Investigates, assesses, and determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions in residences, commercial/industrial buildings, vehicles, heavy equipment, marine equipment, and other property. Analyzes fire/explosion scenes, burn patterns, debris, mechanical components, and electrical systems/components to determine the origin and cause. Conducts fraud analyses for possible incendiary-related losses. Prepares detailed written reports of findings that illustrate the conclusions/opinions, observations, and analysis of the investigation. Works under general supervision, exercising initiative and independent judgment in the performance of assigned tasks.
Salary range - $114,500-$171,700
Requirements
Duties & Responsibilities
- Determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses.
- Assists in securing the fire/explosion scene to prevent removal or damage of potential evidence.
- Conducts on-site, hands-on forensic fire analysis. This includes scene photography, interviewing witnesses and gathering information, taking possession of items, cause and origin determination, report preparation, and providing testimony in deposition and trial.
- Searches for, identifies, collects, and labels any potential evidence/items from the fire scene, including devices used to set, start, or further the progress of fire; protects the chain of custody of potential evidence/items.
- Provides technical and scientific support to clients for subrogation and litigation purposes.
- Conducts code compliance research including electrical, gas, fire, building and installation code violations.
- Facilitates and helps present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities
- Must have a high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
- Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Ability to write scopes of work clearly and coherently, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
- Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
- Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Required Experience, Education & Certifications
- Must have IAAI certification or comparable transcript indentifying education meeting with industry standards NVPA 921 & 1033 (proof that the candidate has maintained current education in the investigative field).
- A minimum of NAFI-CFEI with the ability to obtain an IAAI-CFI within 18 months.
- 5+ years of related work experience in fire investigation or a related field.
- AAS in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Forensic Science or related experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator.
- Obtain appropriate state licensing (private investigating licensing).
Physical Demands, Overtime and Travel
- Physical Demands – Standard
- Overtime – Standard
- Travel Requirements –
- Overnight travel depending on distance from home base, usually day trips.
- In office - optional, not mandatory.
- In field - depending on workload and scheduling.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home