Allegheny Careers Details

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for investigating the origin and cause of fires and explosions; collecting and preserving evidence, presenting findings, and testifying in legal proceedings, and other duties that may be assigned. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

• Examines and evaluates the fire scene, or evidence of the scene, and/or conducts a comprehensive review of documentation generated during the examination(s) of the scene if the scene is no longer available, so as to determine the area or point of origin, source of ignition, material(s) ignited, and act or activity that brought the ignition source and materials together, and to assess the subsequent progression, extinguishment, and containment of the fire.
• Diagrams the scene, takes investigative photographs, and takes field notes to be used to compile a final report.
• Uses proper physical and legal procedures to identify, document, collect, and preserve evidence required within the investigation.
• Obtains information regarding the overall fire investigation from others through verbal communication.
• Investigates all factors beyond the fire scene at the time of the origin and cause determination.
• Communicates case-related findings with law enforcement officers and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Prepares comprehensive investigative and scientific reports and testifies in court proceedings.
• Performs other duties as requested or required.

• Familiar NFPA 1033, NFPA 921 and related fire investigation publications.
• Familiar with recognized specialized on-line training (i.e. CFI Trainer, DACARI, NFPA)
• Fire ground hazards, types of evidence, and the importance of fire scene security, evidence preservation, and issues relating to spoliation.
• The types of building construction, to include building systems, and the effects of fire on construction materials.
• Types of evidence commonly found at a fire scene. The effects of fire suppression, fire behavior and spread, fire patterns, and a basic awareness of the dangers of hazardous materials.
• Fire dynamics, fire development, and the interrelationship of heat release rate, form, and ignitibility of materials. Fire behavior and spread based on fire chemistry. 
• Basic understanding of ignition processes, characteristics of ignition sources, and ease of ignition of fuels. 
• Different types of explosions and their causes, characteristics of an explosion, and the difference between low- and high-order explosions.
• Identify, document, preserve, collect evidence, and submit to lab, as needed.
• File assessment and/or evaluation methods, including accurate documentation practices, and requisite investigative elements.
• Types of common fire causes relative to fire-setting (intentional, natural, accidental, undetermined).
• Analytical methods and procedures (e.g., hypothesis development and testing, systems analysis, timelines, link analysis, fault tree analysis, and data reduction matrixing).
• Complete investigations, types of legal proceedings, professional demeanor requirements, and an understanding of due process and legal proceedings.

• Utilize investigative marking devices and understand and use legal right of entry to any investigation scene.
• Assess fire ground and structural condition, observe the damage from and effects of the fire and interpret fire patterns.
• Discover the impact of fire suppression efforts on fire flow and heat propagation and evaluate protected areas to determine the presence and/or absence of contents.
• Interpret the effects of burning characteristics and variations of fire patterns on different materials.
• Employ search techniques that incorporate documentation and collect and preserve evidence.
• Examine all materials to determine the effects of fire and return materials to their original position using protected areas and fire patterns.
• Determine the system’s operation and its effect on the fire; and evaluate the impact of suppression efforts on building systems.
• Identify explosive effects on glass, walls, foundations, and other building materials; distinguish between low- and high-order explosion effects; and analyze damage to document the blast zone and origin.
• Sketch the scene, basic drafting skills, and evidence recognition and observational skills.
• Evaluate the fire incident to determine forensic, engineering, or laboratory needs.
• Planning skills, development of focused questions for specific individuals, and evaluation of existing file data to help develop questions and fill investigative gaps.
• Adjust interviewing strategies based on deductive reasoning, interpret verbal and nonverbal communications, and apply applicable legal requirements.
• Data correlation skills and the ability to evaluate source information (e.g., first responders and other witnesses).
• Identify and generate reports and documents necessary for the investigation and execute the chain of custody procedures.
• Communicate effectively in writing and differentiate facts from opinion during legal proceedings.
• Attend training sessions to maintain current, up-to-date knowledge and best practices.
• Able to work shifts, holidays, and weekends (shifts are 0700-1500, 1500-2300, and 2300-0700)
• Maintain availability to work overtime as operational needs dictate.