Position Marketing Statement

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Southern Arson Area Commander.  Under the direction of the Assistant Arson Division Director, this role involves performing highly responsible functions to effectively evaluate, organize, and execute all aspects of the Arson field program in the Southern Area of Illinois.  This pivotal position requires a dynamic leader capable of directing program goals, managing high-stakes investigations, and shaping legislative advocacy.  As an Arson Area Commander and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan.  We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Functions

• Under the guidance and direction of the Assistant Arson Division Director, develops Arson Division goals and objectives.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Coordinates and participates in major arson investigations ensuring proper techniques are followed.
• Speaks before statewide conferences when requested.
• Provides technical assistance and suitable evidence to attorneys preparing arson cases for trial.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five (5) years of experience as an Arson Investigator.
• Prefers three (3) years of administrative experience conducting law enforcement investigations.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, preferably in law enforcement or fire service.
• Prefers three (3) years of experience in the proper collection, maintenance, and storage of evidence.
• Prefers certification as a Lead Homicide Investigator through an accredited institution.
• Prefers certification as a Firearms Range Officer through an accredited institution.
• Prefers a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a K9 handler.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience serving in a training role.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience maintaining comprehensive data and investigation reports in the Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS).
• Prefers three (3) years of experience in the utilization of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams or other software programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to pass drug screening.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires ability to qualify for a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card.
• Requires certified status as an OSFM Arson Investigator/Special Agent, OR successful completion of a full-time Illinois law enforcement academy.
• Requires ability to pass physical agility test at time of potential hire and an acceptable level of physical fitness be maintained in accordance with agency standards.
• Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
• Requires ability to pass independent medical examination prior to hire.
  The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.