# Senior Consultant, Fire Investigator

> Rimkus · Portland, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-06

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** Forensics

## Description

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 conclusions/opinions, observations, and analysis of the investigation. Works under general supervision, exercising initiative and independent judgment in the performance of assigned tasks.   
  
Salary range - $114,500-$171,700

## Requirements

**Duties & 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. This includes scene photography, interviewing witnesses and gathering information, taking possession of items, cause and origin determination, report preparation, and providing testimony in 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 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.  
    

**Required Skills & Abilities**

-   Must have a high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
-   Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).  
-   Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.   
-   Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  
-   Ability to write scopes of work clearly and coherently, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.  
-   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. 

  
**Required Experience, Education & Certifications**

-   Must have IAAI certification or comparable transcript indentifying education meeting with industry standards NVPA 921 & 1033 (proof that the candidate has maintained current education in the investigative field).   
-   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.  
-   Obtain appropriate state licensing (private investigating licensing).   
    

**Physical Demands, Overtime and Travel**

-   Physical Demands – Standard  
-   Overtime – Standard  
-   Travel Requirements –  

-   Overnight travel depending on distance from home base, usually day trips. 

-   In office - optional, not mandatory. 

-   In field - depending on workload and scheduling.

## Benefits

-   Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
-   Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
-   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

## Apply

[Apply at Rimkus](https://apply.workable.com/rimkus/j/CB103924BA/apply)

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