Immediate Opening! Fire Inspector / Investigator

Reports to: Deputy Fire Marshal of Compliance Inspections

Division:     Fire Marshal's Office (FMO)

FLSA Status:   Non-exempt

2025 Pay Rate:     $50.05 per hour // $108,261.21 annual

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• FPPA Defined Benefit + 457 retirement plan
• Retirement Health Savings account
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Voluntary Flexible Spending account
• Health Savings Account
• Longevity pay at 5 years
• Professional development

Applications will be accepted through August 29th. If needed, it may be extended to September 12th. 

Please ensure that your application is COMPLETE including all relevant certifications. Incomplete applications may be disqualified. You may update your application before the deadline. Applications will be evaluated based on education, certifications AND relevant experience. 

Selection Process:

• Application Review
• Interview & Skills Assessment
• Post-offer -
  • Background check
  • Physical
  • Drug Screen
  • Psychological position fit screening

The Fire Inspector / Investigator is on the front lines protecting citizens and the community by conducting building and event inspections and resolving compliance issues. This role also serves on the Fire Investigation Team as an on-call investigator during assigned duty week. This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt position. Expected work schedule is 40 hours Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings, weekends and holidays when on call for fire investigation.

Position Summary:

The Fire Inspector/Investigator conducts inspections of existing buildings and facilities for fire code compliance. The Fire Inspector/Investigator performs initial and follow-up inspections as a primary duty. This position is also responsible for responding to and resolving complaints, reviewing special events permits, performing inspections of special events, issuing orders to comply and other compliance enforcement related work. Other duties include coordinating assigned activities and services with internal personnel and outside agencies, maintaining and updating a variety of files and inspection records, and assisting with community risk reduction programs as needed.

The Fire Inspector/Investigator is also assigned to the Fire Investigation Team. Assignment to the Fire Investigation Team will require serving as an "on call" fire investigator responding within 1 hour to emergency scenes during a rotating duty shift week.

Arvada Fire is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are an overview of the primary duties and responsibilities of the Fire Inspector/Investigator and should not be considered an all-inclusive list. 

1. Ensure that individuals and entities comply with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, applicable fire codes and nationally recognized standards related to fire and life safety and hazardous materials.
2. Conduct inspections of existing buildings and occupancies to ensure and maintain compliance with applicable fire codes and regulations.
3. Drive district provided vehicle to perform the tasks and functions of the position both within and outside of the district boundaries.
4. Thoroughly document deficiencies and fire code/regulation violations and provide guidance to achieve code/regulation compliance.
5. Perform timely follow-up to seek voluntary compliance with fire codes and regulations, and resolve complaints related to code/regulation compliance.
6. Issue appropriate warnings and orders to comply in accordance with district guidelines and procedure when efforts to gain voluntary code/regulation compliance are not successful.
7. Direct and manage timely responses to internal and external customer inquiries and complaints.
8. Provide fire safety and code/regulation compliance education to building owners, property managers and the public.
9. Maintain detailed records of inspection activities including obtaining data, completing reports, conducting data entry using the district records management system, or through other documentation methods as necessary.
10. Maintain knowledge of current codes, regulations and nationally recognized standards, methods of fire control and changes in construction methods and materials.
11. Conduct fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires. During duty shift week, serve as an "on call" fire investigator who is available 24 hours a day, and use a district-supplied vehicle during this time. While in on-call status, carry a district phone at all times, and be able to respond within 60 minutes to an incident/situation requiring fire investigator response. 
12. Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with the district’s rules, policies and procedures as they pertain to the Fire Marshal’s Office specifically and the district generally, including but not limited to the rules, policies and procedures contained in the district’s Member Handbook, Payroll Manual, and Standard Operating Guidelines.
13. Represent the Fire Marshal’s Office and district at local, regional, state, and national meetings.
14. Develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with district employees, volunteers, district residents, other governmental agencies, and the community.
15. Work well in a progressive, team-oriented environment.
16. Provide excellent service to the community.
17. Have a positive attitude and be a self-starter.
18. Promote a positive, professional image of the district at all times.

