Senior Fire Investigator, IAAI-CFI

EFI Global is a full-service engineering, fire investigation, environmental, health and safety, and specialty consulting services firm serving a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors. Over the last four decades, we have grown from a boutique firm specializing in handling insurance fraud and arson cases and providing expert witness testimony, into a recognized global leader in engineering failure analysis, origin-and-cause investigations, environmental consulting, laboratory testing and specialty consulting. Our forensic investigation, engineering and environmental services teams around the world share a dedication to expertise, quality and demonstrating to customers that caring counts®.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Fire Investigator based in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, FL to support complex origin and cause investigations in a full-time, remote role. This position is ideal for a self-directed professional who values technical rigor, clear communication, and teamwork while delivering unbiased, defensible findings. Preference is given to candidates living in the greater Fort Lauderdale or Miami area.

Purpose

To independently conduct extensive and detailed investigations to determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions, primarily involving structures and commercial or residential buildings.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, including large loss, large fire loss, and multiple claims.
• Ensures that assigned cases are investigated and reported back to the requesting party in adherence to best practices.
• Anticipates training needs of customers based on customer exposure and antifraud initiatives.
• Investigates site and provides expert testimony based on determination of the origin and cause of fires, relating findings clearly and concisely in depositions and trials.
• Maintains assigned claims files confidentially; documents all relevant facts in the appropriate claims handling system(s) and keeps management informed of developments.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on outcomes of investigations promptly and expeditiously.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to claims leadership and associates on claims resolution.
• Develops and maintains rapport with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as private information bureaus that assist in investigative efforts.
• Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved persons who may possess relevant information or evidence.
• Independently concludes investigations and determines negligence and violation of laws.
• Conducts thorough inspections of available public records including land deeds, mortgages, liens, suits, judgments, marriage and divorce records, etc.
• Maintains technical competency within area of specialization regarding existing laws on privacy and public records to ensure legal and ethical investigations.
• May provide investigative guidance to Fire Investigator team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned and supports the organization's quality program(s).
• Travels as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) certification strongly preferred; Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) required at minimum.
• Five (5) years of fire investigation experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• PC literate, including advanced Microsoft Office products.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical and interpretive skills.
• Strong investigative skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to meet or exceed performance competencies.

Work Environment

• Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; ability to meet deadlines.
• Physical:
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to kneel, squat, or bend.
  • Ability to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions.
  • Ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, and work overhead.
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to push/pull up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to drive up to 4 hours per day.
• Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision, and talking.

Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position.