Working Title: Fire Investigator
Job Class: Deputy State Fire Marshal
Agency: Public Safety Dept
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Job ID: 95370
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Location: Minnesota Southeast area
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing [email protected] by 11:59 PM 07/15/2026.
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Date Posted: 07/09/2026
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Closing Date: 07/29/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Fire Marshal / Fire Invest/Education
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes, up to 70%
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Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
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Job Class Option: Arson Investigator
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
**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.
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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
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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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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:
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Criminal History
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Reference Check
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Driver License Check
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Drug screen
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Hearing Test
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Physical
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Psychological Evaluation
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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.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Kara Kreutzer at [email protected] or 651-201-7379.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kara Kreutzer at [email protected].
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at [email protected] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.
