Public Service Manager II - Assistant State Fire Marshal In Charge of Investigations

State of Maine

Department of Public Safety - Office of State Fire Marshal

Job Class Code: MR29

Grade: 29/Confidential

Salary: $68,993.60-$97,635.20/Annually

Location: Augusta

Opening Date: June 27, 2025

Closing Date: July 14, 2025

The Maine Department of Public Safety is seeking an individual to serve as the Assistant State Fire Marshal (ASFM) in Charge of Investigations. The ASFM serves as the Chief Investigator of the Investigations Division. This position provides direct supervisory control of three Sergeant positions and is responsible for accountability and consistency across all investigative units. This position performs overall supervision of fire and explosion investigations including origin and cause determination, evidence collection, case management including case review, prosecution, work with insurance companies, and legal professionals.

The position provides highly specialized expertise regarding complex statewide issues. These issues will include leading the agency's response to dynamic administrative, legislative, and policy matters. This position regularly exercises independent judgement on important matters relating to daily investigative operations, human resource issues, and constituents/stakeholders' relationships.

This position is designated as the Keeper of the Records for the Investigations Division. This is a non-standard position with required hours outside of the regular business day.

The ASFM is responsible for managing a budget of approximately $4.8 million. This work may include testifying at the Legislature as necessary.

The ideal candidate will have extensive law enforcement investigation and leadership experience. They must possess the ability to work and plan beyond the immediate pressures, have the ability to adapt to changing priorities, accept new challenges, and have a strong commitment to accountability and efficiency. The ability to communicate effectively, both in a public speaking forum and through written communications is essential.

The Assistant Fire Marshal in Charge of Investigations will report to the State Fire Marshal.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Plans, coordinates, assigns, directs and oversees field supervisors for fire investigators in three geographic areas.
  • Confer with administrative officials in order to discuss and solve problems, determine impact of proposed legislation, establish budget and staffing needs, and ensure consideration of other program functions.
  • Develops and recommends new and revised rules, policies and procedures in order to respond to operational changes and ensure conformance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
  • Develops and administers training programs, procedures, manuals, and other materials in order to establish and implement operating standards and develop technical expertise of agency personnel.
  • Confers with, advises, and evaluates subordinate personnel in order to explain administrative and program objectives, policies, procedures and standards to identify problems, and recommend appropriate personnel
  • Reviews and evaluates daily and monthly activity reports and expenditures in order to ensure optimal operating efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Serves as chief investigator for fire and explosion investigations and as the agency liaison for homicide or aggravated arson fires, conducts particularly sensitive and critical investigations, and oversees preparation of search warrants in order to ensure major investigations are conducted in a timely and proper manner.
  • Serves as the liaison to the Federal Bureau of Investigations and to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions. May be required to qualify for special security clearance.
  • Serves as the liaison to the Maine State Police Bomb Team.
  • Conducts case review of all three divisions to ensure appropriate prioritization of case investigation and prosecution of cases in the judicial process. Manages investigation division functions for consistency of operations throughout all three divisions.
  • Reviews National Fire Protection Association’s standards to include 921, 1033, and 1321 and makes recommendations for compliance.
  • Oversees law enforcement accreditation programing.
  • Coordinates with local fire and police departments to evaluate operational impacts on the organization.
  • Coordinates mental health services for employees.
  • Represents the State Fire Marshal in meetings and in legislative matters, including occasional testimony to the Legislature.

Skills or knowledge required:

  • Leadership: to include direct supervision of personnel involved with dynamic and complex investigations; a strong background in change management and policy review/development.
  • Management: to include financial, human resources, facilities and strategic planning.
  • Internal Affairs: to include fact finding, procedures, and providing recommendations to the Fire Marshal on disciplinary matters.
  • Strong organizational skills: to include exercising time-management skills to meet expectations and follow through on commitments.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.

Minimum qualifications:

A full-time law enforcement certificate in combination with a relevant fire investigation certification, training and/or experience is preferred. Certification as an IAAI Fire Investigation Technician will be required within one year of hire.

Eight (8) years of education and/or upper-level management experience in criminal justice/law enforcement. Time in rank as a Fire Marshal's Office Sergeant qualifies as upper-level management experience.

FBI-LEEDA certification is preferred. Certification in Internal Affairs is preferred.

A BS or BA, or equivalent experience conducting/supervising criminal investigations, developing and managing budgets, and facilitating a human resource system.

Public speaking, program development and experience with the legislative process is also a preference.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Fire Marshal Shawn Esler 207-441-9958 Shawn.esler@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Read Full Description
Confirmed 2 hours ago. Posted 7 days ago.

Discover Similar Jobs

Suggested Articles