Forensic Fire Investigator Indianapolis IN

The Third Group; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Certification support

Paid training & CE assistance

PTO & holidays

Job summary

The Third Group is seeking an experienced Forensic Fire & Explosion Investigator to assess origin and cause of fires and explosions across residential, commercial, industrial, automotive, heavy machinery, and marine properties.

You will conduct detailed scene evaluations, analyze burn patterns, and provide expert technical findings for legal and insurance matters.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in origin and cause investigations or related forensic work.
• NAFI-CFEI certification required; ability to obtain IAAI-CFI within 18 months of hire.
• Must reside in or relocate to the Indianapolis, IN area; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Determine origin and cause of fires/explosions across residential, commercial, industrial sites, and vehicles.
• Secure loss sites, collect evidence, document scene, and maintain chain of custody.
• Analyze fire debris, burn patterns, and electrical/structural components to support litigation and subrogation.
• Research applicable building codes, electrical standards, and safety regulations.

Skills

Origin & Cause investigation

Fire investigation

Report writing

Communication

Education

AS/AA S in Fire Science / Fire Investigation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Forensic software

Job description

Forensic Fire & Explosion Investigator

Location: Greater Indianapolis, IN Area

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Forensic Fire Investigator to examine, evaluate, and identify the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving residential, commercial, industrial, automotive, heavy machinery, and marine properties. Operating under general supervision, this position conducts detailed scene evaluations, analyzes physical burn patterns and electrical/mechanical components, investigates potential incendiary or fraudulent losses, and provides expert technical findings for legal and insurance matters.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Origin & Cause Determination: Conduct comprehensive field investigations to determine where and how fires or explosions originated across residential dwellings, commercial facilities, motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and agricultural structures.

• On-Site Scene & Evidence Management: Secure loss sites to protect critical evidence, perform thorough forensic inspections, capture scene photography, interview witnesses, and log potential incendiary devices or physical evidence while maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols.

• Technical Analysis & Subrogation Support: Analyze fire debris, burn dynamics, structural components, and electrical/mechanical systems to support client litigation, subrogation efforts, and fraud assessments.

• Regulatory & Code Compliance Research: Research applicable municipal and national building codes, electrical standards, gas regulations, and fire safety compliance guidelines related to incident causes.

• Reporting & Legal Testimony: Draft objective, highly detailed written reports outlining investigative methodology, scene observations, technical analysis, and defensible conclusions. Provide expert witness testimony during depositions and courtroom proceedings as needed.

• Knowledge Sharing & Outreach: Assist in developing and delivering continuing education training sessions and seminars on fire investigation topics for clients and professional groups.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Education & Professional Background: Associate of Applied Science (A.S./A.A.S.) in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Forensic Science, or equivalent professional background as a certified fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement investigator.

• Certifications: NAFI-CFEI certification required at minimum, with the ability to achieve IAAI-CFI certification within 18 months of hire (IAAI-CFI credential preferred upon hire).

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of direct experience conducting origin and cause fire investigations or working in a closely related forensic field.

• Location & Travel Credentials: Must reside in or relocate to the Indianapolis, IN metropolitan region. Requires a valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Superior critical-thinking skills with methodical attention to detail- capable of gathering raw field facts, analyzing complex scene dynamics, and synthesizing sound technical conclusions.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical findings to varied audiences, including executive leadership, legal counsel, insurance partners, and public organizations.

• Proven ability to construct clear, cohesive technical documents, scope proposals, budget projections, project schedules, and formal expert reports.

• Proficiency with office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office) and general familiarity with computer-assisted engineering or design software packages.

• Ability to read, interpret, and integrate information from scientific journals, legal briefs, technical literature, and regulatory documents into case reviews.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORKING CONDITIONS & TRAVEL

• Work Environment: Hybrid position split between office-based report writing and active field work at residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor incident sites.

• Physical Demands: Tasks require maneuvering through damaged structures, walking sloped roofs, climbing ladders, entering tight or confined spaces, operating powered lifts, moving furniture/debris, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Requires wearing a tight-fitting respirator during active scene examinations.

• Schedule & Overtime: Full-time exempt position. Standard core operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility to work extended hours or overtime is required to handle urgent field investigations and client demands.

• Travel Expectations: Up to 50% local and regional travel, with occasional overnight stays.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Employer-provided Life and AD&D insurance, voluntary coverage options, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies

• Retirement: 401(k) / IRA plans

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) covering vacation, personal sick leave, and company-recognized holidays; Family Leave (Maternity/Paternity)

• Paid training, continuing education assistance, and certification support

• Workplace Flexibility: Hybrid / Work-From-Home opportunities