TDI - State Fire Marshal Office - Investigator V

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=106342andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationDo you have a passion for public state service and enjoy making a difference? The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is hiring! We regulate the insurance industry, administer the Texas workers' compensation system, perform the duties of the State Fire Marshal's Office, educate and protect consumers. Apply now if you're looking for a rewarding career in public service. The Texas Department of Insurance is in the Capitol Complex, in the Barbara Jordan Building at 1601 Congress Avenue in Austin, near the Texas Capitol. Benefits of working at TDI:Flexible work schedules.Work-life-balance.96 hours of accrued vacation a year.96 hours of accrued sick leave a year.20+ holidays every year.Career advancement opportunities.Free parking. 401(k) and 457 Programs. State of Texas retirement plan with a lifetime annuity through the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees and 50% off premium costs for dependents. Optional benefits like dental, vision, life insurance, and many more.Qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Some benefits for part-time employees are earned proportionately to the hours worked. Before you apply:TDI does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.Learn about our selection process, our military employment preference, licensing, and credential requirements.Job DescriptionInvestigator V (Fire Investigator)This position performs highly advanced investigative law enforcement work. Work involves conducting origin and cause of fires and/or criminal investigations as an investigator and a commissioned peace officer. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Essential Job DutiesThis position:Works in hazardous environments while wearing personal protective equipment, including a respirator. Accurately interprets burn patterns and a mixed matrix of other evidence common to the fire investigation process. Documents, collects, packages, secures, and transfers physical evidence to ensure proper chain of custody.Photographs and diagrams fire scenes. Maintains weapons proficiency as determined by the agency. Assists with complex criminal investigations of fire related offenses including arson, homicide, and insurance fraud. Effectively communicates with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.Interviews witnesses, interrogates criminal suspects, and takes sworn statements. Detains and arrests persons involved in criminal activity as appropriate.Prepares detailed case reports which include diagrams and photographs. Files criminal charges with prosecutors and magistrates as warranted.Testifies as an expert witness in court and before grand juries.Instructs fire service, law enforcement, and insurance personnel as directed. Conducts public demonstrations, community outreach, and fire prevention activities.Assists with special projects.Performs other duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsThis position requires: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field related to assignment. Three years of experience in criminal investigation or fire investigation work. Education and experience relevant to position requirements may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Peace Officer.Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) as a Certified Arson/Fire Investigator or the ability to obtain certification within six months from date of hire.Successful qualification with applicable firearms pr or to employment offer. Working outdoors, often under adverse weather conditions. Driving for extended periods of time, often in remote areas.Successful completion of all training assignments, including the field training program. Compliance with state and federal safety standards related to fire investigation. Relocating to meet the operational needs of the agency as required. Extensive stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, reaching, shoveling, and climbing a ladder.Final candidates meet screening criteria for respirators and other safety equipment.Must reside within one of the listed counties or relocate within 90 days from hire date. Counties: Anderson, Rusk, Cherokee, Smith, Angelina and WalkerTravel may be required for up to 75% of the time. If travel is 10% or more, you must maintain a state of Texas Drivers License. Skill: Operating a motor vehicle in a safe and courteous manner in compliance with traffic laws.Ability: Satisfy the requirements to maintain fully qualified driving status. Preferred Qualifications Preferences for this position include: Experience in arson investigations. Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesThis position requires demonstrated knowledge of:State laws, rules, procedures, and regulations relevant to job requirements.Personal computers and software, including word processing and electronic spreadsheets. Fire and fire safety investigations process. NFPA 921 (National Fire Protection Association) and NFPA 1033. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and major decisions related to fire investigations.Accepted courtroom procedures related to witness testimony. This position requires demonstrated skill in:Problem solving and critical thinking.Using Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.Using personal computers sufficient to enter and extract data from related systems and programs such as Centralized Accounting Payr