Fire Investigator (NAFI-CFEI required at minimum, IAAI-CFI preferred)

Rimkus Consulting Group; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rimkus Consulting Group is seeking a qualified Fire Investigator/Forensic Consultant in New Orleans, LA. The role focuses on determining the origin and cause of fires, securing scenes, and performing on-site forensic analysis with testimony support.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience, AAS in Fire Science or related field, and professional certifications such as IAAI-CFI/NAFI-CFEI. The position is hybrid with full-time hours and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must have strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication with clients at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and engineering/design software.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical reports and docs.
• Ability to write clear scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Determine origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures and equipment.
• Secure fire/explosion scenes to protect potential evidence.
• Conduct on-site forensic fire analysis and prepare reports; provide deposition/testimony.
• Identify, collect and label evidence; maintain chain of custody.
• Provide technical support for subrogation and litigation.
• Perform code compliance research (electrical, gas, fire, building codes).
• Present continuing education topics related to fire investigations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Client communication

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Reading & interpreting reports

Education

AAS in Fire Science/Fire Investigation or related field

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

Job Details

Posting Details

• • Posted on February 12, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location New Orleans - LA
Mandeville, LA 70471, USA

• Hybrid
• Consulting Professional
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: FIREI004910

Description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 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 and 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 and CERTIFICATIONS:

• IAAI-CFI certification preferred.
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, OVERTIME, and TRAVEL:

• Physical Demands- Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. Client’s office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). Employee is frequently required to climb ladders, walk on roofs, and work in space-limited areas. Employee must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations. Employee may be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household/ commercial items and operate lifts as needed. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
• Overtime- Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with to meet the demands of the position.
• Travel Requirements- This position requires up to 50% local travel. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver’s license and reliable form of transportation.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.