The Explosive Ordinance Detection Investigator provides a high quality of consistent service to the community, and other citizens through the handling, training, and deployment of the Explosive Detection Canine (EDC).   Works closely with fire department personnel, police department personnel, federal agencies and the Plano Bomb Squad in the deployment of the EDC.  Works in cooperation with the Fire Marshal's office and staff conducting investigations into the cause and origin of fires, investigates persons of interest related to fires, prepares reports for criminal prosecution.
 
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties:

• Responds to bomb and explosive scene and/or locations as requested by the on-scene Incident Commander.
• Assists City of Frisco departments and other agencies with pre-event searches.
• Handles the EDC using the canine's ability and sense of smell including sniffing the wearing apparel and articles carried by suspects.
• Works as a Liaison between Frisco Fire Department, Frisco Police Department, Plano Bomb Squad and other agencies.
• Develops and provides training to Frisco Fire Department, Plano Bomb Squad, Frisco Police Department and other outside agencies.
• Trains with the EDC daily.
• Keeps and maintains a training log.
• Must be able to perform with limited supervision.
• Must maintain communication with department supervisor.
• Determines or recommends safety material and/or equipment needs to the Deputy Fire Marshal.
• Provides direction to non-city personnel as necessary.
• Maintains files including training records, incident reports, and other related documents in a manner that allows them to be easily filed and retrieved.
• Maintains certification of the canine program, through in-service training and documentation.
• Responsible for the care, feeding, safety, well-being and maintenance of the canine on a continual (24/7) basis on and off duty.
• Responsible to house the canine in his/her residence providing proper training exercises and ensuring the canine is provided for during vacation or other absences from the residence.
• Must live within a 30-minute response time to the City of Frisco.
• Assists with the fiscal operation of the canine unit.
• Directs Fire Operations personnel in the overhaul of material while conducting investigations.
• Conducts presentations for the general public, conducts demonstrations at sponsored events, answers questions and written inquiries regarding the Department, investigations, etc.
• Promotes juvenile fire setter prevention programs, conducts programs as needed.
• Provides technical assistance to incident commanders for investigation, evidence protection, and other technical matters as needed.      


•    Other Important Duties:
  • Travels to attend meetings, conferences and training as necessary to maintain a current and relevant understanding of job responsibilities.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal explosives regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of municipal and state fire investigation practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of current explosive detection canine best practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in making crucial decisions in a timely manner.
• Skill in the interrogation and interviewing of witnesses and persons of interest.
• Skill in handling and defusing confrontational and/or hostile individuals.
• The ability to work with multiple outside agencies in a professional manner.
• The ability to make recommendations to on-scene incident commanders in regard to public safety as it relates to bomb detection.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns with diplomacy.
• The ability to read and understand applicable ordinances, laws, and regulations affecting all methods, equipment, and materials used.
• The ability to work with and around canines.
• Must have a stable personal life and support of spouse and/or family to take responsibility for the well- being of the canine.
   

Preferred Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED and two years' experience in explosive detection canine handling or other related canine experience with a governmental or military entity or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as a Basic Structural Firefighter through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection required and/or Texas Basic Peace Officer certification through Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) required OR able to obtain within 24 months from the date of hire. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently certified.
• Must possess Texas Commission on Fire Protection Investigator Certificate OR able to obtain within 24 months from the date of hire. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently certified.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical agility test, criminal background check and MVR check.
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in office and field environments.
• Must pass an annual physical fitness agility assessment.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme temperatures, extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, explosives, toxic fumes, unstable buildings and structures, infectious diseases, body fluids, air and water borne pathogens.
• May be exposed to hostile, angry or emotional citizens, patrons and business owners.
• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Climbing – ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
• Crawling – moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.
• Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
• Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
• Pushing – use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
• Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Standing – for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
• Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
• Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.