Fire Investigator

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That's the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 160 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range

$85,000.00 - $140,300.00

Target Openings

2

What Is the Opportunity?

Under general direction, the Fire Investigator is responsible for conducting high complexity in-depth fire and explosion investigations on fires referred to the fire investigation unit. This position is a dedicated Investigative Professional responding to fire and explosion events as they arise. Working in a nationwide and regional team relationship with executive/regional Claim, Legal and Subrogation professionals on the determination of the origin and cause of a fire loss. Ideal candidate must live or reside near Richmond VA, Northern VA or the Washington, DC territory .

What Will You Do?

• Primarily responsible for investigating the origin and cause of all levels of complex fires and explosion investigations which may involve the direct management of additional investigative experts.
• Applies thorough knowledge of general fire scene safety and potential hazards during investigations.
• Applies the techniques of critical thinking to dismantle complex problems and reasoning through to its logical conclusion utilizing the scientific method as outlined in NFPA 921.
• Primarily responsible for investigating the origin and cause of all levels of complex fires and explosion investigations which may involve the direct management of additional investigative experts.
• Applies thorough knowledge of general fire scene safety and potential hazards during investigations.
• Applies the techniques of critical thinking to dismantle complex problems and reasoning through to its logical conclusion utilizing the scientific method as outlined in NFPA 921.
• Prepares and provides accurate technical documentation of any fire or explosion investigation in order to accurately recall and communicate effectively observations of the scene at a later date.
• Collects, identifies and safeguards all evidence and chain of custody necessary to the determination of an origin and cause fire claim.
• Analyzes, transforms and conveys highly technical information into actionable investigative strategies that would include fraudulent (Arson) events, general liability and subrogation theories.
• Applies Local, State and Federal statutes to ensure investigations are carried out within the requirements of applicable laws.
• Participates and testifies in all legal proceedings as a certified technical expert as to the origin and cause of a fire or explosion incident.
• Participates in various industry and related business functions to maintain awareness/ issues/trends in the claim or underwriting environment.
• Provides primary technical support, as subject matter expert, to field offices on questions of fire and explosion incidents.
• Establishes and maintains a working relationship with local, state and federal organizations.
• Provides exceptional customer service by maintaining contact with business partners and customers throughout the life of each investigation.
• Periodically engage in specialized investigative areas, including Marine, Vehicle, Heavy Equipment, Wild land, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Bachelors or Master's degree in fire science or fire investigations preferred.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 guidelines/ standards and knowledge of rules of evidence, procedural law and other protocols and regulations governing this discipline preferred.
• Knowledgeable of local and federal fire statutes preferred.
• Analytical and problem solving skills to use and interpret information and facts.
• Communication skills necessary to communicate opinions and findings
• Knowledge of leadership and coaching skills
• Ability to apply critical thinking techniques to investigation review
• Takes ownership/initiative; significant planning and goal setting skills
• Self-motivated individual
• Works well independently or in a remote team environment
• Adapts to changes in process and shifting priorities
• Analytical and problem solving skills to use and interpret information and facts - Advanced
• Communication skills necessary to communicate opinions and findings - Advanced
• Proficient computer skills required - Intermediate
• Knowledge of leadership and coaching skills - Advanced
• Apply critical thinking techniques to investigation review - Masters
• Analytical capabilities - Masters
• Must take ownership/initiative; significant planning and goal setting skills required -- Advanced
• Must be a self-motivated individual - Advanced
• Works well independently or in a remote team environment - Advanced
• Adapting to changes in process and shifting priorities - Advanced

What is a Must Have?

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field and/or a minimum of five years of fire scene investigative experience required.
• Nationally Certified Fire Investigator / member of the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) required OR
• Internationally Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)required.
• Valid driver license required.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance: Employees and their eligible family members - including spouses, domestic partners, and children - are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.
• Retirement: Travelers matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to your first 5% of eligible pay, subject to an annual maximum. If you have student loan debt, you can enroll in the Paying it Forward Savings Program. When you make a payment toward your student loan, Travelers will make an annual contribution into your 401(k) account. You are also eligible for a Pension Plan that is 100% funded by Travelers.
• Paid Time Off: Start your career at Travelers with a minimum of 20 days Paid Time Off annually, plus nine paid company Holidays.
• Wellness Program: The Travelers wellness program is comprised of tools and resources that empower you to achieve your wellness goals. In addition, our Life Balance program provides access to professional counseling services, life coaching and other resources to support your daily life needs. Through Life Balance, you're eligible for five free counseling sessions with a licensed therapist.
• Volunteer Encouragement: We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our employees to get involved. Travelers has a Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program that enables you to give back to the charity of your choice.

Employment Practices

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that we can deliver the very best products and services when our workforce reflects the diverse customers and communities we serve. We are committed to recruiting, retaining and developing the diverse talent of all of our employees and fostering an inclusive workplace, where we celebrate differences, promote belonging, and work together to deliver extraordinary results.

If you are a candidate and have specific questions regarding the physical requirements of this role, please send us an email so we may assist you.

Travelers reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.

To learn more about our comprehensive benefit programs please visit http://careers.travelers.com/life-at-travelers/benefits/.