Senior Consultant, Fire Investigator

Rimkus•Portland, OR

4d•$114,500 - $171,700

About The Position

Investigates and determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving residences, commercial and industrial buildings, vehicles, heavy and agricultural equipment, marine equipment, and other property. The role analyzes scenes, burn patterns, debris, mechanical components, and electrical systems; conducts fraud analyses for potentially incendiary losses; and prepares detailed reports documenting observations, analysis, and conclusions. The position works under general supervision while exercising initiative and independent judgment. The investigator conducts hands-on forensic scene examinations, gathers and protects evidence, interviews witnesses, photographs scenes, and may provide testimony in depositions and trials. The role also supports clients in subrogation and litigation, researches code compliance, and helps present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics. Office work is optional; field assignments depend on workload and scheduling. Overnight travel may be required depending on distance from the home base, though travel is usually by day trip.

Requirements

Have a high level of analytical skill and continual attention to detail, with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Be able to interact and communicate with internal and external clients at all levels.
Know a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
Be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Be able to clearly and coherently write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, findings reports, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
Be able to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
Be capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and boards of directors.
Have IAAI certification or a comparable transcript documenting education that meets industry standards NFPA 921 and 1033, demonstrating current education in the investigative field.
Have a minimum NAFI-CFEI certification and the ability to obtain IAAI-CFI certification within 18 months.
Have at least 5 years of related work experience in fire investigation or a related field.
Have an AAS in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, or Forensic Science, or related experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator.
Obtain appropriate state licensing for private investigation.

Responsibilities

Determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses.
Help secure fire and explosion scenes to prevent potential evidence from being removed or damaged.
Conduct on-site, hands-on forensic fire analysis, including scene photography, witness interviews, information gathering, taking possession of items, origin-and-cause determinations, report preparation, and testimony in depositions and trials.
Search for, identify, collect, and label potential evidence from fire scenes, including devices used to set, start, or further the progress of a fire, and protect the chain of custody.
Provide technical and scientific support to clients for subrogation and litigation purposes.
Research compliance with electrical, gas, fire, building, and installation codes.
Facilitate and help present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics.
Perform other duties as assigned.