Arson Investigator
Date Posted: Jun 1, 2026
Requisition ID: 478537
Location:
Columbus, IN, US, 47201
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS):
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.
Role Overview:
This district includes the following counties: Monroe, Brown, Bartholomew, Lawrence, Jackson, Jennings, Morgan, and Johnson. You must live in the district or an adjoining county.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Conduct fire and explosion scene examinations including scenes involving serious injury and death.
Conduct fire and explosion scene documentation (i.e. photos, sketches, diagrams, field notes).
Coordinate resources between federal, state, and local agencies and insurance organizations.
Conduct interpretation and analysis of burn patterns and blast damage.
Conduct evidence collection of fire/explosion scenes and properly handle and submit evidence (i.e. fire debris, tool marks, DNA, fingerprints, shoeprints, and documents).
Locate and interview suspects and witnesses.
Prepare written reports and documents.
Establish evidence as to the motive, means, and opportunity to develop suspects in arson cases.
Serve arrest and search warrants upon the establishment of probable cause.
Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil legal proceedings (i.e. probable cause hearings and affidavits, pre-trial hearings, trial, appeal hearings).
Provide technical assistance to prosecutors or attorneys during fire/explosion trial preparation and trial proceedings.
Conduct public information presentations and meetings with fire and police departments.
Conduct training for fire and police departments in scene and evidence preservation and fire and explosion investigative methodology.
Investigate fireworks incidents and enforces state fireworks laws.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).
Valid Indiana Driver's license.
Specialized knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence as they apply to arson investigation, criminal investigation, and expert testimony.
Specialized knowledge of fire investigation methodology, fire science, chemistry, physics, evidence collection methods.
Specialized knowledge of National Fire Protection Association documents associated with fire investigation.
Considerable knowledge of, and ability to apply, methods, techniques, and procedures of criminal investigations.
Knowledge of, and ability to perform, operate specialized investigator equipment such as scene documentation equipment and evidence collection equipment.
Ability to use the scientific method to analyze data and information to form scientifically valid conclusions.
Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to comply with all section and agency policies and procedures.
Ability to use hand tools and evidence collection supplies.
Ability to use computer equipment, software, and office equipment.
Must be able to travel including trips which may require more than one day in length.
Be subject to call out every other week except during approved/assigned vacation, compensatory time, sick leave, or other exigent circumstances.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:
Successfully complete the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course within one year of hire date.
Complete annual mandatory law enforcement training Inservice to retain law enforcement status.
Maintain mandatory fire and explosion investigation continuing education to maintain Certified Fire Investigator status.
Successfully qualify annually with a passing score with agency issued firearms.
Obtain the International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator certification within 6 years of hire.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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