City of Tampa

This is highly responsible supervisory work in managing the Fire Investigations Division.

The employee in this class is responsible for supervising and conducting investigations and examinations and causing such arrests as necessary to faithfully discharge the duties of this office. Work requires comprehensive technical knowledge of fire origin and cause investigations and latent investigations, related Florida state statutes, ordinances, and the criminal justice system. The employee reviews and coordinates criminal and civil arson and related cases with the assigned investigator and works closely with the State Attorney's Office in effecting the successful prosecution of all arson and related criminal cases. Work is of considerable difficulty and responsibilities include assigning cases, scheduling, coordination of training, and overseeing, assisting in and reviewing the work of subordinate personnel. The employee is also responsible for performing special, technical investigations when complex or unusual situations arise. These tasks require light to moderate physical exertion. Many of the duties and responsibilities are performed in the field, requiring the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle to respond to various locations. Extensive public contact is involved in sensitive and demanding circumstances; there is also considerable contact and coordination with governmental agencies at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. This work requires tact, diplomacy, and considerable initiative and independent judgment in arriving at decisions, directing or personally accomplishing the implementation of decisions and performing related management and supervisory tasks. Work is reviewed by the Fire Marshal through observation, conferences and results obtained.

Manages the investigations division; assigns work to subordinates and explains any specific instructions associated therewith; evaluates performance of employees and completes performance evaluations; recommends administration of discipline as warranted; serves as initial respondent to grievances; reviews work of subordinates through field visits and checks of submitted reports and records.

Supervises personnel responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires and conducting latent investigations; reviews cases and determines "probable cause" for arrests when possible and advises investigator accordingly.

As necessary: responds to fire scenes; conducts investigations; and is on-call for responses after hours and weekends and holidays.

Instructs new employees in: fire investigations; State laws concerning arson investigations and rule of evidence; City, State and national fire prevention codes; use of equipment and tools; and, building codes as they relate to fire prevention.

Advises the Fire Marshal regarding matters concerning the division; participates in the development of long- and short-range plans to improve service delivery; assists in developing the budget.

Responds orally and in writing to questions, inquiries and complaints; prepares and submits statistical, narrative and other reports.

Performs related work as required.

Extensive knowledge of: effective management and supervisory techniques; pertinent State Statutes regarding the crime of arson and companion crimes; fire investigation techniques.

Considerable knowledge of: fire prevention and inspection techniques; 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.

Working knowledge of: firefighting principles and practices.

Ability to: assign, schedule, manage, supervise, and review the work of subordinates; conduct and supervise thorough fire and related investigations in compliance with legal and procedural requirements; prepare written and oral reports and impart them effectively; perform work requiring light to moderate physical exertion; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement agencies, various government agencies at all levels, and the public.

Twelve (12) years of experience in the fire service including three (3) years as an Inspector/Investigator; hold status as a Fire Investigator (F7).

Successful completion of 60 college credits (30 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).

Some managerial or supervisory experience preferred.

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.

Current Florida State certification as a Law Enforcement Officer; Firefighter; Fire Inspector I.

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.