Project Engineer - Fire Investigator

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE:  The Fire Investigator will investigate various incident types of incidents. These may include but are not limited to origin and cause investigations of fire and explosions, SIU related investigations, insurance fraud, and other investigations contingent on the needs of our clients and business unit. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Investigates & analyzes the origin and cause of fire and explosion events within residential, commercial, and industrial sites per NFPA 921 and 1033. 

• Collects Evidence and Document scenes per NFPA 921 & 1033. 

• Photographs incident site (and records when specifically required/requested) and preserves equipment/components, and stores evidence retrieved from the scene for further evaluation/review pending client’s written disposition instructions. 

• Interviews witnesses, to include owner, occupants, tenants, etc. and canvasses neighborhood to identify other potential witnesses to record statements; interviews responding and investigating fire service personnel and other local officials, as to their actions associated with the incident. 

• Identifies, documents, and analyzes compliance with the applicable codes of any installed fire suppression and detection system within a given building or property. 

• Researches failure modes and code requirements as needed and prepares recommendations to present to stakeholders. 

• Prepares accurate, clear, thorough, and concise reports and letters outlining the cause and origin of the damages to clients. Follows established policies, procedures, and processes in preparing information, exercising sound judgment in applying these to potentially unusual or complicated situations, and submits reports and documents in a timely manner and in accordance with client’s standards and expectations. 

• Proactively works with multi-disciplinary teams on large and complex assignments while contributing, as an effective member of the team, assisting co-workers as needed, and learning from colleagues and supervisors.  

• Identifies possible subrogation and/or liability issues, i.e., products and/or services associated with the incident and retrieval of related reports/documentation. 

• Provides deposition or expert testimony, as a fact or expert witness, for product liability cases, civil or federal court cases, and, occasionally, criminal cases. Investigates and may testify in a deposition or courtroom setting, about the cause, extent or source of damages or professional liability.  

• Maintains established relationships with current clients and consultants. 

• Stays abreast of office and company policies, procedures, and practices; participates in ongoing training and development as assigned or approved to assure knowledge and skills remain current and comprehensive. 

• Adheres to all applicable State Insurance Regulation requirements and other applicable laws, regulations, and standards; assumes personal responsibility for maintaining the requisite state license for the state(s) assigned. 

• Performs other duties as required.  

Required Skills/Abilities/Experience: 

• 3-5+ years of experience as a fire investigator – a combination of Public and Private sector experience is ideal (a combination of education and experience will be considered). 

• IAAI Expert Testimony Class or deposition/trial testimony experience required within 1 year of hire. 

• IAAI-CFI and NAFI-CFEI certification. 

• Must be bondable and eligible for licensing as a private investigator where so required, some jurisdictions require written testing for licensing. 

• Skills in analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing, prioritizing, and reporting pertinent information, discerning the essential from the non-essential, and grasping complexities of unusual or complicated cases. 

• Exemplary time management and organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy, to execute tasks and meet deadlines. 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.  

• Sound written and oral communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills 

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook) and CRM software.  

• Ability to work in catastrophic environments, such as the aftermath of natural disasters, weather events, etc., for an extended period.  

• Safety mindset with the ability to foresee project risks associated with investigations. 

• Commitment to confidentiality and to discreetly handle sensitive information. 

• Teamwork, compassion, and respect toward others, in keeping with our 5 Guiding Principles, as well as integrity, accountability and adherence to standards of ethical behavior and professional conduct, and open and honest communication. 

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in a work capacity. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities/Experience: 

• Experience with commercial and industrial facilities is desired.  

• Experience working with law firms and insurance companies is a plus. 

Education: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field is preferred