FIRE INVESTIGATOR
Fire Investigator sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $83,582 to $122,832, and state payroll currently lists 5 people in the title, most of them at Community Affairs.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Fire Investigator appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Community Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Community Affairs | 5 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $111,094. The agencies employing the most are:
- Community Affairs (5)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under limited supervision of the Supervising Fire Investigator or other supervisory official in the Department of Community Affairs, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:71-3.3 et seq., performs complex investigations of fires on/involving state property and fires involving the injury or fatality of firefighters and in municipalities where the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety serves as the Local Enforcing Agency (LEA) as defined per N.J.A.C. 5:71- 2.1 et seq.; assists outside agency investigators at large scale or complex fire scenes; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Implements fire investigation, firefighter fatality investigation, and serious injury investigation plans. Determines compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to incidents investigated. Investigates and analyzes evidence of fires to determine origins and causes. Testifies as an expert witness in court. Examines fire sites and collects evidence to determine origins and causes using investigative techniques and equipment. Investigates and analyzes incidents that result in serious injury or death to firefighters. Photographs fire damage and evidence for use in analyzing cases. Interviews and gathers information from fire department personnel, police, those who report the fires, and others. Compiles and analyzes results to determine probable causes of fires and/or firefighter serious injuries and death. Prepares detailed investigative reports containing findings and conclusions. Reviews inspection records and violation notices as part of an investigation. May recommend immediate evacuation of buildings, structures, or premises based on fire code when an imminent hazard exists due to a fire incident. Interprets legal and technical regulations of NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-1.1 et seq.). May investigate complaints of alleged fire code violations. Identifies fire code deficiencies in firefighter training and certification requirements. Determines if code violations caused or contributed to a fire. Reviews incidents of serious injury and death of firefighters and identifies measures to prevent future occurrence under similar circumstances. May perform specialized duties such as serving as a K-9 Handler. Maintains necessary records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of techniques used to investigate causes of fire. Knowledge of fire incident operations and management. Knowledge of NJ Uniform Fire Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.) codes and regulations. Knowledge of methods used to identify and analyze fire evidence. Knowledge of firefighter training practices. Knowledge of interviewing techniques. Knowledge of fire-related and fire code enforcement investigative procedures. Knowledge of municipal code enforcement procedures and common problems. Knowledge of building and construction methods and materials. Knowledge of K-9 Acceleration Detection training and methodology. Ability to organize assigned field and office work. Ability to prepare detailed and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to collect and analyze data. Ability to provide testimony in court. Ability to conduct various types of interviews. Ability to conduct investigations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to work harmoniously with others, providing instruction and direction as required. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of full-time experience (career or volunteer) in fire service that includes fire suppression or fire code enforcement. -AND- Seven (7) years of full-time fire investigation experience with either a fire or law enforcement agency. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of professional experience in both areas identified above. Applicants with part-time fire service experience will have their experience pro-rated based upon a full-time 35-hour workweek (i.e., 20 part-time hours per week = 0.57 years full-time experience). Applicants with fire investigation as an ancillary function of their main job duties MUST provide the number of hours per week that they performed that duty workweek (i.e., 20 hours per week = 0.57 years full-time experience). "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. Appointees must continue to maintain valid Fire Investigator Certification, Fire Official Certification, and Incident Management Level 1 Certification issued by the NJ Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.
CERTIFICATION
Applicants will be required to possess a Fire Investigator Certification, Fire Official Certification, and Incident Management Level 1 Certification issued by the NJ Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.