Northern Arson Area Commander

Job Requisition ID: 54671

Opening Date: 03/30/2026

Closing Date: 04/13/2026

Agency: Office of the State Fire Marshal

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary Range $8,281 - $11,250 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Supervisory Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one, and

a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Position Identification Number

54671

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Marketing Statement

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Northern Arson Area Commander. Under the direction of the Assistant Arson Division Director, this role involves performing highly responsible functions to effectively evaluate, organize, and execute all aspects of the Arson field program in the Southern Area of Illinois. This pivotal position requires a dynamic leader capable of directing program goals, managing high-stakes investigations, and shaping legislative advocacy. As an Arson Area Commander and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Function 2

• Under the guidance and direction of the Assistant Arson Division Director, develops Arson Division goals and objectives.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Coordinates and participates in major arson investigations ensuring proper techniques are followed.
• Speaks before statewide conferences when requested.
• Provides technical assistance and suitable evidence to attorneys preparing arson cases for trial.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five (5) years of experience as an Arson Investigator.
• Prefers three (3) years of administrative experience conducting law enforcement investigations.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, preferably in law enforcement or fire service.
• Prefers three (3) years of experience in the proper collection, maintenance, and storage of evidence.
• Prefers certification as a Lead Homicide Investigator through an accredited institution.
• Prefers certification as a Firearms Range Officer through an accredited institution.
• Prefers a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a K9 handler.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience serving in a training role.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience maintaining comprehensive data and investigation reports in the Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS).
• Prefers three (3) years of experience in the utilization of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams or other software programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to pass drug screening.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires ability to qualify for a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card.
• Requires certified status as an OSFM Arson Investigator/Special Agent, OR successful completion of a full-time Illinois law enforcement academy.
• Requires ability to pass physical agility test at time of potential hire and an acceptable level of physical fitness be maintained in accordance with agency standards.
• Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
• Requires ability to pass independent medical examination prior to hire.
  The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:30AM - 5PM

Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: Kathy Fairfield

Email : [email protected]

Phone #: 217-785-6746

Posting Group: Public Safety

About the Agency

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is dedicated to working with our partners and providing assistance to the fire service in the protection of life, property, and the environment through communication, inspection, investigation, certification, and licensing. The OSFM is committed to fostering a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link:

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]