Forensic Fire Investigator - Indianapolis, IN

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference! Rimkus is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting, specializing in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management, and environmental solutions.

About the role

Investigates, assesses, and determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions in residences, commercial/industrial buildings, vehicles, heavy equipment, marine equipment, and other property. Analyzes fire/explosion scenes, burn patterns, debris, mechanical components, and electrical systems/components to determine the origin and cause. Conducts fraud analyses for possible incendiary-related losses. Prepares detailed written reports of findings that illustrate the investigation's conclusions/opinions, observations, and analysis. Works under general supervision, exercising initiative and independent judgment in performing assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses.
• Assists in securing the fire/explosion scene to prevent removal or damage of potential evidence.
• Conducts on-site, hands-on forensic fire analysis, including scene photography, interviewing witnesses, gathering information, taking possession of items, determining cause and origin, report preparation, and providing testimony at deposition and trial.
• Searches for, identifies, collects, and labels any potential evidence/items from the fire scene, including devices used to set, start, or further the progress of the fire; protects the chain of custody of potential evidence/items.
• Provides technical and scientific support to clients for subrogation and litigation purposes.
• Conducts code compliance research, including electrical, gas, fire, building, and installation code violations.
• Facilitates and helps present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• IAAI-CFI certification preferred. A 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.

Skills

• 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 various computer software applications, including Microsoft Office and computer-assisted engineering/design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard 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.
• Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel

• 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 climb ladders, walk on roofs, and work in space-limited areas.
• Must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations.
• May be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household/commercial items, and operate lifts as needed.
• May lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, interacting with clients, preparing written reports, and testifying in deposition or trial.
• Clear vision and depth perception are necessary.
• This position is classified as salaried with a non-exempt FLSA status; overtime may be required to meet demands.
• Requires up to 50% local travel; some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are necessary.

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