Fire Arson Investigator

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Class Title

Fire Arson Investigator

Class Code

7330

Salary

$100,900.80 Annually

• Definition

• Benefits

Classification Description Summary

Inspects commercial and residential buildings and properties to enforce Federal, State, and local codes and regulations; responds to complaints regarding fire code violations and fire hazards; issues notices of violation and misdemeanor citations for fire code violations; reviews and approves construction plans for fire and life safety code compliance; conducts inspections of fire safety systems during various phases of construction; advises, educates, and instructs the general public in proper fire safety methods and practices; investigates fires and completes necessary computer data entry to document completed inspections.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Fire Arson Investigator performs the full range of fire prevention duties, receiving occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. The principal duties include protecting the public and enforcing laws of the State of Nevada. The Fire Arson Investigator is fully aware of and knowledgeable about department policies and procedures, as well as local, state, and national codes and ordinances. The Fire Arson Investigator receives general supervision from Fire Prevention Captains and may exercise technical oversight of Fire Inspector I.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Inspects for compliance with codes and regulations to identify, report, and eliminate fire hazards and hazardous material threats related to fire and life safety for industrial, commercial, institutional, residential, public assembly areas, and other properties.

Inspects businesses prior to issuance of a business license; identifies unsafe fire hazard practices or conditions and develops corrective recommendations.

Reviews, evaluates, and approves plans for buildings, sites, street emergency vehicle access, fire hydrant locations, and fire protection systems pertaining to fire, building and life safety codes.

Evaluates fire alarm systems, automated fire extinguishing systems, building exiting systems, and storage methods for explosives and combustible materials.

Discusses plan review requirements and related design criteria for various occupancy types and industrial processes for code compliance and departmental procedures with architects, engineers, developers, and property owners.

Investigates complaints regarding fire and life safety hazards and conducts inspections of existing buildings or structures to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist; documents code violations; recommends modifications to rectify violations and ensures code conformance.

Investigates structure and wildland fire origin and cause. Gather evidence, conduct witness interviews, question suspects, and make arrests regarding arson fires.

Issues citations to compel compliance with relevant codes and regulations to safeguard life and property from fire.

Prepares reports and maintains records regarding inspections, fire losses, fire causes, and other relevant information using an electronic database and office software.

Responds to inquiries and complaints from citizens related to fire codes, laws, policies, and fire and life safety concerns. Instructs property owners, occupants, and the general public regarding the removal of fire hazards, fire safety and prevention methods.

Recommends, prepares, and updates codes, standards, policies and procedures, and implements as directed to improve operational effectiveness.

Develops and delivers training programs in code application, interpretation and administrative procedures.

Prepares and delivers presentations on a variety of fire safety, prevention, protection, inspection, and public information and education topics to various organizations, schools, and the general public.

Serves as liaison on behalf of the Reno Fire Prevention Division with various jurisdictions, state, federal government agencies, community organizations, and groups.

Coordinates the integration of fire prevention objectives, through an established chain of command, with all fire department services and programs.

Assists with instruction of Fire Prevention Inspector I staff in fire prevention inspection methods, techniques, and procedures.

Remains current with changes in local and state fire and related codes.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Makes initial and supplementary investigation of crimes, interviews witnesses and complainants.

Carry a duty weapon, as needed in the exercise of the power of a peace officer.

Apprehends and makes arrests for violation of laws or ordinances.

Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Common office software programs

Techniques for communicating effectively with the public.

English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure

Basic mathematical calculations

Fire Department and division of prevention organization and operations.

Codes, laws and regulations relevant to fire prevention, protection, and investigation

Fire prevention and protection components and the science of fire and firefighting.

Modern fire prevention and protection principles, practices methods and techniques

Fire behavior: common causes of fire and fire spread.

IFC, IBC, & NFPA standards

Fire protection equipment, systems and appliance evaluation, testing, and approval.

Fire department suppression operations, tactics, and strategies.

Community educational methodology related to fire and life safety, human behavior during fire and community risk assessment.

Fire hazard development causes, prevention, and related injuries.

Ability to:

Work without direct supervision.

Apply pertinent city and state fire and life safety codes and ordinances.

Apply principles and practices of fire and life safety code enforcement.

Apply fire prevention methods and practices.

Read and interpret blueprints.

Develop skills in the use and care of firearms and meet minimum testing levels.

Pass all annual requirements required to meet Nevada P.O.S.T. requirements.

Education/Training:

High School Diploma supplemented by specialized training in fire behavior and/or the building trades and code enforcement.

Experience:

Twenty-four months experience as a Fire Inspector I with the Reno Fire Department.

OR

Three (3) years of increasing responsible experience performing fire code related inspections duties with a recognized fire department.

OR

Two (2) years of performing fire code related inspections either with a recognized fire department AND education equivalent to the completion of one year of college supplemented by special training in fire suppression, fire safety systems, fire sciences, fire prevention, plans examiner or related field.

License, Certificate, Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Certification as a Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II and Plans Examiner from a nationally recognized certification board (i.e., ICC, NFPA, DOD, IFSAC, etc.).

Possession of a valid Nevada Peace Officer's Standards & Training (POST) certification in compliance with the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 289.250.Successfully complete the National Fire Academy’s Arson Investigation Course or acquire the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigator Technician certification.

All required licenses and certifications must be kept current for this position.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Environment:

Travel from site to site; work in field, construction site and office environments; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals; inspect in restricted spaces.

Physical:

Essential and marginal functions require physical agility necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing stairs and ladders, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Other Requirements

IAFF

F17

April 23, 2024

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

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