and other city, county, state and federal officials in the area of assignment or responsibility, and representing the agency at various meeting and conferences as required as well as performing investigations, inspections and other duties as needed and providing training to other agents and employees.
Level V:
At this level employees are assigned responsibilities for management of an agency division to include personnel management and evaluations, fiscal management of the division, procurement, budget preparation, scheduling, and training. Responsibility will also be assigned for establishing and maintaining close working relationships with fire, law enforcement, city, county, state, and federal officials and regularly attend association meetings and conferences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Level I:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of two years experience in fire investigation and/or, fire prevention, which may include service in a federal, state, county, or municipal fire department; or two years of professional experience in conducting criminal investigations for a governmental law enforcement agency as the primary full time job responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the completion of 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university including 6 semester hours in fire protection and prevention for each year of the required experience. (O.S. Title 74 Section 324.5)
Level II:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one additional year of qualifying experience as an agent in the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Level III: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of qualifying experience as an agent in the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office.
Level IV:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus two additional years of qualifying experience as an agent in a public sector Fire Marshal’s office.
Level V:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level IV plus two additional years of qualifying experience as an agent in the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal's Office in a supervisory capacity.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
All applicants will be required to successfully complete specialized training in arson detection and investigation, become proficient with building and fire codes and pass required written and performance exams in addition to being CLEET certified, prior to the end of their one year probationary period. CLEET certification must be maintained by all agents in the fire marshal job series.
Agents must possess the ability and willingness to perform all job-related travel; willingness to carry a firearm and use deadly force as required; have and maintain the physical and mental stamina required to perform the work and willingness to accept the physical discomforts or dangers inherent in the work as evidenced by a complete physical examination that meets the specifications of the Office of the State Fire Marshal; ability to successfully complete any necessary training and certification required by the agency; be available to respond twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days a week; be willing to travel frequently and be away from home for extended periods of time; be willing to transfer where needed and to accept assignment anywhere in the state; pass a thorough character and background investigation; successfully pass a polygraph examination, drug screen, and a psychological evaluation; Applicants must have or be able to obtain a valid Oklahoma drivers license and satisfy requirements or limitations pertaining to carrying of weapons under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended.
NOTES
Please read instructions carefully and include all required documents when you submit your application.
No additional information will be accepted after the application has been submitted.
CLASS: G21A; EST: 8/21/2007; REV: 3/13/2014;
CLASS: G21B; EST: 8/21/2007; REV: 7/2/2012 7:45:00 AM;
CLASS: G21C; EST: 8/21/2007; REV: 7/2/2012 7:45:00 AM;
CLASS: G21D; EST: 8/21/2007; REV: 7/2/2012 7:45:00 AM;
CLASS: G21E; EST: 8/21/2007; REV: 7/2/2012 7:45:00 AM;
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)