Arson Investigator

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year.

IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.

As an Arson Investigator with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, you will cover the following districts:
Blackford, Delaware, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph counties. You must reside in the district or an adjoining county. Possessing a bachelor’s degree in fire science, forensic science, or similar is preferred. Equivalent training, certification, and experience may be considered in lieu of education.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our
Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conduct fire and explosion scene examinations including scenes involving serious injury and death.
• Conduct fire and explosion scene documentation (i.e. photos, sketches, diagrams, field notes).
• Coordinate resources between federal, state, and local agencies and insurance organizations.
• Conduct interpretation and analysis of burn patterns and blast damage.
• Conduct evidence collection of fire/explosion scenes and properly handle and submit evidence (i.e. fire debris, tool marks, DNA, fingerprints, shoeprints, and documents).
• Locate and interview suspects and witnesses.
• Prepare written reports and documents.
• Establish evidence as to the motive, means, and opportunity to develop suspects in arson cases.
• Serve arrest and search warrants upon the establishment of probable cause.
• Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil legal proceedings (i.e. probable cause hearings and affidavits, pre-trial hearings, trial, appeal hearings).
• Provide technical assistance to prosecutors or attorneys during fire/explosion trial preparation and trial proceedings.
• Conduct public information presentations and meetings with fire and police departments.
• Conduct training for fire and police departments in scene and evidence preservation and fire and explosion investigative methodology.
• Investigate fireworks incidents and enforces state fireworks laws.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).
• Specialized knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence as they apply to arson investigation, criminal investigation, and expert testimony.
• Specialized knowledge of fire investigation…