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Entry Level Fire Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA

San Bernardino County

Office Assistant

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$18.80 - $25.85/hr

This is an entry-level position that requires no experience. Duties may include but are not limited ... San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and Special Districts Positions: The San Bernardino ...

City of Rialto

Community Compliance Officer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$5.4K - $7.3K/mo

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Community Compliance Officer ... Methods and techniques of municipal code investigations. Applicable laws, ordinance and codes.

All JobsFire Investigator JobsEntry Level Fire Investigator JobsEntry Level Fire Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Fire Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$37K

$72.3K

$115.3K

How much do entry level fire investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fire investigator in Riverside, CA is $72,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level fire investigators during their initial cases?

Entry-level fire investigators often find the transition from training to real-world investigations challenging, especially when it comes to accurately identifying fire origins and causes under pressure. They may also face difficulties in navigating complex fire scenes, maintaining evidence integrity, and effectively collaborating with law enforcement and fire departments. Building strong communication skills and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can help overcome these initial hurdles, while continuous learning will enhance confidence and proficiency over time.

What does an entry level fire investigator do?

An entry level fire investigator assists in determining the origin and cause of fires under the supervision of experienced investigators. Their duties often include collecting and preserving evidence, photographing fire scenes, interviewing witnesses, and preparing reports. They may also help with data entry, research, and learning to interpret burn patterns. Entry level fire investigators typically work alongside fire departments or insurance companies to support investigations and may be required to testify in court. This role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in fire investigation.

Can I become an entry level fire investigator without being a firefighter?

Entry level fire investigators typically do not need to be firefighters, but they often benefit from knowledge of fire behavior, investigation techniques, and safety protocols. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant training, certifications, or experience in fire science or law enforcement, rather than firefighting experience itself.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fire investigator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fire Investigator, you need a solid understanding of fire science, investigative techniques, and evidence handling, often supported by a degree in fire science, criminal justice, or a related field. Familiarity with fire investigation software, digital cameras, and basic forensic tools, along with certifications like IAAI-FIT or CFI, is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you gather, interpret, and present findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for accurately determining fire causes, ensuring public safety, and supporting legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fire Investigator vs Fire Investigator?

AspectEntry Level Fire InvestigatorFire Investigator
Required CertificationsFire investigation certification, basic fire scienceAdvanced certifications, fire investigation training
Work EnvironmentAssisting in investigations, fieldwork, report writingLeading investigations, complex case analysis
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, insurance companies, public safety agenciesFire departments, law enforcement, private firms

The main difference between an Entry Level Fire Investigator and a Fire Investigator is experience and responsibility. Entry level roles focus on learning fire investigation procedures, assisting senior investigators, and gaining certifications. Fire Investigators have more experience, handle complex cases, and often lead investigations. Both roles are essential in fire safety and investigation teams, with the entry level serving as a foundation for career growth.

How to become an entry level fire investigator?

To become an entry-level fire investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in fire service, law enforcement, or related fields. Relevant skills include knowledge of fire science, investigation techniques, and often certification such as the Fire Investigation Certification from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some positions may require a valid driver's license and the ability to work in various environments and hours.

Are entry level fire investigators in demand?

Entry level fire investigators are in steady demand due to the need for fire safety, accident analysis, and arson investigation skills. Employment opportunities are often available in fire departments, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies, especially for those with certifications and training in fire science and investigation techniques.

How hard is it to become an entry level fire investigator?

Becoming an entry level fire investigator typically requires a background in fire science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as fire investigation training. Candidates often need to gain experience in fire suppression or law enforcement and develop skills in evidence collection and report writing, which can take several months to a few years depending on the individual's background and training programs.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Fire Investigator job openings:
Entry Level Fire Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fire Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,327 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Senior Office Assistant

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$19.49 - $27.45/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

481st of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Job ONLY THE FIRST 500 APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED Pre-posted for viewing starting Wednesday, July 29th, 2026. Applications will only be accepted online starting at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, until 500 applications have been received or until 5:00 p.m

on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, whichever occurs first. San Bernardino County is accepting applications for Senior Office Assistant (Previously Office Assistant III) who perform complex clerical support duties. Duties may include but are not limited to: Collecting, entering, processing, sorting, and tabulating information; Providing general information to the public via phone or in-person; Answering questions regarding specific departmental procedures and practices; Processing a variety of documents; Maintaining files; Scheduling appointments and meetings; Preparing letters, reports, invoices, and other documents; Performing data entry.

Immediate vacancies exist in multiple County Departments. The eligible list will be utilized for departments across the county, including the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and the Special District Departments. For more detailed information, refer to Senior Office Assistant job description.

(Previously Office Assistant III) San Bernardino County is also accepting applications for Office Assistant which requires a separate application and online examination. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Countywide Recruitment: Positions exist throughout our various County departments.

Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to be considered for vacancies across multiple disciplines and in a region of interest to you. Now is the time to begin a fulfilling career with San Bernardino County. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and Special Districts Positions: The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and Special Districts Department are separate entities from San Bernardino County, and as such, compensation and benefits for their positions are set forth in a different compensation plan.

The salary for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Senior Office Assistant (Fire Department) is $19.90- $27.52 hourly. For additional details, refer to the Fire Auxiliary Services Unit MOU and Benefits Summary. The salary for Special Districts Senior Office Assistant is $19.90- $28.90 hourly

For additional details, refer to the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan and Benefits Summary. Candidates may indicate personal preference in the Supplemental Questionnaire of the application. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-employment Process: Applicants must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting, credit check, and/or medical exam, prior to appointment.

For the Probation and Sheriff's Departments, positions require extensive background investigations, including polygraph testing. If you are interested in these departments, indicate your availability on the Supplemental Questionnaire. Shift work and/or weekend work: Some departments may require shift work and/or weekend work.

Must indicate availability on the application. Shift differentials and overtime compensation are available. Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements Candidates must qualify under one of the below options: Option 1: Six (6) months of full-time office clerical experience gained at San Bernardino County. Duties must include a variety of office clerical tasks, including public contact, computer usage, typing, filing, answering the telephone, and data entry. Option 2: One (1) year of full-time work experience performing clerical functions in an office environment.

Duties must include a variety of office clerical tasks, including public contact, computer usage, typing, filing, answering the telephone, and data entry. Option 3: Successful completion of the Career Path Builder Program and attainment of the Entry-Level Workplace Certificate issued by San Bernardino County OR Sucessful completion of a relevant CTE program. The certificate must be attached to your application for consideration.

Note: Job duties must be clearly detailed on the Application. Retail sales, Cashier, and food service experience are not considered qualifying. Desired Qualifications Bilingual Skills (Spanish/English) are highly desirable and should be noted on the application.

Candidates who wish to be considered for bilingual (Spanish/English) positions must indicate bilingual skills on the application. Bilingual compensation may be available; additional testing may be required. Excellent Computer Skills are also highly desirable and should be noted in the supplemental questionnaire.

Selection Process Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire as soon as possible. Only the first 500 applications will be accepted online starting at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online assessment of knowledge and skills four (4) to five (5) weeks after an application is submitted. Please note, only those candidates who pass the examination will be eligible for interview consideration.

The following areas may be tested on the exam: Microsoft Office Applications Interpersonal Skills Computer Skills Attention to Detail Note: Candidates are responsible for regularly checking their email for updates regarding their application. Failure to respond to time-sensitive opportunities may require reapplication after a period of six months. Bilingual: A separate written examination to evaluate Spanish Bilingual Skills may be administered by the hiring department after hire.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and or updated before applying for the position. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. If you require technical assistance, please follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans' Preference points.

Click details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information. For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.

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