Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.

2. Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.

3. Instruct children about the dangers of fire.

4. Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.

5. Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.

6. Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.

7. Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists.

8. Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.

9. Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.

10. Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.

11. Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Fire Investigators. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Fire Investigators, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$36,530 for entry level workers, and $63,830 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 970 Fire Investigators employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 1,000  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 20 job openings each year.

Firefighting occupations - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators - Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

Product Safety Engineers - Develop and conduct tests to evaluate product safety levels and recommend measures to reduce or eliminate hazards.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists - Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

Fire Inspectors - Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Police Detectives - Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents - Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Transit and Railroad Police - Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

Private Detectives and Investigators - Detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment, or seek, examine, and compile information for client.