Fire Consultant

Rimkus is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting, specializing in building envelope, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management, and environmental solutions. Join a growing, stable company offering competitive salaries, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

About the role

As a Fire Investigator, you will determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, and other losses. This role involves hands-on forensic analysis, evidence collection, report preparation, and providing testimony in legal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses
• Assist in securing fire/explosion scenes to prevent removal or damage of potential evidence
• Conduct on-site forensic fire analysis, including scene photography, witness interviews, evidence collection, cause and origin determination, report preparation, and testimony in deposition and trial
• Search for, identify, collect, and label potential evidence from fire scenes, including devices used to initiate or spread fires; maintain chain of custody
• Provide technical and scientific support to clients for subrogation and litigation purposes
• Conduct code compliance research, including electrical, gas, fire, building, and installation code violations
• Facilitate and present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High level of analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (internal and external)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering/design software
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific/technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents
• Strong writing skills for scopes of work, reports, proposals, budgets, schedules, and correspondence
• Ability to respond to inquiries and present information to management, clients, public groups, or boards of directors

Qualifications

• IAAI-CFI certification preferred; minimum NAFI-CFEI with ability to obtain 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 equivalent experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator

Physical Demands

• Work performed in both office settings and outdoor locations (e.g., client offices, industrial, construction, or residential sites)
• Frequent climbing of ladders, walking on roofs, and working in space-limited areas
• Must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations
• May be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture, operate lifts, and lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Requires sharp focus, alertness, clear vision, and depth perception for site inspections, report preparation, and testimony

Schedule

• Regular working hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch
• Overtime may be required to meet job demands
• Up to 50% local travel; some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k with employer matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity and Paternity)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Training and Development opportunities
• Work From Home options