Fire Investigator

About the role

National Fire Experts, a leader in the property insurance intelligence industry, is seeking a Full-Time Fire Investigator to join our growing team in Seattle, WA. The Fire Investigator is responsible for studying fire and explosion scenes, conducting all required studies, and performing all necessary work to determine the cause and origin of fires and explosions. Findings and conclusions will be conveyed clearly and concisely, typically through written reports, and may require defense in a court of law.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely field visits to loss sites for cause and origin investigations.
• Provide honest and unbiased analysis and consultation on various fires and explosions.
• Perform daily field studies and research.
• Travel within a 100-mile radius (or further when required) from the assigned office to perform investigations; occasional overnight travel may be necessary depending on workload and distance.
• Interact closely with clients, often handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Write and submit detailed, accurate, and timely reports on completed investigations in accordance with company guidelines.
• Communicate with customers to provide consistent project timelines and updates.
• Provide expert testimony and/or depositions as needed.
• Work a flexible schedule during periods of peak business demand.
• Deliver excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Must have CFEI certification through NAFI, or CFI certification through IAAI (preferred).
• Must hold or have the ability to obtain a Private Investigator License in the assigned state(s) within 60 days of employment (if applicable).
• Must be familiar with NFPA 921.
• Must meet all requirements for qualification as a fire investigator per NFPA 1033.
• Previous expert testimony or deposition experience is highly preferred but not required.
• Degree or some college coursework is preferred but not required.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in the public and/or private sectors performing fire origin and cause investigations on residential and commercial structures.
• Must be well-organized with the ability to deliver fast and accurate turnaround times.
• Must handle multiple projects and periods of high stress, especially during peak business demand.
• Must be hands-on and able to climb ladders and roofs, crawl in tight spaces, etc., as needed to perform investigations.
• Must follow National Fire Experts' Safety Protocol guidelines and JSA’s; projects will only be reassigned if sufficient hazards are identified.
• Must meet all standards for pre-employment physical examination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be team-oriented and service-oriented.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with the firm’s guidelines.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Must conduct business in an honest and ethical fashion.
• Experience with writing detailed investigation reports is highly preferred.
• Excellent overall computer skills and must meet or exceed company aptitude standards regarding technical proficiency.
• Must work efficiently with little or no supervision.
• Willingness to travel and/or work a flexible schedule during periods of peak demand.
• Willingness to work remotely and from a home office.
• Must have reliable, high-speed internet accessible at the remote office.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand for prolonged periods.
• Frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Frequently climb onto roofs, ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, etc.
• Frequently balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and crawl.
• Frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently spend extended periods operating a motor vehicle.
• Frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel.

Benefits

• Remote schedule.
• Competitive compensation package with bonus opportunities.
• Career growth and professional development.
• Diverse and positive work environment.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage.
• 401K with company match.
• HSA and HRA with employer contributions.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off and holidays.