Abolished 11/27/07
FIRE INVESTIGATION SUPERVISOR
8201L1
Pay Grade: 27
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is supervisory work directing the investigation of fires and
explosions of a suspicious nature.
The work involves monitoring of investigations; conducting on-site
evaluations; coordination of activities with city, county and state agencies and insurance
adjusters; developing and presenting curriculum at fire seminars and schools; writing
reports and presenting evidence in court; and supervising a staff of professional fire
investigators.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general
supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some
instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their
own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often
physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.
Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a
high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and
weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning,
developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall
into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually
involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with
complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may
require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives
usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level
exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional
review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines
exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful
analysis and interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever
reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a
high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating
or both and costs due to errors are substantial.
Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify,
defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain
cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals
or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of
communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing
with others.
Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable
physical exertion.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves
hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed
moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and
patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature,
ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific
safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL D: Involves administrative
supervision responsibility. AS a "first line supervisor", the primary
responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the
same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a
higher level of authority. As a "project manager" may direct the activities of
project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one
or more projects.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Fire Investigator class, which is specialized
work in determining the cause of fires and in investigating those in which arson is
suspected.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Monitors fire/arson investigations of field investigators when
major business fires and fatalities occur.
Provides assistance and second opinions as required by field
investigators.
Reports problem areas such as training, discipline or equipment
failures to supervisor.
Conducts on site evaluations of field investigators.
Assigns and reviews work of staff, trains and evaluates staff.
Investigates fires and explosions that appear to be of suspicious
nature, working with mutual cooperation and assistance of various agencies such as fire
departments, KBI, local police, county attorneys and insurance adjusters.
Interviews persons such as owners, tenants, employees, neighbors,
persons reporting the fire, firefighters, police officers and anyone who may have any
information about the fire under investigation. Periodically, conducting interviews may
include reviewing results of polygraph examinations.
Writes detailed reports when a fire is determined to be a set fire
and the proper evidence is obtained. Retains and preserves evidence and appears in court
to present the evidence and testify to the facts as known. Writes follow-up reports when
cases continue for a length of time.
Assists in formalizing and presenting curriculum at fire seminars
and schools. These seminars and schools cover subjects such as fire travel, causes of
fires, flammable liquids, types of persons that set fires and the preservation of
evidence. These seminars and schools are conducted for criminal justice personnel and fire
department personnel throughout the State of Kansas.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and methods of collecting and
preserving evidence at a fire scene.
Knowledge of electrical systems and building construction.
*Knowledge of the practices and techniques used in investigative
work.
Knowledge of the chemical and flammable properties of various
substances in their solid, liquid or gaseous states.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision.
*Knowledge of the causes and nature of types of fires.
Abilities
*Ability to investigate a fire and to determine its origin and
cause.
*Ability to supervise effectively.
*Ability to effectively interview citizens and safety personnel.
*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
*Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Three years experience as
a fire investigator and two years full time work experience in general law
enforcement and criminal investigation. Education may be substituted for
experience as determined relevant by the agency.
Necessary Special Requirements:
Must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age. Must
complete a basic law enforcement training program recognized by the Kansas Law
Enforcement Training Commission and obtain certification as a law enforcement
officer from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission before being given
permanent status. At time of appointment, candidate must take and pass a drug
screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services. This class
requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties and 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).
NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 11/96
REV: 03/98
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
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