ARSON Investigator - Macon

Arson Investigator I
- Macon County

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accepting applications to fill the position of Arson Investigator I – Special Agent. The successful candidate has obtained significant experience conducting effective and efficient arson investigations and must possess the ability to make quick decisions in situations of high uncertainty. The candidate will serve as a trained arson investigator in the determination of cause, origin, and circumstances of fires suspected of arson.

The ideal candidate possesses good communication skills and the ability to professionally interact with the general public.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts a thorough search in the investigation of fires that are suspected of arson to determine the cause and origin of a fire.
• Examines the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for signs of forcible entry.
• Investigate the interior and exterior of buildings, cars, etc., for means of access.
• Creates photographs and videography of the fire scene, i.e. actual remains, debris, and bystanders.
• Determines the method, materials, motive, and malefactor of the arson.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college which may include coursework in fire science, fire science administration, law, forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.
• Requires one of the following:
  
  A) Requires successful completion of training as an Arson Investigator Trainee OR
  
  B) Requires successful completion of a full-time law enforcement academy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefers three (3) or more years of professional experience as a criminal investigator, forensic fire investigator, or professional fire investigative experience.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience applying methods and techniques used in questioning of witnesses and suspects and collection, maintenance, and storage of physical evidence.
• Prefers certification as a Lead Homicide Investigator through an accredited institution.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience maintaining comprehensive data and investigation reports in the Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS).
• Prefers certification as an Evidence Technician through an accredited institution.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience in the utilization of Microsoft Office programs which include MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Employment Conditions:

• Requires a valid, appropriate, and current driver's license and ability to pass drug screening.
• Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the candidate to be a resident of the position county or a contingent county within six (6) months of employment.
• Requires the ability to qualify for a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card.
• Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
• Requires ability to pass physical agility test at time of potential hire and an acceptable level of physical fitness be maintained in accordance with agency standards.
• Overtime is a condition of employment and you may be requested to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24-hour 'on-call' capacity.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools,…