Working Title: Fire Investigator
Job Class: Deputy State Fire Marshal
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 90809
Location : Minnesota Northeast Area
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid (permanent, classified employees in the same job and class). Eligible bidders should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing dama.abuta@state.mn.us by 11:59 PM 1/21/26
Date Posted : 01/15/2026
Closing Date : 02/3/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
Division/Unit : Fire Marshal / Fire Invest/Education
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 70% of the time
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Job Class Option : Arson Investigator - 0682
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is responsible for investigating the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires in accordance with state statutes, specifically those outlined in 299F statutes. This work involves a systematic approach of post-fire scene processing, documentation, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony. Post-fire scenes are complex incidents involving fatalities and/or injuries, as well as high-dollar losses.
This position is also responsible for providing fire investigation information, instruction, and consultation to local fire and law enforcement authorities. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting with the development and delivery of arson training programs for law enforcement, fire service personnel, and prosecutors.
This position may also periodically assist with investigating fires/explosions related to fireworks and explosives.
This position will be responsible for part of the Northeast Area including the counties of: Koochiching, Itasca, Cass, Crow Wing, Saint Louis, Lake, Cook, Aitkin, Carlton, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Pine, Benton, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago
The incumbent of this position will be required to reside (and home office) within one of the counties listed above within 1 year of date of hire.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Minimum Qualifications
The following must be included and clearly state in application and/or resume to be considered eligible for this position:
Three (3) years of experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer.
An Associates degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for six (6) months of the experience requirement.
A Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.
Work experience must include:
Knowledge and experience in fire science.
Knowledge and experience in building construction.
Knowledge and experience in writing technical reports.
Candidates will be further assessed on the following:
Valid Minnesota class D drivers license.
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
The incumbent of this position will be required to reside (and home office) within one (1) of the counties listed above (Job Summary section) within one (1) year of date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Five (5) years experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer. IAAI -Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) or Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified Fire/Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
Associates or Bachelors degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation.
Minnesota fire investigation part 1 & 2 classes (formerly Basic/Advanced) or equivalent.
POST law enforcement certification.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes the following components:
Criminal History
Reference Check
Driver License Check
Drug screen
Hearing Test
Physical
Psychological Evaluation
SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only)
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
