Forensic Fire Investigator

U S FORENSIC LLC•Metairie, LA

About The Position

Applied Technical Services, LLC (“ATS” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. The Company serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. ATS was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today the Company employs nearly 2,100 team members in over 95 locations across the United States. Our purpose is to create a safe and reliable world, and our mission is to deliver assurance through precise technical and professional service. Job Title: Fire Investigator- Forensic Services Company: U.S. Forensic, LLC/Forte Consulting & Investigations (an ATS Company) Position Type: Part-Time Location: We are seeking a Fire Expert located in or willing to support the New England, Long Island, and New York City region. About U.S. Forensic, LLC: USF assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. Our capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. We cater our services to each client’s unique consulting engineering needs. Our experienced forensic engineers and investigators provide assistance to numerous industries. As part of the ATS family of companies, we can offer additional testing, inspection, and calibration capabilities when clients need a broader scope of services. Job Overview: Forte Consulting and Investigations is engaged by the real estate and/or property and casualty insurance industry to provide technical experts to assist with resolving insurance claims. We are seeking an experienced Fire Investigator to join our growing multidisciplinary forensic team, providing expert services to insurance companies, legal counsel, and corporate clients. The ideal candidate will conduct Origin and Cause investigations, prepare detailed technical reports, and support litigation through expert testimony when required. This role requires strong investigative skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to clearly communicate findings to clients, attorneys, and courts. We deliver our product promptly and accurately to grow market share and maintain customer loyalty.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
5+ years of experience conducting origin and cause fire investigations as a certified investigator in the public or private sector.
NAFI – CFEI certifications required. IAAI- CFI preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033.
Experience working with insurance companies and/or litigation matters.
Strong technical writing skills with the ability to produce professional forensic reports.
Analytical and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail and evidence handling.
Professional demeanor when interacting with clients and attorneys.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Time management and case prioritization abilities.
Ability to meet state-specific licensing and regulatory requirements for Fire Origin & Cause investigations across multiple states/jurisdictions
Ability to work in hazardous environments. (PPE Required)
Comfortable with physical fieldwork including climbing, lifting, and navigating debris.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet ATS driving record standards.
Must have clean criminal record and be eligible and willing to provide testimony in legal proceedings as needed.

Nice To Haves

IAAI- CFI preferred.
Experience with forensic documentation tools and digital reporting platforms preferred.
Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and PDF software.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent fire and explosion Origin and Cause investigations in accordance with NFPA 921 and industry best practices.
Examine fire scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and document findings through photographs, sketches, and notes.
Analyze fire dynamics, burn patterns, electrical systems, and mechanical components.
Prepare clear, defensible, and well-supported investigative reports.
Collaborate with engineers, forensic experts, attorneys, and claims professionals.
Maintain the chain of customer documentation and ensure evidence integrity.
Travel to investigative sites as needed, including after-hours or on-call responses.
Stay current with industry standards, codes, litigation trends, and continuing education requirements.
Ability to manage multiple active cases and meet utilization expectations.
Regular travel required (2–3 times per week), including responses up to 6 hours from home, with occasional extended travel as needed.
Other duties as assigned.