Fire Investigator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $72,416.00 - $115,700.00 Annually
Location : Public Safety, Alpharetta, GA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-00019
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 02/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary & General Information
Under general direction of the Fire Marshal performs responsible, technical, and specialized work in the field of fire and life safety inspection, fire investigation, code enforcement, and advanced plan checks. Reviews, and researches codes; issues permits for the control of hazardous materials, hazardous processes and public assembly, checks building plans for compliance with fire and life safety standards, performs a variety of duties related to conducting fire safety education programs; participates in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials; provides responsible technical support to the Fire Marshal.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Inspects industrial plants, certain commercial establishments and places of public assembly, determines compliance with applicable code and ordinances, writes reports, generates necessary correspondence to obtain code compliance, and issues appropriate permits.
• Checks plans for new building construction and confers with other concerned City departments to determine compliance with fire and life safety requirements and makes necessary contacts with developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and contractors; follows through with related field inspections and tests.
• Investigates complaints received by the department and determines whether a fire hazard exists, and issues notices to abate and follows through with the City Attorney's office when necessary to secure abatement.
• Plans and conducts educational programs on fire safety, water safety, injury prevention, CPR and first aid; speaks before school groups and other organizations on public safety, fire prevention and other public safety subjects.
• Advises and assists in the formation of evacuation and emergency action plans for large public and private buildings; prepares and maintains records and reports related to all activities.
• Participates in Fire Department training programs relating to particular areas of expertise; participation may be advisory to the training division or may involve organizing lesson plans and providing instruction under direction of the training officer; participates in firefighting training evaluations to maintain skills and proficiency in suppression.
• Responds to emergency calls to assist in departmental operations in areas of particular expertise, e.g., unauthorized discharges chemical spills, system malfunction, investigation regarding origin, cause and responsibility of fire hazardous conditions.
• May issue citations to gain compliance.
• Conducts investigations related to apprehending and prosecution of suspected arsonists, and evaluates fire scenes to determine origins and cause of fires, fix responsibility and performance of building construction and protection systems.
• May be requested to perform complex field inspections for conflict resolution in the areas of architectural, construction, hazardous materials, alarm systems, and sprinkler systems as it relates to new or existing buildings.
• May be requested to climb ladders, scaffolding, trenches, or crawl in areas of confined spaces, while in the performance of fire investigation duties or field inspections.
• May be placed in hazardous environments (smoke, heat, and toxic levels) while performing fire investigation duties.
• May be called upon to use heavy and or specialized equipment to dismantle, or collect evidence for prosecuting the crime of arson.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of fire department administration.
• Fire hazards and prevention requirements, inspection procedures, firefighting methods and techniques, and equipment used in modern firefighting.
• Hazardous materials storage, use, handling and plan review.
• The principles and practices of fire cause and fire origin investigations.
• Arson investigations, investigative case preparation and court testimony.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including health and safety codes, uniform building codes and uniform fire codes.
• Methods and techniques of public education pertinent to fire prevention and safety.
• Local geography, including the location of water mains, hydrants, major fire hazards of the City and City streets.
• Principles and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Assist in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the City's Public Safety Fire Prevention Program.
• Use appropriate safety tools, equipment and apparatus for fire investigations.
• Perform inspections and detect violations of applicable codes and regulations.
• As needed, conduct preliminary thorough and detailed fact-finding inspections and investigations into fire incidents including evidence gathering and preservation.
• Read and interpret codes, regulations, technical reports and building plans.
• Prepare clear, concise records and reports.
• Learn the geographic layout of the City and the surrounding areas and the location of various fire suppression utilities.
• Prepare and present professional fire safety presentations to civic organizations.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Effectively represent the Fire Prevention Program to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency; supplemented by college level course work or specialized training in fire code inspection, fire prevention, fire science, or a related field is desirable.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Two years of experience in fire prevention inspection, and/or enforcement of fire-related codes, or a related field.
• Car seat technician certification required within 18 months of assignment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Completion of state-certified Fire/EMT Basic Training Courses consisting of 120 hours; must be maintained in a valid status.
• Must obtain Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I certification from the office of Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) within 12 months of assignment.
• Must meet minimum physical fitness requirements of the Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualification Code (NFPA1001) as published by the National Fire Protection Association within 12 months of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license with appropriate endorsement.
• Must obtain Georgia Fire Inspector I certification within 6 months of assignment.

Physical Demands
Physical: Continuous upward and downward flexion of neck. Frequent standing, sitting, bending and stooping, twisting at waist, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 25 lbs. from below waist to waist level; fine finger dexterity and pinch grasp to operate computer keyboards and writing materials. Occasional walking, climbing, reaching at shoulder level, pushing/pulling; firm grasp, pinch grasp and foot dexterity to operate automobile. Infrequent squatting, crawling, working in confined spaces, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, balancing above ground; lifting objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder and transporting distances up to 100 feet; lifting objects weighing 26-75 lbs. from below waist to waist level; transporting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. distances up to 100 feet; lifting objects weighing 76-100 lbs. from below waist to waist level, with assistance only. Tight grasp, moderate torque, wrist and arm movement, fine finger dexterity to operate hand tools, video camera, projectors.
Exposure to extreme cold of refrigerated lockers, extreme heat of fires, temperature swings from indoors to outdoors, extreme noise of fire alarms and fire alarm testing, working both indoors and outdoors, extreme humidity while working outdoors, mechanical hazards of heavy equipment and various machinery, explosive hazards of blasting operations; fumes and odors of smoke, flammable liquids, gas, hazardous materials; dust of construction sites and fire scenes, toxic substances.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to discern colors and assess emergencies, including medical incidents, to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; hearing sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
Supplemental Information
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.
The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City's employees and to the security of the City's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Medical, Dental and Vision
Medical: 2 High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) options (HRA and HSA) with lower monthly costs. Dental: no deductibles. Coverage includes preventive, basic, major restorative, and child orthodontia. Vision: eye care and eyewear (contacts, lenses and frames). Laser correction procedures. FSA: Medical and dependent care.
Retirement Health
Medical Coverage: retirees (age 55+ and 10+ yrs. of service) may continue individual coverage up until Medicare eligibility at age 65. Medical Reimbursement: retirees (age 55+ and 15+ yrs. of service) receive a monthly reimbursement benefit as periodically determined by the Pension Board of Trustees.
Retirement
Defined Contributions 401(a): City contributes 10% of employee's annual base pay. Vested benefit accrued at 20% a year, with full vesting after 5 years of service. Deferred Compensation (457) and Matching Contributions: employees may elect to participate at any time. After 1 year of continuous employment, City matches employee's contributions, up to 5%.
Paid Holidays
10 City Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday upon hire and every Jan. 1st.
Paid Parental Leave
2 weeks paid parental leave for birthmother, spouse and adoptive parents (after 1 year of employment).
Georgia College Savings (529)
Employees can opt to participate in this state-sponsored, tax-advantaged college savings plan.
Tuition Reimbursement
After 1 year of employment, employees may receive tuition reimburse