Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer - Buffalo, NY

About the role

Provide forensic consulting services requiring Civil Engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assess and determine the cause and origin of structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, and construction defects, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. Provide oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony. Manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for the purpose of resolving legal matters and claims.
• Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil engineering and/or construction expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
• Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. This includes:
  • Gathering photographic evidence.
  • Conducting investigations to document on-site conditions.
  • In-person and/or telephone interviews.
  • Overseeing field testing.
  • Review of construction and/or design drawings, contracts, or specifications.
  • Reviewing historical documentation.
• Prepare oral and written reports to document the causes of failure and/or damage, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and/or recommended remediation. Provide opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
• Manage multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and supports as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure procedure is being followed and perform safety due diligence of the project during the time it is being completed.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.

Requirements

• B.S. in Civil Engineering degree or higher.
• P.E. required in the state of employment or the ability to obtain it quickly.
• 2-10+ years of experience.
• Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• High level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external).
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports or 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.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from the internal team and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (e.g., client's office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites).
• Frequently required to stand, walk on sloped roofs, sit, climb ladders, bend, climb inside attics and crawl under homes and tunnels, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, use handheld equipment and/or tools, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites.
• May lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial.
• Clear vision and depth perception are necessary.

Overtime

This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. There will be periods where overtime will be required to meet the demands of the position.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50% local/regional travel.
• Less than 5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision).
• Retirement Plan (401k with employer matching).
• 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 opportunities.
• Bonus opportunities.