Fire Investigator

Job Highlights

Hybrid/Remote
:
No

Work Schedule
:
Work two 24‑hour shifts, off four days, on two 24‑hour shifts, repeat.

Location
:
Pittsburg, CA

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is a well‑equipped, full‑service fire agency. The District is an all‑hazards organization providing fire suppression, First Responder Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services as well as 911 emergency ambulance transport services, technical rescue, marine firefighting, water rescue, Type II Hazardous Materials Response team, heavy fire equipment program, fire prevention, and fire investigation services to nine cities and county unincorporated areas.

The District serves a population of over 770,000 residents in 12 cities and many defined unincorporated communities across our more than 550 square‑mile jurisdiction.

Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Prevention Bureau provides the highest levels of service through its five divisions including Code Enforcement, Engineering, Fire Investigations, Exterior Hazard Control, and Public Education.

The Fire Investigation Unit is responsible for determining origin and cause of fires and the investigations of fire‑related incidents of both criminal and accidental nature, pursuant to the mandate for fire origin and cause determination as outlined in the Fire Code and California Health and Safety Code. The Unit works closely with other law enforcement personnel from our County and City agencies to effect the successful investigation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of arsonists.

The unit consists of one (1) Fire Prevention Captain, six (6) Fire Investigators (two on each shift A, B, and

C), and a Clerk‑Specialist.

The District is seeking to fill one Fire Investigator position in the Fire Investigation Unit of the Fire Protection Bureau located in Pittsburg, CA. This position is currently assigned to a 56‑hour schedule. Two Fire Investigators are assigned per shift, on A, B, or C shift. They work two consecutive twenty‑four hour shifts, then off the next four consecutive days, then on two consecutive twenty‑four hour shifts, then repeat (two days on, four days off, two days on, etc.).

• Is dedicated to public safety
• Has the highest morale and ethical values
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Is physically fit to endure strenuous physical work and long hours
• Enjoys working independently and as an integral part of teams
• Is self‑motivated

• Investigating to determine causes of suspicious or significant fires or incidents
• Gathering and evaluating physical evidence
• Conducting interviews
• Processing complex crime scenes
• Collaborating with District Attorney to prepare cases for trial
• Providing expert testimony in court
• Coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect, apprehend and prosecute arsonists

• You will provide important investigative service to the public
• Continuous opportunity to learn and grow
• Being a member of a small cohesive team

• Juggling multiple priorities with limited time
• Working in challenging physical environments
• Performing arduous work while wearing required protective equipment, including SCBA
• Dealing with difficult and/or emotional people

• Handling Stress:
  Maintaining emotional stability and self‑control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics:
  Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Attention to Detail:
  Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Listening:
  Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Writing:
  Communicating effectively in writing
• General Physical Ability:
  Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Fact Finding:
  Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Building & Maintaining Relationships:
  Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Oral Communication:
  Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Professional & Technical Expertise:
  Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Legal & Regulatory…