Claims Adjuster II, Field Property - National Catastrophe ($5000 Sign-on Bonus)

Nationwide•Lowell, MA

8d•$62,500 - $115,500

About The Position

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This is a field-based role on the National Catastrophe Response Team. This position is responsible for managing property claims in response to catastrophic events across the country. As a field-based adjuster, you will be deployed to areas impacted by large-scale disasters—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or other major events—to assess damages, support policyholders, and help communities begin the recovery process. The role requires extensive travel (up to 80%), often on short notice, and the ability to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environments for extended periods. You will regularly engage in direct, and at times, emotionally charged conversations with customers—clearly explaining coverage decisions, setting expectations, and delivering difficult news with empathy and professionalism. The ability to remain composed and compassionate in the face of loss, frustration, or uncertainty is essential. Strong communication skills and emotional resilience are critical, as you’ll be guiding customers through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In this role, you’ll conduct on-site inspections, evaluate property damages, determine policy coverage, and make timely, accurate decisions using a variety of tools and resources, including vendor estimates, independent adjusters, and self-written assessments. You'll also be responsible for full file ownership, maintaining appropriate reserves, managing claim activity (including supplements and requests for depreciation), ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements, and providing proactive communication with external customers throughout each stage of the claim. Collaboration with internal teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation may be required to identify fraud or recovery opportunities. Staying current on industry repair practices, regional pricing trends, and legal developments is key to success. This is a demanding, customer-facing role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Candidates should be comfortable working independently in disaster zones, managing a high volume of claims, working 12 hours a day, up to 21 days in a row, and adapting quickly to evolving priorities. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive under pressure, and want to make a meaningful impact during times of crisis, this role offers a challenging and deeply rewarding opportunity. No two property claims are ever the same and each customer has unique needs. Our team thrives on providing the very best service and building lasting, successful relationships with our customers. If you are confident, curious, driven to learn and grow, and have a desire to help people when they most need it, we want to know more about you! As a National Catastrophe (NATCAT) Field Claims Specialist primarily supporting our Personal Lines (PL) business, you'll investigate and resolve moderate to severe property damage claims by phone.

Requirements

Prior insurance field/property claims handling or adjusting experience
Proficiency with Xactimate
Prior estimate writing experience
Ability to handle claims of varying complexity from start to finish
Prior experience working in on site in a catastrophe environment
Ability to carry a ladder and climb a roof
Strong customer service competency
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.
Three to five years of related property claims experience or comparable job-related experience, or education preferred.
Experience in a customer service environment, including flexible work schedules and extended work hours preferred.
General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, and contracts and their application.
Property estimating and automated claims systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of the investigation, consultation and settlement activities used to resolve extensive property damage claims.
Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary meaningful service by guiding customers through the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to make decisions and resolve issues related to application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, and application of policy exclusions and exceptions.
Ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates for property losses.
Ability to evaluate and successfully advise on property claims.
Organizational skills to prioritize work.
Command of written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents and the general public.
Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and related claims and business software.
Able to provide leadership to less experienced claims associates.
Must be able to safely access and inspect rooftops using a ladder.
Must be prepared and capable of conducting physical inspections on rooftops, including first and second story roofs with pitches up to 8/12.

Nice To Haves

Commercial claims property experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Handles all assigned claims promptly and effectively, with little to no direction and oversight.
Makes decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures.
Determines proper policy coverages and applies appropriate claims practices to resolve cases in alignment with company guidelines.
Opens, closes, and adjusts reserves according to company practices to ensure reserve adequacy.
Adheres to file conferencing notification and authority procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of insurance and applicable product/services; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attending various seminars and training sessions.
Maintains current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and local market pricing.
Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.
Partners with Special Investigations Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation.
Initiates and conducts follow-ups through proficient use of claims and other related business systems.
Delivers outstanding customer service to all internal, external, current, and prospective Nationwide customers.
Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing delivery of outstanding claim's service.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire