Job description

Do you have a passion for public service and enjoy making a difference? Don’t miss out on this opportunity. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is hiring! Apply now if you’re looking for a rewarding career in public service. We regulate the insurance industry, administer the Texas workers’ compensation system, and educate and protect consumers.

You’ll love the benefits of working at TDI:

• Flexible work schedules.
• Hybrid telecommuting.
• Work-life balance.
• 96 hours of accrued vacation a year.
• 96 hours of accrued sick leave a year.
• 20+ holidays every year.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Free downtown Austin parking.
• Free comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees, and the state pays 50% of the premium costs for dependents.

Before you apply:

Click on the link to learn about our selection process, our military employment preference and licensing and credential requirements: www.tdi.texas.gov/jobs/apply.html

Investigator V (Deputy State Fire Marshal)

The Fire Investigator performs highly complex (senior level) investigative work for the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Work involves investigating cause and origin of fires and/or criminal investigations as a Deputy State Fire Marshal and a commissioned peace officer. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position:

• Works in hazardous environments while wearing personal protective equipment, including a respirator.
• Accurately interprets burn patterns and a mixed matrix of other evidence common to the fire investigation process.
• Documents, collects, packages, secures, and transfers physical evidence to ensure proper chain of custody.
• Photographs and diagrams fire scenes.
• Maintains weapons proficiency as determined by the agency.
• Assists with complex criminal investigations of fire related offenses including arson, homicide, and insurance fraud.
• Effectively communicates with a wide variety of person from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Interviews witnesses, interrogates criminal suspects, and takes sworn statements.
• Detains and arrests persons involved in criminal activity as appropriate.
• Prepares detailed case reports which include diagrams and photographs.
• Files criminal charges with prosecutors and magistrates as warranted.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court and before grand juries.
• Instructs fire service, law enforcement, and insurance personnel as directed.
• Conducts public demonstrations, community outreach, and fire prevention activities.
• Assists with special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position requires:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field related to assignment.
• Three years of experience in criminal investigation or fire investigation work.
• Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Peace Officer.
• Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) as a Certified Arson/Fire Investigator or the ability to obtain certification within six months from date of hire.
• Successful qualification with applicable firearms prior to employment offer.
• Working outdoors, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Driving for extended periods of time, often in remote areas.
• Successful completion of all training assignments, including the field training program.
• Compliance with state and federal safety standards related to fire investigation.
• Relocating to meet the operational needs of the agency as required.
• The investigator to reside in a county within their assigned district.
• Extensive stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, reaching, and shoveling, and climbing a ladder.
• Final candidates meet screening criteria for respirators and other safety equipment.
• Must reside within one of the listed counties or within close proximity or relocate within 90 days from hire date. Counties: Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Colorado, Dewitt, Fort Bend, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Wharton.

Note: Education and experience relevant to position requirements may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferences for this position include:

• Experience in arson investigations.
• TCOLE intermediate peace officer certificate.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telecommuting. Employees must have a secure, dedicated workspace with Internet service, ability to maintain a reliable consistent work schedule, and be available for weekly meetings and group collaboration via Microsoft Teams and other applications during regular business hours.

This position requires demonstrated knowledge of:

• Personal computers and software including word processing and electronic spreadsheets.
• Fire and fire safety investigations process.
• NFPA 921 (National Fire Protection Association) and NFPA 1033.
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.
• Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and major decisions related to fire investigations.
• Accepted courtroom procedures related to witness testimony.

This position requires demonstrated skill in:

• Problem solving and decision making.
• Interpreting burn patters on a fire scene.
• Conducting, organizing, and managing criminal investigations.
• Interviewing witnesses and interrogating criminal suspects.
• Operating a motor vehicle in a safe and courteous manner in compliance with traffic laws.

This position requires the demonstrated ability to:

• Apply critical thinking to evaluate, analyze and interpret information.
• Use relational databases and tracking systems, knowledge of fire and the fire investigation process.
• Make sound decisions.
• Work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Have a high degree of integrity in a position of trust.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all employees and the general public.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with fire service, law enforcement and insurance representatives.
• Pass a respirator fit test.
• Satisfy the requirements to maintain fully qualified driving status.
• Lift materials up to 75 lbs., bend, crawl, kneel, reach, stoop, shovel, climb a ladder, and perform other strenuous physical activity required of the job.

Veterans:

Click or copy and paste this link into your browser: www.texasskillstowork.com for help translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets. Redact personal or sensitive information from all attachments.

To receive a veteran’s preference, you must submit the following documents, as applicable, with your application.

• Copy of the DD-214; member #4.
• Statement of compensation from the Veteran’s Administration or
• Copy of the DD1300.

Applicable Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes are included, but not limited to one of the following: 31B, 31, FC, 401, INV, 58, 5821

Click or copy and paste the following link into your browser to access Military Crosswalk information: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InspectorsandInvestigators.pdf

How to apply:

All applications must contain complete job histories, including job title, dates of employment, name of employer, manager’s name and phone number, and a description of duties performed. We may reject applications that do not include all of the required information. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,321.05 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Austin, TX 78701: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78701

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