Fire Arson Investigations Coordinator (Coordinator II - CPPW)

Internal recruitment – current City of Portland employees only (full-time, part-time, permanent, temporary, limited-term, or seasonal/casual). Contract workers are not eligible. Individuals with an effective layoff date and recall eligibility under HRAR 7.06 within 24 months of the announcement’s opening date may also apply.

About the role

The Fire Arson and Investigations section determines the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and other emergency situations. Investigators are dually certified as law enforcement officers and firefighters. They work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to determine fire causes, identify arson situations and suspects, and assist in the arrest and prosecution of arsonists.

The Fire/Arson Investigations Unit is a law-enforcement agency accredited by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and must maintain certification with the FBI-Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) and the Oregon Law Enforcement Database System (LEDS). This position serves as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for the Oregon State Police related to CJIS and LEDS training and certification for the unit.

Investigation findings drive public-education outreach, code-enforcement efforts, and community-engagement activities. Data is reported locally, statewide, and nationally.

Work location: hybrid, reporting to 55 SW Ash St, Portland, OR 97204. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington.

Union representation: CPPW.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional, analytical, and operational duties, including community development and outreach through working groups, special project teams, and collaborative efforts.
• Provide internal and external customer service; compile, research, and evaluate complaints; identify areas of concern and develop recommendations.
• Coordinate information sharing to ensure consistent unit messaging and branding of programs, services, events, policies, and procedures.
• Update and maintain internal databases, mailing lists, and tracking software; analyze data, identify gaps, and resolve issues.
• Monitor interagency agreements with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
• Train and lead FIU members in LEDS and CJIS certification and recertification; provide ongoing support.
• Create, update, and maintain specialized reports; organize and provide data to PF&R Management, the Public Information Officer, other bureaus, and the public in compliance with applicable laws.
• Respond to public records requests for fire and investigative reports; analyze requests, determine releasable information, and redact records according to law. Consult with the City Attorney’s Office and Portland Police Bureau as needed.
• Monitor fire and investigative records for compliance with retention laws; process juvenile expungement orders.
• Complete audits as the TAC for the Fire/Arson Investigations Unit, including gathering documents, completing pre-audit questionnaires, coordinating with the Police Bureau, and representing Portland Fire & Rescue during audits.
• Track and coordinate fire death information and data; notify the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office when a death is suspected to be fire-related. Update and distribute spreadsheets, lists, and reports.
• Provide administrative support: order supplies, manage timekeeping, track call shifts, maintain confidential files, update shift schedules, and create/edit forms, policies, and documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of business communication and program administration.
• Skill in providing customer service and conflict resolution internally and externally; ability to evaluate customer service complaints and issues.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively in verbal and written formats through reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Ability to update and maintain internal databases, mailing lists, and tracking software.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and apply relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to interagency agreements and program compliance.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive police background investigation, including fingerprinting by the Oregon State Police.
• Ability to obtain LEDS certification and become proficient with the bureau’s record management system within three months of hire.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding law enforcement investigations, case management, internal affairs, and other sensitive information.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet the minimum qualifications listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with a Records Management System in a law enforcement agency.
• Experience in an administrative or support role within a law enforcement records unit, internal affairs/professional standards office, or investigative unit.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Alternate schedules may be available.

Pay

$85,217.60 – $121,617.60 annually.