Fire Investigation Technician

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company!  We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement! 

OVERVIEW: 

Assists in the study, assessment, and determination of the origin and cause of fires and explosions in residences, commercial/industrial dwellings, vehicles, heavy equipment, marine equipment, and other property. Analyzes fire debris and burn patterns to determine a fire’s origin and cause. Conducts fraud analyses for possible arson-related losses. Prepares detailed written reports of findings that illustrate the conclusions and opinions of the investigation. Works under Direct Supervision, exercising initiative and independent judgment in the performance of assigned tasks.  Assist in collection of Items of Interest.  Support MEP and other disciplines as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (Bulleted)

• In general, perform forensic assignments within the field of fire and explosion investigations within the scope of NFPA 921 (Guide for Fire & Explosion Investigations in the United States) and NFPA 1033 (Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators). All work should be based, if possible, upon a scope-of-work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
• As a Fire Investigation Technician, in compliance with NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033, inspect sites, evaluate data, evaluate damage, document site conditions with photographs, determine cause and origin relating to fire or explosion damage, prepare sketches, order and evaluate required laboratory testing, and perform analysis based upon established fire and explosion investigation principles and Rimkus policy to complete the scope-of-work established for each assignment. Recommend Rimkus engineers as necessary to complete origin and cause assignments and possible subrogation issues relating to client needs.
• Based upon the scope-of-work for each forensic assignment, prepare, obtain peer review and render verbal and/or written reports of findings in compliance with established company procedures, policies and guidelines.
• When required by the assignment, prepare for and provide expert testimony at deposition or trial.
• When required by the assignment, take into custody via established company procedure, items of interest relevant to the assignment.
• Develop and exercise sufficient project management skills to manage clients’ expectations. Communicate effectively with clients to avoid unpleasant surprises regarding scope-of-work, budgets, schedules and deliverables.
• Provide consistently superior service and excellent quality deliverables.
• Maintain assignment files, both physical and electronic, in accordance with established company procedures and policies.
• Make company required reporting entries daily in, but not limited to, 3E, Outlook and Items of Interest logs.
• Meet or exceed annually established professional and performance objectives documented in the Personnel Manual.
• Certification and/or developed capability in use of Matterport, Chimney Camera, Crawlspace Robot, Drone and other technology as determined by District Manager and/or Practice Leader.
• Perform other tasks or duties assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and CERTIFICATIONS:

• IAAI-CFI certification preferred.  
• Work experience in Fire Investigation or a related field preferred. 
• A minimum of NAFI-CFEI with the ability to obtain an IAAI-CFI within 48 months.
• AAS in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Forensic Science or related experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator. 

REQUIRED SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Licensure as a private investigator (PI) in the states within the District plus any additional states requested by Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. will be required. Licensure in states within the District must be obtained within 30 days of employment date. Other certifications and credentials may be required.
• The Fire Investigation Technician will be required to identify his/her core competencies and to maintain those competencies through continuing education. Practitioner’s knowledge may be developed in some cases through training, on-the-job training, and self-study.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries from clients, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write CV’s, scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of finding, proposals and statements of qualification. Ability to effectively present information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors. Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. Client's office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). Employee is frequently required to climb ladders, walk on roofs, and work in space-limited areas. Employee must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations. Employee may be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household/ commercial items and operate lifts as needed. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.

Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with to meet the demands of the position.

Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 50% local travel. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employee and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

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