Fire Investigation Unit Captain (Fire Prevention Captain)

Stationed in: Pittsburg, CA

5% on-call pay for participation in the Fire Investigation Off-Duty Standby Team Why should you join Contra Costa County Fire Protection District? Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced, motivated, and highly engaged person to join our team as a Fire Investigation Unit Captain (Fire Prevention Captain). The Fire Prevention Bureau provides the highest level of fire prevention services through comprehensive inspections and code enforcement, plan review and engineering services, public education, fire investigations, and exterior hazard control to ensure properties are properly constructed in accordance with local and state codes. The Fire Prevention Bureau provides fire prevention services to our citizens who live or work in the cities of Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Hercules, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Oakley, including the unincorporated communities of north Alamo, Bay Point, Clyde, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Montalvan Manor, North Richmond, Pacheco, Rodeo, Tara Hills, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Byron. The Community Risk Reduction Unit provides a long list of valuable programs to the public to promote and teach fire safety to all ages through a variety of delivery methods. The Unit’s programs range from teaching kindergarteners how to “Stop, Drop and Roll” to assisting senior citizens how to recognize and eliminate hazards in their home. This unit also performs Exterior Hazard Control inspections in both public and private properties for compliance with Fire District weed abatement standards, which were established through local ordinance. The purpose is to limit the potential sources of fuel for fire through abatement of combustible rubbish and vegetation to create “defensible space” around properties to would allow firefighters to effectively stop fires from spreading from open space areas to homes and properties. The District works proactively with other agencies throughout the County, including Fire Safe Councils, to reduce the threat of wildfire in the communities we service. The Fire Investigation Unit is responsible for determining origin and cause of fires and the investigations of fire related incidents of both criminal and accidental nature, pursuant to the mandate for fire origin and cause determination as outlined in the Fire Code and California Health and Safety Code. The Unit works closely with other law enforcement personnel from our County and City agencies to effect the successful investigation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of arsonists. We are looking for someone who is: An experienced fire investigator and a strong leader Analytical, methodical and detail-oriented Decisive and objective A strong communicator Committed to investigative integrity and public safety What you will typically be responsible for: Leading and overseeing complex fire investigations Coordinating investigations with other County or City agencies Providing technical and investigative expertise Maintaining the integrity of evidence and investigative records and preparing cases for legal proceedings Reviewing investigation reports and findings Supervising fire investigators, implementing unit priorities and assigning work Overseeing station operations A few reasons you might love this job: Your work will have a direct public safety impact You will solve unique, complex problems and cases You will lead, develop and mentor a highly skilled team of fire investigators A few challenges you might face in this job Managing investigations involving fatalities or serious injuries, while maintaining professionalism and objectivity Coordinating with multiple agencies with competing interests Managing fire investigators with different backgrounds, experience levels and perspectives To read the complete job description, please visit this website. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to twelve (12) months.

Certificate and Training Requirements for assignment to the Fire Investigation Unit: FEMA Courses I C-100, I C-200, IS-700, IS-800 Successful completion of the California Peace Officers' Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified Penal Code 832 Arrest Course Successful completion of the California Peace Officers' Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified Penal Code 832 Firearms Course.and For external candidates only: Certification as a Fire Investigator through the California Fire Service Training and Education System Within 12 Months of appointment, appointees must satisfactorily complete the following: CFSTES Course: Company Officer 2A Within 24 Months of appointment, appointees must satisfactorily complete the following: Wildland Fire Investigations (FI-210) Certification as a Fire Investigator through the California Fire Service Training and Education System International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator Ongoing maintenance of certification(s) is required. Experience requirements for assignment to the Fire Investigation Unit: Three (3) years of full-time experience as a Fire Investigator in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, or two (2) years experience as a Fire Prevention Captain in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, or five (5) years experience as a full-time public fire investigator involving the full scope of arson investigation, including writing and service of warrants and making arrests, or five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience with a police department or sheriff’s office. Other Requirements for all assignments:

Experience testifying in court as a subject-matter expert Advanced knowledge of NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 Experience with forensic evidence and investigative technology Experience supervising, mentoring and training fire investigators Experience conducting joint investigations with law enforcement Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills during high-stress and emotionally charged situations.