The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) office is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kansas from the hazards of fire, explosion, and natural and man-made disasters.
The KSFM is organized into five divisions: Investigation, Prevention, Emergency Response, Industrial Safety and Administration:
The Prevention Division is focused on preventing accidental fires from beginning and enforcing Life Safety Code.
Emergency Response focuses on the actual response to emergencies, including coordination of Hazardous Materials and Search and Rescue, by training and supporting response teams throughout the state.
The Investigations Division determines the origin and cause of fires, aiding in the prosecution of arsonists and seeking out new or unknown fire hazards.
Industrial Safety Division houses the Boiler and Elevator Programs.
The Administration Division encompasses agency leadership, financial control, information technology and public information.
About the Position: Fire Investigator
Who can apply: Anyone
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Work Schedule: Days with flexibility as required
Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
Compensation
- Hourly Pay Rate: $28.72
- Annual Pay Rate: $59,737.60
- * Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
Employment Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
- Sick & Vacation leave
- Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
- Fitness Centers in select locations
- Employee discounts with the STAR Program
- Kansas Police & Firefighters Retirement (KP&F) Retirement and deferred compensation programs Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…
Position Summary & Responsibilities
- Conducts investigations to determine origin and cause of fires and explosions.
- Conducts criminal investigations into violations of the arson criminal code, including other criminal offenses that impel arson.
- Investigates, inspects and maintains accurate records on permits and/or licenses issued by the OSFM for those who apply for inspection of explosives and fireworks.
- Testifies in court as an expert.
- Conducts and attends training sessions.
- Performs administrative duties such as submitting reports and record keeping.
- Maintains and operates assigned state vehicle and equipment.
- Extensive travel, including overnight is required of this position.
- This position primarily covers: Jackson, Shawnee, Jefferson, Douglas, Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, but the incumbent could be deployed anywhere within the state as needed. Residency within the territory is preferred however, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Qualifications
- Licensing & Certification
- Current certification as a full-time law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission as required by K.S.A. 74-5601a. Out of state certifications will be considered on a case-by case basis.
- Must complete certification as a Fire Investigator and a Hazardous Materials Technician prior to completing probation.
- Must have a current, valid driver's license.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age.
- Five years' experience in general law enforcement and criminal investigation, with at least two years of that being felony-level investigative experience.
- Must be free of any Brady issues.
- This position requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties therefore, candidates cannot have been convicted of, and must be free of any diversions from, a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(9) and (g)(9).
- Must be able to complete annual fitness for duty medical examinations and be free of any issues that would prevent using respiratory protective equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience with fire and explosive investigations.
- Experience in processing crime scenes and collecting evidence.
- Experience with writing affidavits and submitting requests for search warrants.
- Knowledge of court procedures and experience testifying in criminal matters.
- Experience in instructing and presenting to adult learners.
- Knowledge of Kansas Statutes and Administrative Regulations.
- Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements
- At time of offer, candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Office of Personnel Services and take a pre-employment physical.
- Top candidates must take and pass a background check and polygraph.
Recruiter Contact Information
Name: Stacie Creech
Email: Stacie.Creech@ks.gov
Phone: 785-296-0654
Mailing Address: 800 SW Jackson Street, Suite 104, Topeka, Kansas 66612
Job Application Process
First Sign in or register as a New User.
Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete. Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page. Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter. Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete
Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page
Transcripts
DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application
Resume
Cover Letter
Certificates
Law Enforcement Certification
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
