Inspector

The Opportunity:

The SPSA is seeking an organized, results-oriented, team player for the position of Inspector in Logistics and Support Branch in the Operations Division. The position, reporting to the Director of Investigations and Emergency Response, will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the timely investigation of fires/explosions on a province-wide basis to determine origin, cause and circumstances, particularly in cases of loss of life, injury, suspicious situations, provincial property and major property. Ensuring the reporting of all fires occurring across the province and gathering statistical information, as well as undertaking research and analyzing trends, in order to recommend evidence-based strategies to create safer communities.
• Working closely with RCMP, fire service personnel, and other stakeholders in investigating the origin and cause of suspected human-caused wildfires within the province.
• Providing expert testimony regarding investigative actions, including cause and origin determination, scene examination methodologies, scene documentation, and introduction of photographic evidence. Responsibilities include completing comprehensive reports that form part of disclosure for criminal code arson investigations.
• Acting as a center of expertise in the ongoing interpretation and enforcement of legislative/statutory standards through inspecting for conformance to code requirements, providing written documentation, and conducting special investigations of situations presenting hazards.
• Taking a lead role in the identification and recovery of human remains from fatal fire scenes.
• Participating in the development of long-term policies and strategies to guide investigations, compliance, and enforcement efforts relating to The Wildfire Act, The Fire Safety Act, and The Emergency Planning Act, as well as all related regulations and codes.
• Providing operational and technical advice to communities through fire chiefs, local assistants, and elected officials on fire department operations and response, fire prevention and code requirements, risk assessment and risk management, liability issues, and fire service organization and administration.

The successful candidate will bring extensive knowledge of investigative processes and interview experience in either a fire or law enforcement setting. Knowledge of legislation and applicable bylaws, fire and building codes applicable to all types of fire hazards is a benefit.

Will require the ability to record/provide/draft/present/explain both verbally, written information at a level appropriate to the audience. Communicate strategically. This includes communicating complex issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences, using two- way communication to gain others' input and understanding. Skillfully handle complex, on-the-spot questions from others, such as senior public officials, special interest groups and citizens.

The ideal candidate will have an acceptable combination of the following training, certifications or extensive experience in:

• Knowledge of court and litigation processes;
• Interview and interrogation techniques;
• Investigative report writing and documentation; and
• Enforcement procedure training.

Training and experience as a certified NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator is a requirement.

Additional training and experience in the following will be considered an asset:

• NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 certification or fire protection engineering technology diploma;
• F-I 210 Wildfire Investigations training;
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level I and II; or

• Recognized arson investigations, serious crimes or major crime investigative courses through a police service or recognized educational institution.

The position requires both a valid driver’s licence and enhanced criminal record check, and pursuant to The Police Act, 1990, will be designated as a Special Constable with Peace Officer status. The successful candidate will be required to travel to remote locations to conduct work activities and work undefined hours. This position can be physically demanding and will require working outdoors in extreme weather and ground conditions.

• Investigates fires and explosions across the province to determine origin, cause, and circumstances, with focus on incidents involving fatalities, injuries, suspicious activity, or major property loss.
• Collaborates with Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), fire services, and other stakeholders to investigate suspected human-caused wildfires.
• Provides expert testimony in criminal arson cases, including scene examination, documentation, and photographic evidence, supported by comprehensive reports.
• Collects and analyzes fire data to identify trends and recommend evidence-based strategies for community safety.
• Interprets and enforces legislative standards through inspections, hazard investigations, and code compliance assessments.
• Leads recovery efforts of human remains at fatal fire scenes.
• Contributes to long-term policy and strategy development under The Wildfire Act, The Fire Safety Act, The Emergency Planning Act, and related regulations.
• Advises communities through fire chiefs, local assistants, and elected officials on fire operations, prevention, risk management, liability, and code requirements.
• Supports national fire and building code enforcement, wildfire compliance policies, and training as part of a professional inspection team.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level C)
• Critical Thinking (Level C)
• Digital Skills (Level C)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level C)
• Managing Self (Level C)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level C)
• Influence (Level C)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level C)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, earned days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is a Treasury Board Crown responsible for provincial emergency management, along with SaskAlert, fire safety, wildfire management and Saskatchewan's 911 emergency dispatching services. SPSA’s mission is to safeguard and protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan through partnerships, coordinated planning, education, prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. With a fleet of specialized aircraft, equipment, personnel and bases across the province, SPSA responds to emergencies and disasters from the air, on the ground and behind the scenes. As home of the Fire Commissioner, the SPSA also assists communities in compliance with the National Fire Code through investigations conducted by designated inspectors/peace officers. The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.