Fire Investigator - Deputy State Fire Marshal

Fire Investigator – Deputy State Fire Marshal

Job : 95370

Location: Minnesota Southeast area

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Unlimited

Work Hours: Monday – Friday

Travel Required: Up to 70%

Salary Range: $32.97 – $48.60 hourly; $68,841 – $101,476 annually

Job Class: Deputy State Fire Marshal / Arson Investigator

Bargaining Unit: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

This position is responsible for investigating the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires in accordance with state statutes (299F). The incumbent will process post‑fire scenes, collect evidence, document findings, and testify in court. The role also provides fire‑investigation information, instruction, and consultation to local fire and law‑enforcement authorities and assists in developing and delivering arson training programs. Periodically, the incident may involve fireworks and explosive related investigations.

Employees may telework up to 50% of the time, depending on the division’s needs. This posting will fill up to two positions.

Geographic area covered:
Scott, Dakota, LeSueur, Rice, Goodhue, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, Houston. The employee must reside within one of these counties within 12 months of hire.

• Investigate the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires and related incidents in accordance with Minnesota statutes.
• Process post‑fire scenes, collect evidence, and document findings.
• Testify in court as required.
• Provide investigation information, instruction, and consultation to local fire and law‑enforcement authorities.
• Assist in developing and delivering arson training programs to law enforcement, fire service personnel, and prosecutors.
• Investigate fireworks and explosive related fires and explosions when requested.

• Three (3) years experience as a firefighter or law‑enforcement officer.
• Associate’s degree in fire science, fire protection engineering, or fire investigation (or equivalent to satisfy six (6) months of experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire protection engineering, or fire investigation (or equivalent to satisfy one (1) year of experience).
• Knowledge of fire science, building construction, and technical report writing.
• Valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Will relocate to a listed county within 12 months of hire.

• Five (5) years experience as a firefighter or law‑enforcement officer.
• Certification as an International Association of Arson Investigators – Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) or Certified Fire Investigator (CFI).
• Certification as a National Association of Fire Investigators – Certified Fire/Explosion Investigator (CFEI).
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire protection engineering, or fire investigation.
• Completion of Minnesota fire investigation part 1 and part 2 classes (formerly Basic/Advanced).
• Post law‑enforcement certification.

Must be able to occasionally move and transport items weighing up to 50 pounds and often handle heavy tools and large file boxes. May need to move over rough terrain or remain stationary for extended periods.

The employee must complete a background investigation before employment, including criminal history, reference check, driver license check, drug screen, hearing test, physical exam, psychological evaluation, and SEMA4 records for current and former state employees.

Work visas are not sponsored. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans with fertility care, diabetes care, and dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• Six weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income after working at least three years.
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental,…