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Fire Investigator Jobs in Boca Raton, FL (NOW HIRING)

Fire Inspector I

FL · On-site

$66K - $102K/yr

Performs the investigation of the origin, cause and circumstances of fires within the city. * Responds to and resolves complaints from the general public. * Performs standby fire watches in places of ...

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Fire Investigator information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$33K

$64.4K

$102.7K

How much do fire investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire investigator in Boca Raton, FL is $64,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,700.00 and $74,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire investigator?

A fire investigator investigates the cause of fires, particularly when arson is suspected. Fire investigators examine the crime scene, process latent print samples, gather evidence using collection tools, interview witnesses, process the evidence collections, and report their findings to law enforcement agencies. A fire investigator examines the crime scene and determines how the fire started. Similar roles include arson investigator, firefighter, and forensic science technician.

What does a fire investigator do?

A Fire Investigator is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires. They examine fire scenes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze burn patterns to figure out how and why a fire started. Fire Investigators may work for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, or insurance companies. Their findings can be used in criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and to improve fire prevention strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Investigator, you need a solid understanding of fire science, investigative techniques, and a background in law enforcement or fire service, often supported by certifications like Certified Fire Investigator (CFI). Familiarity with evidence collection tools, fire modeling software, and report-writing systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding investigators apart. These skills ensure accurate determinations of fire causes, support legal proceedings, and enhance public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by fire investigators during the course of an investigation?

Fire Investigators often encounter challenges such as sifting through hazardous or unstable environments, distinguishing between accidental and intentional causes, and gathering evidence that may have been damaged or destroyed by fire. These professionals must also work collaboratively with law enforcement, insurance representatives, and sometimes testify in court, which requires strong communication and documentation skills. Staying current with fire science techniques and investigative technology is essential to overcome these challenges and ensure accurate, thorough investigations.

What is the difference between Fire Investigator vs Fire Marshal?

AspectFire InvestigatorFire Marshal
CertificationsFire Investigation Certification, Fire Inspector CertificationFire Investigation Certification, Fire Inspector Certification, sometimes Fire Prevention Certifications
Work EnvironmentScene investigation sites, laboratories, forensic settingsFire prevention, code enforcement, public education, investigation
Employer & IndustryFire departments, law enforcement, forensic labsMunicipal fire departments, government agencies, fire prevention offices

Fire Investigators focus on determining the cause of fires, often working at fire scenes and forensic labs. Fire Marshals have broader roles including fire prevention, code enforcement, and public safety education, often overseeing fire investigations. Both roles require similar certifications, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ.

Can you be a fire investigator without being a firefighter?

Yes, a fire investigator can be a trained professional who specializes in determining the cause of fires without being a firefighter. Many fire investigators have backgrounds in law enforcement, forensic science, or fire science, and they often hold certifications such as those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

How hard is it to become a fire investigator?

Becoming a fire investigator typically requires a combination of education, such as a high school diploma or GED, and experience in fire service or law enforcement. Many fire investigators also pursue certifications from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and some states require licensing or specialized training, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual background and dedication.

What education do you need to be a fire investigator?

Fire investigators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many having post-secondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in fire science, criminal justice, or a related field. Relevant training, certifications, and experience in fire investigation techniques and the use of specialized tools are also important for this role.

What cities near Boca Raton, FL are hiring for Fire Investigator jobs?

Cities near Boca Raton, FL with the most Fire Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Investigator job openings in Boca Raton, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,443 per year, or $31 per hour.

Senior Fire and Life Safety Inspector

City of Delray Beach

Delray Beach, FL

$72K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervises, schedules, reviews, and provides mentorship and technical guidance to Fire Inspectors.

  • Performs field inspections of buildings during construction, post-fire evaluations, and special assessments to ensure compliance with fire codes and ordinances.

  • Conducts plan reviews, enforces fire prevention codes, and prepares reports and violation notices related to fire and life safety.


