Fire Investigator II

Please read the entire Job Posting as it will provide important information regarding the application process and promotional exam.       

• No determinations of eligibility to participate in the promotional exam will be made in person, via phone, email or prior to the referenced time frame. 
• Communication will be sent to the email on your application. It is suggested that a personal email address is used to allow access to information at any time.
• Documents received after the filing deadline will NOT be accepted by Employment Services.            
• If you have taken an exam in prior years, you MUST resubmit all required documents along with your application.
• Documents received after the filing deadline will not be accepted by Employment Services.
• To check the status of your application, you may log in to Job Aps.

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.

Knowledge of: pertinent State statutes regarding the crime of arson and companion crimes; 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; 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 Tampa Fire Rescue service including three (3) as an Assistant Inspector I/Investigator I.

NOTE: All of the required education, for eligibility purposes must be submitted prior to the deadline.  Required experience must be obtained by the date of the test.

Education points will be awarded as referenced in appendix F of the IAFF contract. 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. Acceptable certifications listed in appendix F or proof of degree must be submitted prior to the posted filing deadline.

Possession of:   ALL CURRENT LICENSURES AND/OR CERTIFICATES MUST BE ATTACHED WITH THE APPLICATION BEFORE THE FILING DATELINE

A valid Florida driver's license.

Florida State Fire Inspector I certification

Florida State Fire Inspector II certification

Florida State certifications as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Evaluation of education and experience

SOURCE MATERIAL FOR EXAM: *** In effect the date of this announcement***

• Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG's)
• Rules and Regulations       
• Current Collective Bargaining Agreement
• NFPA Fire Officer: Principles and Practice- Enhanced Third Edition ( ISBN: 978-1-284-06836-8)

EXAMINATION FORMAT: Written Test 100%

Education and Seniority points will be added after a score of 60% is obtained. (Submit all applicable degrees, transcripts and certifications with application. All documents must be submitted prior to the posting deadline date/time).    

EXAMINATION DATE: August 22, 2024.

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.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.