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Fire Investigator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Fire Sprinkler Technician Location: Huntsville, AL (On-Site) Division: Fire Protection Company: State Systems, Inc.About State Systems, Inc. Founded in Memphis, TN, State Systems, Inc. is a total ...

Wildland Firefighter

Moulton, AL · On-site +1

$23.20/hr

Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and ... Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. * Direct ...

Oversee hangar safety programs, fire prevention initiatives, and workplace safety compliance ... Investigate safety incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Oversee hangar safety programs, fire prevention initiatives, and workplace safety compliance ... Investigate safety incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Wildland Firefighter

Moulton, AL · On-site +1

$25.37/hr

The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. The ... Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. * Direct ...

Contract Instructor (ATF)

Athens, AL · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

... investigative needs. * Promote Safe and Professional Training Environments Enforce safety protocols, especially during live-fire or explosives demonstrations, and ensure adherence to ATF and federal ...

Security Professional Flex Officer

Madison, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Sound alarms or calls police or fire department in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons ... Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, incidents, and suspicious activities; maintain ...

Security Professional Flex Officer

Madison, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Sound alarms or calls police or fire department in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons ... Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, incidents, and suspicious activities; maintain ...

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Fire Investigator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$31.8K

$62K

$98.8K

How much do fire investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire investigator in Decatur, AL is $62,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Fire Investigator jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Investigator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Fire Investigator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Fire Investigator job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Investigator job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,004 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Branch Chief, Fire Programs and Training Branch)

Forensic Auditors | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$134K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Supervisory Criminal Investigator serves as a Branch Chief in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fire Investigation & Arson Enforcement Division, Fire Programs and Training Branch. The Branch Chief provides investigative expertise and oversight for criminal investigations and organizational performance relating to law enforcement programs.Qualifications:
To qualify for the Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Branch Chief) position at the GS-14 grade level, candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-13) by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.
Specialized experience must include all of the following:
  • Leading and providing accurate information and guidance regarding investigative procedures (i.e., arrest and processing, arrest principles, handling of dangerous evidence; AND
  • Conducting surveys, studies, and analyses to identify problems and provide solutions to highly complex and sensitive issues; AND
  • Interpreting and applying ATF's statutory responsibilities and related information of Federal, State, and local jurisdictions, as well as regulated firearms and explosives industries; AND
  • Preparing reports of progress, findings, recommendations, and impacts of task force groups.

CFI preferred but not required.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER