OPT Fire Investigator Jobs
Fire Investigator jobs on OPT require STEM or criminal justice backgrounds, and most roles sit with local fire departments, insurance carriers, or federal agencies. Your OPT work authorization is employer-specific, so you'll need a role that matches your degree field and supports your 12-month authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has broad statutory authority over civil legal matters and proceedings involving the state, fighting public corruption at all levels, and representing and administering a wide variety of laws that benefit the people of New Mexico. These broad responsibilities are addressed by various bureaus within the NMDOJ, including Government Counsel and Accountability, Government Litigation, Environmental Protection, Consumer Affairs, as well as by the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) (administratively attached to the NMDOJ).
The Civil Investigations Bureau of the NMDOJ provides investigative support for these bureaus and the OCA, handling civil investigations across the state as directed by the Attorney General. Among other matters, the Civil Investigations Bureau looks into alleged violations of New Mexico's Sunshine Laws -- the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA), violations of regulatory standards by individuals licensed/certified by state boards and commissions, violations of environmental protection laws by businesses and individuals, unfair and deceptive business practices in violation of consumer protection laws, and the violation of laws and rules relating to child and family welfare.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
As a valued New Mexico Department of Justice employee, you will receive a hiring bonus of forty (40) hours of leave at your start date to be used at any time. This is in addition to standard leave accrual for employees.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Safety Investigator position conducts investigations for the Civil Investigations Bureau of the NMDOJ. The position will exercise independent judgment under general supervision, as well as a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality while interacting with agency leadership, elected officials, government agencies, legal professionals, law enforcement, community partners, and the public.
The Public Safety Investigator position:
- Reviews and responds to complaints and allegations of violations of laws and rules.
- Helps coordinate complex, financial and analytical investigations.
- Initiates and serves subpoenas on targets, victims, and witnesses and for documents and other evidentiary items; serves notices and other legal documents as required.
- Interviews and obtains statements and affidavits from targets, victims, and witnesses.
- Conducts interviews, research, surveillance activities.
- Collects and analyzes information and related evidence and other facts relating to organizational entities and individuals being investigated; may include interview statements, agreements, financial records, confidential records, other documentary evidence, physical aspects, social media, telephone and email and other communication records, police records, and other public and law enforcement information.
- Creates concise written reports, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets to reflect information gathered through investigations, interviews, research, review of public records, and review of other evidence.
- Reviews reports of investigation to ensure completeness and proper application of governing laws and regulations.
- Cooperates with regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
- Testifies in administrative and civil hearings and other proceedings concerning investigative findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Incumbent must submit to and pass an extensive background investigation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office setting with frequent and extended use of computers, telephones, and video conferencing systems. The role may involve frequent interaction with agency staff, management, and executive leadership, often in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and time-sensitive requests.
Occasional travel, particularly between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, may be required to support agency operations and meetings. Travel is conducted during regular office hours in a state vehicle.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Jessica Cooper, JCooper@nmdoj.gov, Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has broad statutory authority over civil legal matters and proceedings involving the state, fighting public corruption at all levels, and representing and administering a wide variety of laws that benefit the people of New Mexico. These broad responsibilities are addressed by various bureaus within the NMDOJ, including Government Counsel and Accountability, Government Litigation, Environmental Protection, Consumer Affairs, as well as by the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) (administratively attached to the NMDOJ).
The Civil Investigations Bureau of the NMDOJ provides investigative support for these bureaus and the OCA, handling civil investigations across the state as directed by the Attorney General. Among other matters, the Civil Investigations Bureau looks into alleged violations of New Mexico's Sunshine Laws -- the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA), violations of regulatory standards by individuals licensed/certified by state boards and commissions, violations of environmental protection laws by businesses and individuals, unfair and deceptive business practices in violation of consumer protection laws, and the violation of laws and rules relating to child and family welfare.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
As a valued New Mexico Department of Justice employee, you will receive a hiring bonus of forty (40) hours of leave at your start date to be used at any time. This is in addition to standard leave accrual for employees.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Safety Investigator position conducts investigations for the Civil Investigations Bureau of the NMDOJ. The position will exercise independent judgment under general supervision, as well as a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality while interacting with agency leadership, elected officials, government agencies, legal professionals, law enforcement, community partners, and the public.
The Public Safety Investigator position:
- Reviews and responds to complaints and allegations of violations of laws and rules.
- Helps coordinate complex, financial and analytical investigations.
- Initiates and serves subpoenas on targets, victims, and witnesses and for documents and other evidentiary items; serves notices and other legal documents as required.
- Interviews and obtains statements and affidavits from targets, victims, and witnesses.
- Conducts interviews, research, surveillance activities.
- Collects and analyzes information and related evidence and other facts relating to organizational entities and individuals being investigated; may include interview statements, agreements, financial records, confidential records, other documentary evidence, physical aspects, social media, telephone and email and other communication records, police records, and other public and law enforcement information.
- Creates concise written reports, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets to reflect information gathered through investigations, interviews, research, review of public records, and review of other evidence.
- Reviews reports of investigation to ensure completeness and proper application of governing laws and regulations.
- Cooperates with regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
- Testifies in administrative and civil hearings and other proceedings concerning investigative findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Incumbent must submit to and pass an extensive background investigation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office setting with frequent and extended use of computers, telephones, and video conferencing systems. The role may involve frequent interaction with agency staff, management, and executive leadership, often in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and time-sensitive requests.
Occasional travel, particularly between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, may be required to support agency operations and meetings. Travel is conducted during regular office hours in a state vehicle.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Jessica Cooper, JCooper@nmdoj.gov, Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 155+ OPT Fire Investigator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Fire Investigator
Match your degree to the role explicitly
Fire investigation draws from forensic science, chemistry, and engineering programs. When applying, map your coursework directly to the job description. Employers unfamiliar with OPT respond better when the degree-to-role connection is obvious and requires no explanation from them.
Target agencies with prior OPT hiring history
Federal and state fire marshal offices, ATF, and large municipal fire departments have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. Smaller private investigators may lack that familiarity. Prioritizing institutional employers reduces friction during the hiring process significantly.
Address OPT early and directly
Don't wait for an offer to raise your work authorization status. Mention it in your cover letter in one clear sentence. Employers appreciate transparency, and it filters out roles where authorization would be a dealbreaker before you invest interview time.
Highlight certifications alongside your degree
IAAI-CFI or NFPA certifications signal professional credibility and reduce employer hesitation around OPT. If you're still pursuing certification, note your progress. Credentials specific to fire investigation carry weight beyond your academic background in this field.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Forensic science, chemistry, and engineering degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers are far more willing to invest in training when your authorization window extends meaningfully beyond one year.
Lead with field experience in applications
Internships with fire departments, insurance carriers, or forensic labs demonstrate practical exposure that classroom training alone cannot. Even volunteer or observation hours with a licensed investigator strengthen your application and reassure employers that you understand the operational realities of the role.
Fire Investigator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Fire Investigator on OPT?
Yes, if your degree field is directly related to the role. Forensic science, chemistry, fire protection engineering, and criminal justice degrees commonly support fire investigator positions. Your OPT authorization is tied to your major, so the employer will want to see a clear connection between your coursework and the investigative responsibilities of the job.
Do Fire Investigator roles typically require U.S. citizenship or security clearances?
Some do. Positions with federal agencies like the ATF or Department of Homeland Security often require U.S. citizenship or at minimum permanent residency, which disqualifies OPT students. Roles with municipal fire departments, private insurance firms, and forensic consulting companies generally do not carry that restriction and are more accessible on OPT.
Where can I find Fire Investigator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists fire investigator and related forensic roles filtered for candidates on OPT and other nonimmigrant work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through generalist boards where work authorization requirements aren't disclosed upfront. Most listings on Migrate Mate include sponsorship and authorization details directly.
Does the STEM OPT extension apply to Fire Investigator roles?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated in forensic science, chemistry, or fire protection engineering, your degree is likely on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, making you eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months. Criminal justice degrees generally do not qualify for STEM OPT, so your total authorization window would remain 12 months.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers mid-authorization?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change in your SEVIS record through your designated school official within 10 days. Your new position still needs to be directly related to your degree field. If you're on STEM OPT, you'll also need to update your formal training plan with the new employer before starting work.