Fire Consultant

About the role

Rimkus is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting, specializing in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and environmental solutions. The company offers full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses.
• Assist in securing the fire/explosion scene to prevent removal or damage of potential evidence.
• Conduct on-site, hands-on 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/items from the fire scene, including devices used to set, start, or further the progress of fire; protect the chain of custody of evidence.
• 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 help present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required skills and abilities

• High level of analytical skills with continual attention to detail; ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (internal and external).
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents clearly and coherently.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients and effectively present information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Requirements

• IAAI-CFI certification preferred.
• Minimum of NAFI-CFEI with the ability to obtain an 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 related experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator.

Physical demands, overtime, and travel

• Physical demands: Work is performed in office and outdoor settings, including client sites, industrial, construction, and residential locations. Frequent climbing of ladders, walking on roofs, and working in space-limited areas. Must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations. May require shoveling fire debris, moving furniture, operating lifts, and lifting/moving up to 50 pounds. Must maintain sharp focus and alertness during site inspections, client interactions, report preparation, and testimony.
• Overtime: Regular hours are 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.
• Travel requirements: Up to 50% local travel; some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Benefits

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