Fire Science Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

**Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division.

This posting will be used to fill up to two (2) positions.

This position is responsible for investigating the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires in accordance with state statutes, specifically those outlined in 299F statutes. This work involves a systematic approach of post-fire scene processing, documentation, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony. Post-fire scenes are complex incidents involving fatalities and/or injuries, as well as high-dollar losses.

This position is also responsible for providing fire investigation information, instruction, and consultation to local fire and law enforcement authorities. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting with the development and delivery of arson training programs for law enforcement, fire service personnel, and prosecutors.

This position may also periodically assist with investigating fires/explosions related to fireworks and explosives.

• This position will be responsible for part of the Southeast Area including the counties of: Scott, Dakota, LeSueur, Rice, Goodhue, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, Houston
• The incumbent of this position will be required to reside (and home office) within one of the counties listed above within 1 year of date of hire.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following must be included and clearly state in application and/or resume to be considered eligible for this position:
- Three (3) years of experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer
- An Associates degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for six (6) months of the experience requirement.
- A Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation, may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.

Work experience must include:
- Knowledge and experience in fire science.
- Knowledge and experience in building construction.
- Knowledge and experience in writing technical reports.

Candidates will be further assessed on the following:
- Valid Minnesota class D drivers license.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
- The incumbent of this position will be required to reside (and home office) within one (1) of the counties listed above (Job Summary section) within one (1) year of date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

- Five (5) years experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer.
- International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) -Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) or Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
- National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified Fire/Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
- Associates or Bachelors degree in fire science, fire protection engineering or fire investigation.
- Minnesota fire investigation part 1 & 2 classes (formerly Basic/Advanced) or equivalent.
- POST law enforcement certification.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes the following components:

1. Criminal History
2. Reference Check
3. Driver License Check
4. Drug screen
5. Hearing Test
6. Physical
7. Psychological Evaluation
8. SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.