Investigator Duties:

1. Investigate the origin, cause and circumstances that resulted in the occurrence of a fire for explosion within the geographic boundaries of the district. 
2. Respond to requests for specialized assistance from other investigators, fire service agencies and law enforcement officials. 
3. In accordance with NFPA 921, conduct investigations of assigned incidents and document actions and findings in a manner that is appropriate to the nature of the incident. 
4. Collect, identify, and preserve evidence following chain of custody procedures and guidelines. 
5. Assist law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations related to fire, explosion or hazardous material incidents. 
6. Testify in court proceedings and other legal matters as called upon.
7. May serve as a member of a regional task force. 
8. Participate in periodic evaluations and continuing education sessions in fire investigation techniques to maintain required certifications. 
9. Prepare and submit detailed reports and related work products which documents investigation actions and findings. 
10. During duty shift week, serve as "on call" fire investigator who is available 24 hours a day and use a district supplied vehicle during this time. While "on call" carry a district issued phone and be able to respond within 60 minutes to an incident/situation that requires fire investigation response. 
11. Maintain knowledge of current fire investigation practices, techniques and nationally recognized standards. 
12. Produce effective communications using written and oral communication skills.
13. Work closely in a professional manner with other jurisdictions and agencies in coordination of fire investigations.
14. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements and Certification Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree preferably with coursework in Fire Science, Building Construction, or Plans Examination or obtain within 3 years of hire. An Associate’s degree in other fields of study will be considered provided a combination of technical education and experience that provides the required knowledge for the position is demonstrated.
• Valid unrestricted state issued Driver's License, and acceptable driving record. State of Colorado license required within 90 days of hire.
• International Code Council IFC Fire Inspector I certification.
• International Code Council Fire Inspector II certification or obtain within 1 year of hire.
• State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Inspector I certification.
• State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Inspector II certification or obtain within 1 year of hire.
• Fire investigator certification from the National Association of Fire Investigators or the International Association of Arson Investigators or obtain within 1 year of hire.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications 100, 200, 700 and 800.
• American Heart Association CPR certification or obtain within 6 months of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of modern fire prevention and suppression principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Ability to comprehend and consistently and correctly interpret information and technical material related to the position responsibilities, including but not limited to applicable fire codes and nationally recognized standards.
• Thorough knowledge of inspection processes including testing of fire and life safety systems.
• Thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to fire and hazardous materials, and all applicable fire codes and nationally recognized standards.
• Thorough knowledge of fire origin and cause investigation practices.
• Skill in problem and conflict resolution, using independent judgement.
• Ability to effectively manage time and set priorities to achieve Fire Marshal’s Office benchmarks, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present information effectively to citizens, contractors, and other district members.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and software, including but not limited to the district’s records management system and Microsoft programs.
• Ability to use independent judgment to solve problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including individuals of varying ages and aptitudes.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the duties of the position.
• Thorough knowledge of fire origin and cause investigation practices.
• Thorough knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques of obtaining information from individuals involved with the incident or witnesses.
• Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques for identifying, collecting and preserving evidence related to determining origin and cause.
• Thorough knowledge of modern fire prevention and suppression principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment, including the chemistry and behavior of fire.
• Ability to comprehend and consistently and correctly interpret information and technical material related to the position responsibilities, including but not limited to applicable fire codes and nationally recognized standards.
• Thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to fire and hazardous materials, and all applicable fire codes and nationally recognized standards related to fire investigation.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position requires work in a variety of locations and conditions, including office areas and fire scenes, in and around a wide variety of automotive, mechanical, chemical equipment and emergency scenes of every type.

• A portion of this position will involve sedentary, administrative work in an office environment.
• Strenuous physical activity under extreme adverse conditions will be required occasionally.
• Must pass the district's physical fitness requirements at time of hire and as required by the district's Member Handbook and Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Must be able to lift, move and carry objects up to fifty (50) pounds frequently and up to one hundred (100) pounds occasionally.
• This position requires standing, running, walking, sitting, kneeling, stooping, bending, lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling, crawling, jumping, sliding, climbing, pinching, gripping, digging, spraying, reaching over head, reaching away from body, and repetitive motion. 
• Will be required to work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures.
• Work may be performed under adverse conditions, including but not limited to, slippery and uneven surfaces, proximity to moving mechanical equipment, broken glass or other materials, electrical currents, high places, and confined spaces.
• Work may result in exposure to contaminated environments, including but not limited to, hazardous materials, smoke, gases, chemicals, fumes, odors, mists and dusts, which may require the use of Personal Protection Equipment.
• Work may result in exposure to individuals or blood carrying infectious diseases or illnesses, such as Hepatitis A, B or C, HIV, tuberculosis, smallpox, etc.
• Work may result in exposure to high noise levels requiring the wearing of hearing protection.
• This position demands frequent use of sensory activities such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision.
• This position will involve frequent periods of high physical, mental and/or emotional stress.
• Must be available 24 hours a day during duty shift week as an "on call" fire investigator.