Job description

Job Description Veterans' Preference Applies EEO Statement The City of Delray Beach does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability, marital status, family status or sexual orientation in employment or the provision of services Non-Smoking The City of Delray Beach is a Non-Tobacco Workplace. The City will not consider applicants who have used tobacco or nicotine products for a period of at least three months prior to application for employment. The definition of "tobacco or nicotine products" includes but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, snuff, e-cigarettes and nicotine patches or gum.

This position performs technical and clerical tasks in fire inspection, prevention, and public education, including responsibility for field enforcement of City Code of Ordinances and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Employee works in accordance with directives received from Fire Chief or designee, however, is expected to exercise considerable independence and initiative. Essential Job Duties Essential Functions and Responsibilities: The following duties are normal for this position.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Supervises, schedules, and reviews the work of Fire Inspectors; provides mentorship, training, and technical guidance.

Performs field inspections of new/existing buildings during the construction process; compares actual work to planned work to ensure compliance with approved construction plans. Conducts plan reviews, reviews inspection findings, and recommends corrective actions. Conducts complex and high-profile inspections including post-fire structural evaluations, special event assessments, and hazardous occupancies.

Leads or delegates notification procedures to the Building Department for structures identified as eminent danger in accordance with established SOGs. Ensures timely and accurate reporting, recordkeeping, and case management in compliance with departmental standards. Conducts building plan review, demolition inspections, code infraction warnings and citations.

Enforces fire prevention codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially. Evaluates proposed fire protection elements of a building and assures that they are in accordance with applicable codes. Prepares reports and correspondence; reviews and approves fire and life safety violation notices.

Evaluate alternate suppression systems such as CO2 systems, dry systems and water-based fire suppression systems. Participates in pre-construction meetings and coordinates with engineers, architects, and contractors regarding fire safety compliance. Ensures continuous compliance with updates to the Florida Fire Prevention Code and applicable NFPA standards.

Provide technical information to the general public for questions relating to building code requirements. Represents the Fire Marshal's Office in interdepartmental meetings, legal proceedings, and public forums. Fosters positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.

Minimum Qualifications An Associate's Degree in a related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fire inspection, plan review, or code enforcement, including two (2) years in a supervisory or lead role. Training in fire inspections, plan review and code enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Florida State Firefighter Minimum Standards (F.S.S. 633) preferred

Florida State Fire Safety Inspector I Certification. Fire Safety Inspector II and Fire Investigator certifications preferred. Current CPR certification.

ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 Valid and current Florida Class E Driver's License. Working knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention Code, Local, and City ordinances. Ability to read plans (commercial and multi-family residential).

Skill in technical writing. Knowledge of computer operations. Ability to supervise the work of subordinate inspectors.

Work involves considerable public contact and requires the ability to deal with public relations issues in a professional, tactful and courteous manner. Working knowledge of firefighting principles and practices and fire prevention inspection techniques. Working knowledge of building materials, construction practices and mechanical systems related to fire prevention, fire suppression and the safeguarding of lives and property from fire.

Ability to work effectively with others. Ability to communicate effectively orally, non-verbally, and in writing. Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and experience.

Ability to adapt to an evolving and continually improving environment. Requires demonstrated ability to utilize personal computer and office software such as MS Word, MS Excel and electronic mail. The abilities expected of all employees include being able to respond to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies, be appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the organization's mission, goals, and policies; report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required by the assignment or orders; notify the appropriate supervisor of intended absences in accordance with stated rules; conform with standards and rules regarding use of accrued time; demonstrate a polite, helpful and courteous manner when engaged in any activity with the public; operate and care for equipment to manufacturer's specifications and/or within the specified parameters; demonstrate an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Supplemental Information Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Travel from site to site; work in the field, construction site and office environments; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals; inspect in restricted spaces. Employee may have to work outside in a subtropical climate under adverse weather conditions and high noise levels. Employee may have to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays.

RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: Employees may be required to participate in response/recovery activities in response to a major emergency or natural disasters affecting City operations. In such situations, every effort will be made to maintain operations, but employees may be assigned to carry out response activities suited to their skills and capabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to walk and stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 90 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests might be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer, and requirements of the job change. By signing below, I am indicating I have read and concur with the above description of my job.