City and County of San Francisco

Investigator,Fire Dept (#H006)

$74.24-$74.24 Hourly / $12,868.00-$12,868.00 Monthly / $154,414.00-$154,414.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general supervision, investigates the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires to ascertain if of incendiary origin, or caused by failure to comply with State, City, or County codes covering fire prevention and public safety; investigates false alarms; interrogates suspects; interviews and secures witnesses and gathers evidence for hearings; provides expert testimony when necessary; prepares accurate and detailed investigative reports; and performs other duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Features

An H-6 Investigator is distinguished from an H 2 Fire Firefighter and an H-4 Inspector in that the H-6 is a licensed peace officer.  An H-6 Investigator is distinguished from an H-24 Lieutenant in that the Lieutenant has supervisory responsibilities, and the Investigator does not. It is distinguished from an H-2 Firefighter in the latter’s primary responsibility for the suppression of fires, and from an H-3 Firefighter Paramedic in the latter’s responsibility for EMS tasks and the suppression of fires.

Supervision Exercised

This position has no supervision responsibilities.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.


1.  In investigating fire scenes:  attempts to identify and get to the area of origin of the fire in order to preserve that area; follows burn, heat, and smoke patterns to identify the area of origin of the fire; clears the area of origin of the fire and ensures that coroner is called to the scene if fire has resulted in a death; evaluates the area of origin for heat/fire damage, point of origin, cause of fire, and potential ignition sources; makes determination of cause of the fire; determines whether a crime has been committed in connection with a fire; identifies and preserves evidence at the scene of a fire; collects evidence in place in accordance with Bureau of Fire Investigation standard procedures or what has been found to be acceptable in court (e.g., unit guidelines, standard procedures, etc.); prepares evidence in accordance with Bureau of Fire Investigation guidelines and standard procedures; documents evidence collected on evidence control sheets as required by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS); collects evidence if the incident is an incendiary fire or if evidence of criminal activity is present; sets evidence aside (e.g., for building owner) in the case of a non-criminal fire; interviews persons who may have relevant information regarding their observations about a fire; determines whether a suspect should be detained or arrested (if probable cause has been demonstrated); etc.

2.  In performing tasks related to report writing:  prepares SFFD Fire Investigation Report (BFI Form 1); prepares Arson Task Force Evidence Report; attempts to prepare reports that convey information clearly and concisely; attempts to ensure that narrative reports (e.g., nine-step category report) follow the order required by Bureau of Fire Investigation standard procedures; submits reports to his or her immediate supervisor for review; takes notes during the investigation and reduces them to the Investigative Report; etc.

3.  In performing tasks related to communicating with or disseminating information to others:  communicates orally (via telephone or face-to-face) with Chief officer, company officer, firefighters, supervisors, Public Information Officer (PIO), police officers, and Fire Marshal regarding fire investigation activities; provides Chief with a description of events at the scene of a major incident; communicates with PIO regarding the basic details of a fire; communicates to supervisors (i.e., lieutenants and captains) the particulars of an incident for purposes of coordinating fire investigation; communicates with Chief and police officers for purposes of follow up; communicates details of a fire to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agent assigned to assist in the investigation, and requests a computer model; etc.

4.  In performing tasks related to handling subpoenas:  obtains subpoenaed documents that the Bureau of Fire Investigation possesses; refers subpoenaed documents to other appropriate agencies where the documents reside; accepts fees for responding to subpoenas (for both records and court appearances); receives in-box subpoenas from District Attorney’s office to testify in cases concerning fire investigation (e.g., preliminary hearing in criminal cases, jury phase of criminal trials, civil matters, juvenile hearings, and depositions); etc., in performing activities related to handling subpoenas.

5.  In performing activities concerning participation in legal proceedings related to fire investigations:  discusses with the District Attorney the role of the investigative report in the legal case; discusses with the District Attorney the preparation of evidence for trial (e.g., sending physical evidence through the criminal lab for testing, having photographs developed and prints obtained); participates in face-to-face pretrial conference with the District Attorney to prepare and discuss investigator’s testimony (e.g., answers to provide to questions likely to be asked in court) responds under oath to questions asked at trial (in direct testimony and on cross-examination) regarding fire investigation; explains actions taken at the scene of the fire (e.g., what was done to determine where the fire started and to identify its cause); etc.

6.  In working with others:  actively (enthusiastically) attempts to carry out his of her work assignments; attempts to carry out case assignments completely (not half-heartedly); does all that is possible to complete case assignments (not the minimum possible); attempts to overcome obstacles or problems that may occur while carrying a case assignment; effectively communicates his or her understanding of oral information from persons and peers at fire scenes; attempts to improve himself or herself to perform the job better; etc.

7.  In performing tasks related to assisting in the execution of search and/or arrest warrants:  physically assists with arrests by directing police officer to the area; physically assists with arrests by handcuffing suspects; physically assists with arrests by reading Miranda warnings to suspects; collects evidence at premises being searched; transports evidence from premises being searched; etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:  fire behavior; what constitutes evidence in a fire investigation; the Department’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and training bulletins; Department manuals; techniques for preserving and processing evidence; factors needed to establish probable cause for an arrest; procedures for securing a fire scene; the use of deadly force; laws relating to fire investigation and search and seizure; NFPA 1033; and the Bureau of Fire Investigation Policy manual.

Ability to:  work effectively with others; perform the physical aspects of the job including navigating in a fire building, identifying and accessing area of fire origin, determining whether area in fire building is safe, and moving fire debris; properly and effectively use Fire Department equipment including power tools and hand tools; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing to Department members, members of the public, and personnel from other agencies.

Skill in:  accurate use of firearms, and use of self-defense and arrest techniques.

Experience and Training

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which may be required for employment in the class.  Although these minimum qualifications are typical of the class, additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the job announcement.

1.  Permanent status and successful completion of probationary period in class H-2 Firefighter or class H-3 Level III Firefighter Paramedic.

2.  Four years experience as a firefighter.

3.  Response to 100 fires (structure, vehicle, trash, grass, or wildland).

4.  Successful completion of State Fire Marshal Courses Investigation 1A and 1B

5.  Successful completion of Department of Justice Fingerprint Search.

6.  Successful completion of background felony check.

7.  Successful completion of psychological examination.

8.  Successful completion of polygraph examination.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:  Ability to work in a fast paced office environment; must work in potentially hazardous and dangerous situations; work in inclement weather, from heights, in tunnels, or other risky conditions.  Positions may require specialized knowledges, skills, or abilities and qualifications depending on assignment.

License or Certificate

Valid PC832 Certification (classroom and range) or P.O.S.T Certification

Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver license.

Notes

PROMOTIVE LINES

To:  H-22 Lieutenant, H-24 Lieutenant

From:  H-2 Firefighter or H-3 Level III Firefighter Paramedic

ORIGINATION DATE:  
AMENDED DATE:   9/21/09


CLASS: H006; REV: 9/21/2009;