Senior Fire Investigator, IAAI-CFI

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd; North Carolina; Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

EFI Global is a leading engineering and forensic investigations firm seeking an experienced Fire Investigator based in North Carolina for a full-time remote role. You will conduct thorough origin-and-cause analyses on fires in commercial buildings or residences, with emphasis on technical rigor and clear communication.

IAAI-CFI certification is preferred; minimum CFEI required, with five years of fire investigation experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• IAAI-CFI certification preferred.
• Minimum certification requirement: NAFI-Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI).
• Five years of fire investigation experience required.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, including large loss and multiple claims.
• Ensures reports are completed and returned per best practices.
• Conducts witness interviews and collects evidence related to origin and cause.
• Provides expert testimony in depositions and trials.
• Maintains confidential claims files and documents findings in the claims system.
• Guides claims leadership on resolutions and outcomes.
• Collaborates with government agencies and information bureaus to aid investigations.
• Travels as required.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong organizational skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Analytical and interpretive skills

Investigative skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently or in a

Ability to meet or exceed performance

Education

Bachelor's degree

IAAI-CFI certification preferred

NAFI-Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

EFI Global is a full-service engineering, fire investigation, environmental, health and safety, and specialty consulting services firm serving a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors. Over the last four decades, we have grown from a boutique firm specializing in handling insurance fraud and arson cases and providing expert witness testimony, into a recognized global leader in engineering failure analysis, origin-and-cause investigations, environmental consulting, laboratory testing and specialty consulting. Our forensic investigation, engineering and environmental services teams around the world share a dedication to expertise, quality and demonstrating to customers that caring counts®. Each of our more than 700 professional engineers, fire investigators, architects and scientists was selected for their technical proficiency, in-depth industry knowledge and commitment to professional integrity. Together, our diverse backgrounds and collective insights empower clients to make better-informed business decisions. EFI’s combination of global solutions and local expertise has earned the firm a reputation for delivering timely responses that consistently meet our clients’ expectations—anytime, anywhere.

We are seeking an experienced Fire Investigator based in North Carolina to support complex origin and cause investigations in a full-time, remote role. This position is ideal for a self-directed professional who values technical rigor, clear communication, and teamwork while delivering unbiased, defensible findings. IAAI‑CFI certification is strongly preferred, with NAFI‑CFEI required at minimum, reflecting our commitment to industry standards, safety, and integrity. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to provide clients with reliable conclusions and exceptional service across the region. Prefer Candidate in the greater Greensboro, High Point, or Winston‑Salem area.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

To independently conduct extensive and detailed investigations to determine origin & cause of fires and explosions, primarily involving structures and determining the cause of fires in commercial buildings or residences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, this includes large loss, large fire loss, and multiple claims.
• Ensures that assigned cases are investigated and reported back to the requesting party in adherence to best practices.
• Anticipates training needs of customers based on customer exposure and antifraud initiatives.
• Investigates site and provides expert testimony based on determination of the origin & cause of fires and relates findings in a clear and concise manner in depositions and trials.
• Maintains assigned claims files in a confidential manner; documents all relevant facts pertaining to files in the appropriate claims handling system(s) and keeps management informed of developments that impact claims results.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on outcomes of investigations in a prompt and expeditious manner.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to claims leadership and associates on claims resolution.
• Develops and maintains rapport and cooperation with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private information bureaus that can assist in investigative efforts.
• Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation: motive, opportunity or any other information or evidence.
• Independently concludes investigations and determines negligence and violation of laws.
• Possesses necessary knowledge and expertise required to conduct thorough inspection of available public records including land deeds, mortgages, liens, suits, judgments, marriage and divorce records, etc.
• Maintains and pursues technical competency within area of specialization with regard to existing laws pertaining to rights of privacy and availability of public records to assure that all investigations are conducted in a completely legal and ethical manner.
• May provide investigative guidance to Fire Investigator team members.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports the organization's quality program(s).
• Travels as required.

Education & Licensing

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) certification is preferred.
• Minimum certification requirement for consideration is the NAFI-Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification.

Experience

• Five (5) years of fire investigation experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• PC literate, including advanced Microsoft Office products
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good analytical and interpretive skills
• Strong investigative skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Mental

• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.

Physical

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to kneel, squat or bend.
• Must be able to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions.
• Have the ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, reaching/working overhead,
• Be able lift/carry up to 50 pounds
• Be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds.
• Be able to drive up to 4 hours per day.

Auditory/Visual

• Hearing, vision and talking

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

EFI Global is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applications from all qualified persons.