City of Tampa

This is highly responsible investigative, technical, law enforcement work.

An employee in this class is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires, classifying fires as to cause, and conducting thorough latent criminal felony and misdemeanor investigations as well as non-criminal investigations. Work is of more than average difficulty and requires the application of specialized knowledge, skills and abilities. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Fire Investigator in that the Fire Investigator performs assigned duties more independently and greater reliance is placed on the employee's use of judgment, discretion and initiative in effecting arrests and determining appropriate courses of action to pursue while conducting investigations. Under general supervision, most duties are performed in the field and involve extensive contact with municipal, county, state, and federal government agencies and the general public. Arson investigations are conducted in concert with the State Attorney and a close professional relationship must be developed between Fire Investigators and the Assistant State's Attorney to ensure proper review of pertinent criminal cases. The employees are required to be "on call" and to operate a lightweight motor vehicle to respond to various locations. Work is reviewed by the Fire Investigations Supervisor through observation, conferences and results obtained.

Performs activities which may be of a very dangerous nature while at the fire scene and while developing latent investigations such as: identifies and collects physical evidence; properly interviews witnesses, suspects, property owners, and others as required; effects arrests.

Investigates fires; cites code violations in buildings; investigates complaints; writes "fire lane" parking violation tickets; responds to Arson Task Force investigations where fire-caused death or life threatening injuries occur; conducts surveillance and stakeout operations; performs special assignments and assists other governmental agencies.

Maintains accurate records; writes complete and concise reports; performs records checks.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: pertinent State statutes regarding the crime of arson and companion crimes; fire prevention and inspection techniques.

Working knowledge of: building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression and the protection of lives and property from fire; laws, court decisions, and legal opinions relating to the investigation and prosecution of arsonists; firefighting principles and practices.

Ability to: conduct thorough fire investigations in compliance with legal requirements and procedures; perform physical tasks requiring light to moderate exertion; prepare written and oral reports and impart them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement agencies and the public; conduct after hours fire inspections as required.

Skill in: crime scene photography and its various applications.

Eight (8) years of experience in the fire service including three (3) as an Assistant Inspector/Investigator.

Successful completion of 30 college credits (18 of which must be in the areas of fire science/administration, emergency medical service, business or public administration, or industrial education with a major in fire science/administration).

A copy of the diploma should be submitted if a degree was conferred.  If a copy of the diploma is not available, an official transcript clearly showing a diploma conferred date can be used as proof of graduation.  In cases where graduation did not occur, an official transcript copy should be submitted to show the total number of credits attained from each institution attended where credits were earned.  This includes recognized fire science college credit equivalent courses which may yield educational points if accompanied by regional/national accredited college or university course catalog (HCC, Polk State, St. Pete College, etc.;) citing equivalent course name and course description.

Possession of: 

A valid Florida driver's license.

Florida State certifications as a Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter.

State of Florida Fire Inspector I certification.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.