Examination: Arson and Bomb Investigator

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Working title
Arson and Bomb Investigator
Monthly salary
$7,276.00 - $9,994.00 per Month
Exam #
4827
Deadline
03/26/2026
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Position Description

00108997 - ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR

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.

This is the full journey level investigator. Incumbents work independently or in teams on a variety of cases, specialized arson and explosive training programs or projects; conduct background and internal affairs investigations and do other related work.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Aptitude for investigative work; willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours, evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; may be on 24-hour call; alertness and keenness of observations; good memory for details, names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminals, 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.


WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

Existing law provides that peace officers be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. 

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00108997 - ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR


Either I

One year of experience in the Office of the State Fire Marshal performing the duties of an Arson and Bomb Investigator Assistant, Range B.

Or II

Three years of experience in a public agency performing fire prevention work, two years of which shall have been in investigation of fire for cause and origin. Experience gained at the Office of the State Fire Marshal must be applied under Pattern I.

Or III

Three years of law enforcement experience in a police department, sheriff’s office, or district attorney’s office, two years of which shall have been in the investigation of fires and explosions suspected of being of incendiary origin.


The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Final Filing Date: 3/26/2026.

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will not be accepted.

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

If using the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the final filing date, your application may not be accepted into the examination. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the final filing date.

Who Should Apply

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the final filing date March 26, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

  • Once you have participated in this examination, you may not test again for six (6) months.
  • Applicants who have not passed probation in this classification are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

To apply for this examination, please complete and submit the following:

1.) An Examination/Employment Application (STD.678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

2.) A Training and Experience (T&E) Narrative document is also REQUIRED and must be submitted.

3.) All applicants must include "from" and "to" employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles on their STD 678. Applications received without this information may be rejected.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Application Link

Arson and Bomb Investigator

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Examination Unit
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9580
CALFIREexams@fire.ca.gov

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.