Deputy State Fire Marshal Investigator (SE Nebraska)

About the role

The work we do matters!

• Hiring Agency: Fire Marshal - Agency 21
• Location: Statewide, NE
• Hiring Rate: $26.720

Job Posting

JR2026-00030173 Deputy State Fire Marshal Investigator (SE Nebraska) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

About the role

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal currently has one open position for a Fire Investigator.

The position requires residency to be located within the following Nebraska geographic area(s): Preferably NE Hwy 2 Corridor in the Otoe County with consideration also given to the following areas: southern Cass County, northern Nemaha County, northern Johnson County, northeastern Gage County, and southeastern Lancaster County as determined by the Agency.

Under general supervision the position will enforce all state laws relating to the suppression of arson, conduct investigations of cause, origin, and circumstances of fires, and perform related work as required. Candidate must successfully complete the Nebraska Law Enforcement certification program within a time frame established by the Investigations Chief, if not already certified.

This position will be subject to a minimum nine-month probationary period commencing on the date of hire. A condition of moving out of probationary status will be residing in one of the counties noted above, attaining Special State Sheriff Credentials, as well as good performance and attendance / punctuality.

How you will be rewarded

• Stable Employment
• Flexible Schedule
• 13 paid holidays
• Step pay plan
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• $1500 attraction and Retention bonus after one year of service, $2500 after three years, and $3000 after five years.
• Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and more
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Excellent benefits package with low monthly premiums (Deputy State Fire Marshal benefits are through the Nebraska State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC))

Job Duties

• Incident Response: Respond to emergencies, and incidents related to fire, explosions, and public safety. Provide assistance during natural disasters, such as wildfires or floods, collaborating with other agencies to safeguard human life and protect property from the ravages of fire.
• Investigations and Prosecution: Investigate fires for origin and cause, circumstances, and the possibility of arson. Investigate post-blast explosion incidents and consumer and display fireworks violations. Gather evidence and file comprehensive reports for court appearances relating to fire/explosion offenses, including arson and insurance fraud cases. Collaborate with legal authorities, testify in court proceedings, and provide information to the prosecution in fire-related cases. Serve as witness in civil litigation related to fire scene examinations.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Foster positive relationships with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, private investigation firms, fire victims and community stakeholders. Participate in joint operations, interagency collaborations, and community events to address fire related issues, build partnerships, and enhance public trust.
• Administrative Duties: Prepare and submit accurate reports regarding all investigations, maintain accurate records and evidence, handle and use equipment, and manage administrative tasks related to job functions. Ensure adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines for effective fire and explosion investigations.

Minimum Qualifications

Training or experience in fire service, fire science, building construction, code enforcement, regulation enforcement, engineering or architecture AND a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Some positions in this class may require law enforcement certification.

Legal Requirements

For positions that require law enforcement certification, applicants must meet the following requirements (set forth in state statute 81-1410 and Title 79, Chapter 8 of the Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Rules and Regulations) for admission to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy:

• must be a U.S. Citizen prior to completion of certification training;
• reach the age of 21 prior to completion of training;
• be fingerprinted to permit search for and disclosure of any criminal record;
• possess valid motor vehicle operator or chauffer license;
• have vision correctable to 20/30 and no evidence of irreversible disease which will affect person's sight;
• pardoned from or free of conviction by any state, the United States or foreign government of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more or has had such conviction overturned or reversed by court of competent jurisdiction; possess good character as determined by thorough background investigation;
• is a (i) a high school graduate or (ii) possess a general educational development certificate and (iii) is able to read, write and understand the English language at the eleventh grade level;
• not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission;
• has been examined by a licensed physician within one year prior to admission and certified by the physician to have met the physical requirements, as determined by the Police Standards Advisory Council, necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer and successfully complete the requirements for training;
• has not worked as a law enforcement officer for the current law enforcement agency for more than one year including the time required for certification training, or has been granted a waiver based on extreme hardship by the Police Standards Advisory Council;
• has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces;
• has not been denied certification status or had certification revoked or currently suspended in this state or another jurisdiction;
• has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I misdemeanor in this state;
• has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse;
• has not been convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual assault against a child or children;
• has not been adjudged or convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in the United States Code, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9), that would disqualify him/her from possessing a firearm.

Preferred Qualifications

A college degree in a relevant field such as fire science, criminal justice, engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, public administration, forensic science, forensic psychology is highly desirable. Experience: Prior experience in the fire service, law enforcement, fire code enforcement, building construction and related fields is preferred.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency will conduct a complete and thorough background investigation on each applicant that receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants are also required to complete a psychological and medical examination, pass the physical fitness standards set by the Nebraska Crime Commission, and pass the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test.

Law enforcement certification standards are set by state statute 81-1410 and Title 79 Chapter 8 of Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice rules and regulations that contains specific information. You may view these rules and regulations on the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center / Crime Commissions website.

• Law Enforcement Training: Completion of a certified law enforcement academy or equivalent training program is required.
• Familiarity with State of Nebraska fire laws, regulations, and policies is essential.
• Attain Special State Sheriff Credentials upon law enforcement certification.

• Other: This position is subject to call and may be required to work weekends, holidays, and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Requires work under adverse weather conditions and some travel with overnight lodging.
• Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

How you will be rewarded: * Stable Employment * Flexible Schedule * 13 paid holidays * Step pay plan * Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately * $1500 attraction and Retention bonus after one year of service, $2500 after three years, and $3000 after five years. * Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and more * 156% state-matched retirement * Tuition reimbursement * Employee assistance program * Excellent benefits package with low monthly premiums (Deputy State Fire Marshal benefits are through the Nebraska State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC))

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Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.