Job Opportunities in United States

A Day in the Life:

• 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.

What You'll Need for Success:

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).
• Valid Indiana Driver’s license.
• 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 methodology, fire science, chemistry, physics, evidence collection methods.
• Specialized knowledge of National Fire Protection Association documents associated with fire investigation.
• Considerable knowledge of, and ability to apply, methods, techniques, and procedures of criminal investigations.
• Knowledge of, and ability to perform, operate specialized investigator equipment such as scene documentation equipment and evidence collection equipment.
• Ability to use the scientific method to analyze data and information to form scientifically valid conclusions.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to comply with all section and agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to use hand tools and evidence collection supplies.
• Ability to use computer equipment, software, and office equipment.
• Must be able to travel including trips which may require more than one day in length.
• Be subject to call out every other week except during approved/assigned vacation, compensatory time, sick leave, or other exigent circumstances.

• Successfully complete the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course within one year of hire date.
• Complete annual mandatory law enforcement training Inservice to retain law enforcement status.
• Maintain mandatory fire and explosion investigation continuing education to maintain Certified Fire Investigator status.
• Successfully qualify annually with a passing score with agency issued firearms.
• Obtain the International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator certification within 6 years of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: