Fire Investigator II
On average we investigate over 400 accidental and criminal fires.
Working with us provides the broadest range of fire investigations allowing you to experience variety every
day and hone your skills to be a leader in the industry.
Job duties
As a Fire Investigator, you will be doing full-cycle fire investigations which include:
• Investigating the origin and cause of fires
• Interviewing witnesses and suspects and conducting follow-up investigations including detection,
apprehension and prosecution of arson suspects
• Providing expert testimony in court for both criminal and civil cases
• Preparing extensive detailed written reports systematically documenting the cause of a fire (when
possible) in all cases that are investigated by the FIU and preparing reports and statistics for owners, fire
departments and other agencies.
• Fire Investigators will conduct the fire investigation to determine the origin, cause, extent, and
responsibly of the fire as required by the Revised Code of Washington. If the fire is determined to be a
criminal act or if other crimes are identified during the fire investigation, the fire investigator shall, assist
other agencies to include; the King County Sheriffs Office in conducting the criminal investigation.
Assistance may be in the form of but not limited to, [crime scene documentation, conduct interrogations,
collection of evidence, conduct the follow up investigation, attend/assist/collect evidence at the autopsy
of fire victims, coordinate/conduct the arrest, and testify in court].
• This position is a full-time investigator to be permanently assigned to the Fire Investigation Unit (FIU).
• Fire investigators are expected to work in a wide variety of physically challenging and hazardous
environments.
• Fire Investigators will have opportunities to develop an area of specialization and advanced
training/certification in fire/arson investigations.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
To do this job well you will need to already have:
• The ability to write detailed reports, systematically documenting evidence, and investigative steps in a
thorough and professional manner
• High interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds in high
stress situations
• Skill in handling multiple competing priorities within tight timelines; agility in addressing urgent matters
• Basic skill in using MS Word, Excel and current database software; must be comfortable and proficient
with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work
Additionally, you will need to already have or be able to quickly learn and apply:
• Principles and techniques of fire and/or arson investigations
• Demonstrated/documented history of law enforcement and criminal investigations.
• Fire investigation principles, methodologies and techniques; principles of fire science and fire behavior;
laws and legal ramifications of fire and criminal investigations; fire and building codes including: National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033 –
Standard for Professional Fire Investigator
We highly encourage your application if you have:
• A law enforcement commission with significant (non-fire) investigation experience
• Experience performing fire investigations
• A fire investigator certification recognized by the State of Washington (IFSAC, IAAI, NAFI)
Position is: Full time
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and
winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the
team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
For a more detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of this position, and to apply, please visit
http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs
Location: Seattle, WA Compensation: $48.65 - $61.67 hourly Contact: Michelle Kobuki at michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov (206) 477-4740 King Street Center 201 South Jackson Street Seattle, WA, 98104