Senior Consultant, Fire Investigator

Rimkus Consulting Group; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 115,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan (401k)

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Family Leave

Disability Insurance

Training & Development

Work From Home

Job summary

Rimkus Consulting Group in Portland, Oregon seeks an experienced Fire Investigator to determine origin and cause of fires and explosions across structures, equipment, vehicles, and other losses. You will conduct on-site forensic analysis, secure evidence, and prepare detailed reports for litigation and subrogation.

The role requires IAAI certification, 5+ years of experience, and an AAS in Fire Science. Some travel is expected; the firm offers comprehensive benefits and ongoing education

Qualifications

• IAAI certification or comparable NVPA 921/1033 education proof.

Responsibilities

• Determine origin and cause of fires and explosions across structures, equipment, vehicles, and other losses.

Skills

Analytical skills

Client communication

Reading & interpreting reports

Report writing

Attention to detail

Presentation to management

Education

IAAI Certification

NAFI-CFEI

AAS in Fire Science

Private Investigator License

Tools

Microsoft Office

CAD software

Job description

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

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.

• 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