City and County of San Francisco

Lieut,Fire Invstgtn (#H024)

$81.24-$81.24 Hourly / $14,081.00-$14,081.00 Monthly / $168,974.00-$168,974.00 Yearly


Definition

Under direction from an H034 or H032 Captain, the H024 Lieutenant maintains Department and bureau records; writes and reviews reports and correspondence; enforces policies, procedures, rules and regulations; directs evaluates, counsels and provides training to subordinates; represents the Department to the public and other government agencies; assists with and/or conducts fire investigations; documents and secures physical evidence; assists with the resolution of civil or criminal cases including testifying in court; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

The H024 Lieutenant, Investigation is the mid-management level in the Bureau of Fire Investigation class series. This class reports to the respective H034 or H032 Captain. This class is distinguished from the H034 and H032 Captain by the latter’s responsibility for budget management, policy development, handling of management and labor issues and role as Custodian of Records. It is distinguished from an H022 Lieutenant, Fire Prevention, in the latter’s primary responsibility for the enforcement of fire prevention and suppression codes and standards.

Supervision Exercised

This position supervises H006 Investigators and/or subordinate Fire Department and civilian personnel.

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. Ensures that investigations are conducted timely and consistent with Bureau policies, practices and procedures; advises investigators on appropriate investigation procedures and techniques.
  2. Directs investigators in the handling, recording and photographing of physical evidence to ensure evidence is properly documented and secured.
  3. Distributes work assignments to subordinates, ensures that work is completed correctly and on time, confirms an adequate work force to cover all shifts and inspections and approves or denies requests by subordinates for time off.
  4. Performs personnel management functions, i.e., performance monitoring and discipline; coaches and counsels employees; evaluates work performance; prepares annual performance evaluations; sets performance goals; conducts progressive discipline process.
  5. Conducts employee training on Bureau policies, procedures, standards, in fire investigation techniques, correct documentation and report writing methods, proper techniques for handling evidence during suppression operations which aid in the determination of the cause of fires; facilitates job-related training and skill maintenance programs; confirms members qualify at the firing range to maintain their weapon skills.
  6. Establishes and maintains record keeping and file maintenance systems; reviews various records to verify accuracy to established methods, standards, policies and procedures.
  7. May act as a Custodian of Records; determines which records or incident reports may be made available to the public; monitors distribution of records to the public, requests for copies of documents; oversees collection of fees and issuance of receipts for documents.
  8. Prepares operational status reports; prepares draft summaries and analysis of operational information; completes fire investigation reports and documents incidents; prepares written guidelines for Bureau policies and procedures; writes memos to inform staff of changes policies, procedures, rules and regulations; drafts letters to groups, individuals, business and public and private agencies regarding fire investigations; writes letters in response to inquiries and complaints; reviews and edits narrative reports and other documents for completeness and accuracy.
  9. Performs activities related to community relations by responding to questions and/or complaint from all concerned parties in an investigation, including the district attorney’s office, to provide information regarding a case, insurance companies regarding the disposition of a case, and referring citizens to appropriate authorities so they can obtain needed information or services.
  10. Consults with police and superior officers to decide what, if any, information about an incident will be released to the media; provides superior officers and media liaison details surrounding fire investigations as necessary.
  11. Responds to incidents and assists field investigators in determining the origin and cause of fires; visually examines and analyzes indicators of arson; gathers evidence and conducts interviews to make conclusions about the origin and cause of fires;
  12. Keeps well-informed of the status and progress of active investigations and provides necessary investigative information to the Incident Commander; coordinates investigation efforts with other agencies in order to determine the cause of a fire or to apprehend and/or file charges against the person(s) responsible for the fire.
  13. Analyzes information and data from investigations to find patterns in fires, victims, witnesses, suspects and other persons or circumstances; provides investigators’ fire reports, written statements, and other information and documents to police and district attorney.
  14. Maintains custody of physical evidence for proper storage; maintains documentation and photos of physical evidence for secure filing; documents chain of custody maintain integrity of evidence and prove evidence has not been compromised; maintains legal record of person(s) handling or receiving evidence.
  15. Reviews case files and reports in preparation for testifying in a case; serves subpoenas to staff summoned to appear in court; reviews with staff investigative reports in preparation for testimony.
  16. Testifies in court regarding incidents, the records of evidence and the authenticity of Department documents; gives testimony at depositions; provides information to attorneys of proper channels and necessary documents for subpoenaing staff or records.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: The Department’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, bulletins, and training bulletins; City rules, regulations, policies, procedures and bulletins, including the General Orders and Administrative Bulletins, manual and guidebook on managing employee performance and the City’s performance appraisal system, sexual harassment prevention, reporting procedures and requirements, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requirements; Relevant Civil Service rules and regulations; Department manuals related to fire investigation, fire suppression, firefighting, techniques used in fire investigation and in determining origin and cause of fire; Codes, standards, and ordinances related to fire investigation, including Penal Code 832; the San Francisco Fire Code, Evidence Code of California, building codes regarding building construction types and the occupancies associated with various building types, fire and build codes regarding the functions of fire alarm and life safety systems, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 921 guide, Kirk’s Fire Investigation reference book, City Fire Investigation Operations Guide, City Building Construction Manual, City Hazardous Materials Operating Guide, the High-Rise Manual, the Transit Manual, the Ventilation Manual and the Hose and Hose Appliances Manual; Parker’s Evidence Code of California; Safe firearm practices; Search and seizure rights and the use of force during an investigation; Agencies who can be called in to assist with an investigation; Fire science and fire behavior; Computer software programs; Bureau computer tracking systems; The uses, capabilities, and limitations of fire investigation, fire suppression, and firefighting equipment; Methods for collecting, securing and maintaining physical evidence from a fire; First aid fire scene resources; Basic chemistry, ignition sequences and arson techniques as they related to investigating origin and cause of fire; Department organizational structure and chain of command; Department policies regarding staffing, time off, personal behavior and appearance protocol; Effective team building, change management, motivation techniques, and performance management; Effective and efficient time and resource allocation; Common, prevalent building violations; Uses, limitations, capabilities and operating characteristics of tools and equipment used in fire investigation; Hazardous materials.

Ability or Skill to: Accurately use firearms and use self-defense and arrest techniques; Operate basic office equipment including computer, peripherals, telephone; Determine origin and cause of fire; Direct and monitor subordinates, manage employee performance ; evaluate and counsel subordinates; Conduct and aid in the conduct of fire investigations; Maintain accurate records and efficiently review documents; Work effectively with others, develop strong interpersonal relationships with subordinates, peers and superiors; Train staff and facilitate professional development; Accurately document and secure physical evidence; Analyze information and reach sound conclusions; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Write logical and accurate reports and correspondence, including creating documents on the computer; Effective allocate resources according to the needs of the situation; Develop and implement department policies and procedures; Foster and maintain effective public and community relations; Expeditiously dispose of civil or criminal cases.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Education:

Experience:
Permanent status and successful completion of probationary period in class H00-6 Investigator.

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

License and Certification:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license

Substitution:

Notes

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

 

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: H034 Captain

From: H006 Investigator

ORIGINATION DATE:

 

AMENDED DATE:

09/21/09; 01/18/12; 04/11/16; 07/31/19; 09/08/21

REASON FOR AMENDMENT:

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

Business unit(s):

COMMN

 


CLASS: H024; REV: 9/8/2021;