Fire Arson Investigator - Promotion
City of Reno, NV
Fire Arson Investigator - Promotion
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Fire Arson Investigator - Promotion
Salary
$99,361.60 Annually
Location
City of Reno, NV
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
7330R26PP
Department
Fire
Opening Date
02/09/2026
Closing Date
2/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
Description
***Special Internal Recruitment***
* This is an internal promotional opportunity for an existing position, open only to designated internal candidates invited to participate in this examination process.*
The ideal candidate will carry out a full range of fire prevention responsibilities, working independently with occasional guidance when encountering new or complex situations. This role involves inspecting commercial and residential buildings and properties to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire and life safety codes. The position responds to complaints related to fire hazards and code violations and issues notices of violation and misdemeanor citations as appropriate.
The person in this position will review and approve construction plans for fire and life safety compliance and conduct inspections of fire safety systems throughout various stages of construction. Additionally, this role includes educating and advising the public on proper fire safety practices, investigating fires, and completing required computer data entry to document inspections and related activities.
Examples of Essential Functions
+ Inspects for compliance with codes and regulations to identify, report, and eliminate fire hazards and hazardous material threats related to fire and life safety for industrial, commercial, institutional, residential, public assembly areas, and other properties.
+ Inspects businesses prior to issuance of a business license; identifies unsafe fire hazard practices or conditions and develops corrective recommendations.
+ Reviews, evaluates, and approves plans for buildings, sites, street emergency vehicle access, fire hydrant locations, and fire protection systems pertaining to fire, building and life safety codes.
+ Evaluates fire alarm systems, automated fire extinguishing systems, building exiting systems, and storage methods for explosives and combustible materials.
+ Discusses plan review requirements and related design criteria for various occupancy types and industrial processes for code compliance and departmental procedures with architects, engineers, developers, and property owners.
+ Investigates complaints regarding fire and life safety hazards and conducts inspections of existing buildings or structures to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist; documents code violations; recommends modifications to rectify violations and ensures code conformance.
+ Investigates structure and wildland fire origin and cause. Gather evidence, conduct witness interviews, question suspects, and make arrests regarding arson fires.
+ Issues citations to compel compliance with relevant codes and regulations to safeguard life and property from fire.
+ Prepares reports and maintains records regarding inspections, fire losses, fire causes, and other relevant information using an electronic database and office software.
+ Responds to inquiries and complaints from citizens related to fire codes, laws, policies, and fire and life safety concerns. Instructs property owners, occupants, and the general public regarding the removal of fire hazards, fire safety and prevention methods.
+ Recommends, prepares, and updates codes, standards, policies and procedures, and implements as directed to improve operational effectiveness.
+ Develops and delivers training programs in code application, interpretation and administrative procedures.
+ Prepares and delivers presentations on a variety of fire safety, prevention, protection, inspection, and public information and education topics to various organizations, schools, and the general public.
+ Serves as liaison on behalf of the Reno Fire Prevention Division with various jurisdictions, state, federal government agencies, community organizations, and groups.
+ Coordinates the integration of fire prevention objectives, through an established chain of command, with all fire department services and programs.
+ Assists with instruction of Fire Prevention Inspector I staff in fire prevention inspection methods, techniques, and procedures.
+ Remains current with changes in local and state fire and related codes.
+ Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
+ Makes initial and supplementary investigation of crimes, interviews witnesses and complainants.
+ Carry a duty weapon, as needed in the exercise of the power of a peace officer.
+ Apprehends and makes arrests for violation of laws or ordinances.
+ Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Training:
+ High School Diploma or equivalent.
+ Specialized training in fire behavior and/or the building trades and code enforcement.
Experience:
+ Twenty-four months experience as a Fire Inspector I with the Reno Fire Department.
OR
+ Three (3) years of increasing responsible experience performing fire code related inspections duties with a recognized fire department.
OR
+ Two (2) years of performing fire code related inspections either with a recognized fire department AND education equivalent to the completion of one year of college supplemented by special training in fire suppression, fire safety systems, fire sciences, fire prevention, plans examiner or related field.
License, Certificate, Special Requirements:
+ Valid driver’s license
+ The following current certifications from a nationally recognized certification board i.e. ICC, NFPA, DOD, IFSAV
+ Fire Inspector I
+ Fire Inspector II
+ Plans Examiner
+ Possession of a valid Nevada Peace Officer's Standards & Training (POST) certification in compliance with the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 289.250.
+ Successfully complete the National Fire Academy’s Arson Investigation Course or acquire the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigator Technician certification.
Note:All required licenses and certifications must be kept current for this position.
Supplemental Information
To Apply:
Please submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested online at www.reno.gov/jobs by February 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, any Nevada Job Connect location, local libraries, or educational facilities.
If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.
Application Preparation:
A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.
Examination Process:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire. The examination will consist of a Training and Experience evaluation (T&E) weighted at 100%.
Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) Details:
The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online at the time of application.
+ Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
+ Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
+ In order to receive credit for education or training, you must attach copies of your transcripts, diploma, or relevant certificates to your online application.
+ Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments to the application will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
+ "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
+ Changes or corrections to your responses cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
+ TIP:It may be more efficient to develop your responses in a word processing document and then paste them into the online questionnaire to be submitted.
Notification:
Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified within two weeks of the job posting closing.
We highly recommend opting in to receive text message notifications. Follow-up text messages may include updates about your application, next steps, and interviews. If you haven’t opted in before, the option will appear before you submit your application. If you’ve previously opted in or out, you can update your choice anytime in account settings in your governmentjobs.com profile .
Testing Accommodation:
We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing theAccommodation Request Form (https://forms.office.com/g/wTdNZh4Aih) by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.
Employee/Veteran Preference in the Event of Tie Scores:
Promotional Examinations (Rule VIII, Section 7):
If two or more employees earn the same final score (including seniority points), veterans’ preference will be applied if any of the tied employees have submitted proof of an honorable military discharge. This preference is only used to break ties. If a tie still remains, it will be broken based on seniority in the current classification. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.
Seniority Points:
Seniority Credit (Rule VIII, Section 9):
Classified employees of the City of Reno shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows:
The final ranking will include the applicable seniority points added to the overall grade of the examination process. For each full year of continuous service completed, 0.2 points will be added up to a maximum of ten (10) years... 2 points will be the maximum.
Appointment and Certification:
Appointments to positions in the City's Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a person's rank on an eligible register. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.
Questions and Updates:
Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or civilservice@reno.gov .
The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.
Please use thisHealth and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.
01
Minimum Qualification Review
The following questions are a required part of your application forFire Arson Investigator. Your answers will be used to assist the Civil Service Commission in evaluating your related work experience and education to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed on the job posting.
All information provided in your answers must be included for verification in the work experience section of your application and may be substantiated further by the City of Reno. Failure to provide a truthful response to all questions will be grounds for disqualification and you will not be considered further in the hiring process for this position.
By checking "I understand", you certify that you have read and agree to the above statement.
+ I understand
02
Are you a current classified City of Reno employee?
+ Yes
+ No
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
+ Yes
+ No
04
Which of the following best describes your highest level of qualifying education?
+ High school diploma or equivalent
+ One year (30 semester/45 quarter hours) of college level course work in a closely related field
+ Two years (60 semester/90 quarter hours) of college level course work in a closely related field
+ Three years (90 semester/135 quarter hours) of college level course work in a closely related field
+ Four years (120 semester/180 quarter hours) or more of college level course work in a closely related field
+ None of the above
05
Only answer this question if your course work is in another closely related field to this position.
How has your course work prepared you to perform the work of this position?
06
In order for your education to be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications and/or to get credit for your education as part of the assessment process, you must attach a copy of your diploma or unofficial transcripts to your application.
Applications submitted without this required documentation will still be considered but without regard to attained education and may be rejected if the required relevant work experience is not apparent.
Have you attached verifiable documentation in the form of a college diploma or unofficial transcripts to your application?
+ Yes
+ No
07
Select all of the areas in which you have taken specialized college level courses beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.
Note: In order to receive credit for your selection, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts to your application.
+ Fire behavior
+ Building trades
+ Code Enforcement
+ Fire suppression
+ Fire safety systems
+ Fire sciences
+ Fire prevention
+ Plans examiner
+ Other closely related field(s) to this position
+ None of the above
08
If you selected "Other closely related field(s) to this position' in the previous question, provide a list of the related fields your course work is in, i.e. planning.
09
Do you currently possess certification as a Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, and Plans Examiner from a nationally recognized certification board (i.e., ICC, NFPA, DOD, IFSAC, etc.).
To receive credit for your experience, please attach a copy of each certification if applicable.
+ Yes
+ No
10
Do you possess a valid Nevada Peace Officer's Standards & Training (POST) certification incompliance with the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 289.250?
To receive credit for your experience, please attach a copy of your certification if applicable.
+ Yes
+ No
11
Have you successfully completed the National Fire Academy's Arson Investigation Course?
To receive credit for your experience, please attach a copy of your certification or additional proof if applicable.
+ Yes
+ No
12
If you selected "No" to the previous question, have you acquired the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigator Technician certification?
To receive credit for your experience, please attach a copy of your certification if applicable.
+ Yes
+ No
13
Which of the following best describes your qualifying paid work experience?
+ I have no experience in this area
+ I have less than two years of experience as a Fire Inspector I with the Reno Fire Department.
+ I have less than two years experience performing fire code related inspections with a recognized fire department.
+ I have two years or more experience as a Fire Inspector I with the Reno Fire Department.
+ I have at least two years experience performing fire code related inspections with a recognized fire department.
+ I have at least three years of experience performing fire code related inspections duties with a recognized fire department.
14
Provide a list of employers where you gained your qualifying paid work experience from the work experience section of your application. Include the name of the employer, your title, the amount of time you worked in the position (full-time equivalent), the work you performed and your level of responsibility.
This information must be provided in order to continue in the screening process,"See Resume" or "See Application" as a response may be grounds for disqualification.
15
Training and Experience Evaluation
The following section of the Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the Civil Service test for this position and must be completed online at the time of application. Questionnaires submitted as an attachment to the online application will not be considered. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. All responses must be verified by the applicant in the work experience section of this application.
Failure to provide adequate responses to the following questions may result in lower scores or disqualification from the selection process.
Do you certify that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?
+ Yes
+ No
16
Select all of the following work related areas in which you have specialized experience in and/or in which a large portion of your work responsibilities have been focused during your time performing fire code related inspections with a recognized fire department.
+ Building codes
+ Fire prevention
+ Site inspections for fire code compliance
+ Site inspections not related to any of the above
+ None of the above.
17
Select all of the following enforcement tasks you have performed as part of your code enforcement work experience on a routine basis (at least 15-20% of your overall work responsibilities for at least two years or more).
+ Investigate structure and wildland fire origin and cause.
+ Respond to inquiries and complaints from citizens related to fire codes, laws, policies, and fire and life safety concerns.
+ Issuing citations.
+ Conduct inspections of existing buildings or structures to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist.
+ Documents code violations during building inspections.
+ None of the above
18
Select all of the following areas of plan review you have performed as part of your fire code work experience on a routine basis (at least 15-20% of your overall work responsibility for at least two years or more).
+ Buildings
+ Sites
+ Street emergency vehicle access
+ Fire hydrant locations
+ Fire protection systems pertaining to fire
+ Building and life safety codes
+ None of the above
19
Instructions
Answer the next three questions by identifying your level of proficiency in each of the computer programs or systems.
Basic proficiency= understanding and utilizing the most common elements associated with the program, mostly used for personal or educational purposes. Not used to complete professional level projects as part of my paid work experience.
Intermediate proficiency= Includes a moderate amount of professional use and moderate amount of understanding of the more advanced features and operations.
Advanced proficiency= Includes extensive use professionally and the ability to use most of the features and operations to their fullest capacity.
Do not understate or overstate your level of proficiency. Your answers may be confirmed during the interview process and candidates found to have misrepresented their abilities will be disqualified from the hiring process.
+ I understand
20
Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets
+ Basic
+ Intermediate
+ Advanced
+ None
21
Microsoft Word/ Google Docs
+ Basic
+ Intermediate
+ Advanced
+ None
22
Microsoft Outlook/ Google Mail
+ Basic
+ Intermediate
+ Advanced
+ None
Required Question
Employer
City of Reno
Address
PO Box 1900Reno, Nevada, 89505
Phone
(775) 334-2223
Website
http://www.reno.gov/jobs
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