What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Investigator position at Orange County Fire Authority?
The Fire Investigator recruitment is an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) internal recruitment. Only applications from current, qualified OCFA safety personnel will be accepted.
The Investigation Services Section is establishing a list of potential candidates for the position of Fire Investigator. The previous list will be discarded, and a new list established. If you are interested in obtaining a position as a fire investigator at any time in the next two years, you are encouraged to apply now.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Fire Investigators work a 48/96 firefighter shift schedule or 4/10 work schedule, depending upon section needs. A minimum 2-year commitment is required; a commitment greater than 2 years is strongly desired.
ADDITIONAL PAY:
Arson Investigators assigned to 4/10 work schedule are eligible for 7.5% Staff Assignment Pay (SAP) and 10% Staff Incentive Pay (SIP). Please refer to the IAFF - Local 3631 MOU, page 105 for additional information.
Arson Investigators working a 56-hour average workweek (shift Investigators) are eligible for 7.5% Hazardous Duty Pay. Please refer to the IAFF - Local 3631 MOU, page 111 for additional information.
The duties of a fire investigator include but are not limited to risk identification through quality origin and cause determination, post-incident evaluation, working with public and private stakeholders, identifying responsible person(s), filing criminal cases, testifying in court on civil and criminal fires, and performing additional administrative duties.
Minimum Qualifications for the position include:
- Current rank of Fire Captain (non-probationary status)
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Character traits of honesty, integrity, and accountability
Ability to successfully pass:
- Peace Officer Background Check and Psychological Exam
- Successfully pass PC832 A & B
- CSTI Officer Safety and Field Tactics
- ASP & Pepper Spray
- DMV Check
- Live Scan
- California State Fire Marshal Investigator Certification
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
To apply, go to www.ocfa.org. Interested OCFA safety personnel are to submit the following:
- Online application - Application must show current OCFA experience
- Cover memo of interest addressed to Fire Battalion Chief Justin Truhill, Investigation Services Section
- Resumé outlining your education, experience, and any other background information
- Inclusion of related certificates, training, and/or related professional qualifications is also encouraged
All materials, including your cover memo and resumé must be submitted with your electronic application no later than noon (12:00 pm), on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
- Recruitment Closes - Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at noon (12:00 pm)
- Oral Interviews – Week of March 3, 2025
- Start Date - TBD
TRAINING: The critical thinking and analytical skills needed to provide a quality origin and cause determination is largely dependent on extensive training and experience. Candidates being considered for future positions will begin a training curriculum closely monitored by the Investigation Services Section. Additionally, those selected as the top 3 candidates may be asked to attend a one-week Investigation Services Section mentoring session, which has been designed as an introduction to the role of a fire investigator.
CHANGE IN SCHEDULING/PROCESS:
If there is a change in the selection process, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates.
QUESTIONS: Should you have further questions or need additional clarification, please contact Battalion Chief Justin Truhill at justintruhill@ocfa.org.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the recruiting software or uploading your documents, please contact Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager, at dukesteppe@ocgfa.org or via telephone at (714) 573-6807.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:
