Become an Arson & Bomb Investigator Assistant

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

The Arson and Bomb Investigator series describes work concerned with the investigation of suspected arson or bombings, and with the detection and apprehension of suspected criminals. Investigators in this series are peace officers.

Employees in these classes conduct detailed and complex investigations of explosions and fires in which there is suspicion that such explosion or fire is of incendiary origin: confer with local, State, and Federal peace officers on the handling of investigations; interrogate suspects and interview witnesses; obtain criminal complaints and serve subpoenas; make arrests of persons suspected of having committed the crime of arson; confer with district attorneys and prosecutors in preparing cases for court; testify in court as expert witnesses; train and provide technical assistance in the latest techniques of fire and explosion to local fire protection and law enforcement authorities; administer specialized arson and explosives training programs or projects; higher level investigators may conduct internal affairs investigations; represent the State Fire Marshal at meetings; and do other related work.

Arson and Bomb Investigator Assistant

This is the entry training and first journey level investigator. Incumbents work under close supervision on individual cases or as part of a team, and do other related work.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$6,205 - $8,992 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I
One year of experience in the Office of the State Fire Marshal performing the duties of a State Fire Marshal Trainee assigned to the Arson unit.

Or II
One year of experience in a public agency in the investigation of fires for cause and origin.

Or III
Two years of law enforcement experience in a police department, sheriff's office, or district attorney's office, one year of which shall have been in the investigation of fires and explosions suspected of being of incendiary origin.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Fire laws; types and characteristics of fire; chemistry and physics of fire ignition and behavior; types of explosions, explosives, and their characteristics; characteristics of vegetation and structural materials under varying degrees of fire intensity and duration; criminal investigation techniques; rules of evidence and court procedures; techniques of identifying, preserving, and presenting evidence; laws of arrest, search and seizure, service of legal process, and the legal rights of citizens; State laws, rules, regulations, and policies relating to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Ability to:
Meet work commitments in a timely manner; organize and conduct investigations; gather and analyze facts and evidence and present such evidence as required; use and maintain small firearms; file complaints, serve subpoenas, and make physical arrests; interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted in the work; prepare concise, accurate, and well-written reports and correspondence.

Special Personal Characteristics
Aptitude for investigative work; willingness to work throughout the state and at unusual hours, including evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; may be on 24-hour call; alertness and keenness of observation; good memory for details, names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminals and suspects and work in high-crime environments; possession of a valid California driver's license and good driving record. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment; physical agility; emotional and psychological stability; normal hearing.

Felony Disqualification
Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this series.

Citizenship Requirement
Existing law provides that peace officers must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for this examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for peace officer classes prior to their 19th birthday.

The CAL FIRE Examination Unit is not accepting exam applications at this time. Please check back periodically to see when the next exam bulletin is released.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!