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Fire Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Sprinkler Inspector

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Repair Technician Avalon Fire Protection Avalon Fire Protection, a leader in the life safety industry, is seeking a skilled and motivated Fire Sprinkler Inspection ...

... in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939 ... investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more. Our ...

Fire Alarm Consultant/Designer

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$102K - $149K/yr

... in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939 ... investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more. Our ...

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Fire Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$37K

$72.3K

$115.3K

How much do fire investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Fire Investigator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Fire Investigator job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,327 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Fire Protection Planner - Southern California

Dudek

Mission Viejo, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Overview

Location(s):ย  Mission Viejo, CA / Encinitas, CA / San Diego, CAPractice/Department:ย  Urban ForestryWork Environment:ย  HybridCompensation: $85,000 - $140,000

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.ย 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has beenย recognized by leading industry organizations, andย we'veย been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.ย 

Ourย employee-ownersย are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.ย 

Learn more about ourย award-winning culture, theย benefits and perksย of being aย Dudekian, and theย projectsย you will have the opportunity to shape.ย ย 

Position Overview

Who You Areย 

As anย employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andย collaborationย while thinking resourcefully and independently.ย 

Like allย Dudekians, you are curious andย solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofย innovation.ย ย 

Howย You'llย Make an Impactย 

We are seeking mid-level professional to join ourย fire protection planning team. Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be located in one of Dudek's San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles County offices. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices in the Southern California region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilitiesย ย 

  • Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
  • Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
  • Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
  • Preparing or supporting preparation of fire protection plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
  • Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
  • Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies

Minimum Qualificationsย 

  • Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
  • 5 Years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, construction, development, project management
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
  • Ability to understand and interpret site development plan drawings.
  • Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
  • Previous experience working for a fire department as a firefighter, inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
  • ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
  • NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000/annuallyย 

*Finalย agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.ย 

Working Conditionsย ย 

  • This jobย operatesย in a remote or office-basedย environmentย and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.ย 
  • Thisย job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.ย 

Physical Requirementsย 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:ย ย 

  • Working on a computer, sitting, or standing forย long periodsย of time in an office or remote office setting.ย 
  • Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.ย ย 
  • Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.ย 

Connect with us!ย 

LinkedInย 

Instagramย 

YouTubeย 

Dudek Talent Communityย 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair andย equitableย processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.ย 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable lawsย providingย equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allย personsย involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.ย 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.ย ย 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME