DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $13.4897 - $22.1375 

Grade: 15

Closing Date: 10/08/2025

The primary responsibility of this position is to respond to wildland fire incidents as an Investigator to locate the origin and to determine cause. This position implements field level wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs and coordinates these programs with other agencies, cooperators, stakeholders, partners and institutions.

• Responds to initial attack dispatches. Often as the first responder, advises the dispatcher on the need for further suppression resources based on the behavior, size, and hazards. 
• As a fire investigator, conform to NWCG Investigator training as assigned. Investigates ignition source causes and location on government land including observing, collecting, and preserving and/or examining evidence. Interviews and/or obtains statements of witnesses.
• Prepares written reports which may include diagrams, maps and photos. Provides assistance to other cooperating Federal, State, Local agencies, and Law Enforcement agencies on fire investigations that are multi-jurisdictional.
•  Performs district patrol assignments and is available agency wide as a single resource asset. May serve as a senior firefighter and unit leader.
• Performs project work as stated in NWCG FEMO training, such as fuel inventory, monitors and controls fire line, collects data on fire weather and fire behavior. Supports hazard fuel reduction projects including prescribed burns as assigned.
•  Participates in safety sessions and fire after action reviews. Participates in district fire response proficiency checks and drills.
  
• Works with communities and regional/multi regional fire management collaboration groups to reduce risk from wildfire through implementation of a prevention education program and its practices. Assist communities to achieve Firewise USA recognition through the development and implementation of a community Firewise Plan.
• Provide training to communities and fire departments to become qualified Firewise Assessors. Facilitate Community Wildfire Protection Plan meetings. Participate in the Agency CWPP review committee.
• Supports DFFM PIO during fire season, attends cooperator briefings, assists with communication plans and strategies to inform both internal and external audiences. Facilitates and sometimes leads public meetings. Responsible for signage installation/maintenance.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Firefighter Type 1, Incident Commander 5, Public Information Officer, Wildfire Investigator (F), At least six months of relevant wildland fire experience

Arizona Driver's License, NWCG Firefighter Type 2 qualified at time of hire Arduous Pack Test - Red Card Qualified must be obtained within two weeks of hire.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans 
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
•  Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.

Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

The current contribution rate is 12.00%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.