Fire Investigator
Job Description
Syracuse, NY
Binghamton, NY
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®. Each of our more than 700 professional engineers, fire investigators, architects and scientists was selected for their technical proficiency, in-depth industry knowledge and commitment to professional integrity. Together, our diverse backgrounds and collective insights empower clients to make better-informed business decisions. EFI’s combination of global solutions and local expertise has earned the firm a reputation for delivering timely responses that consistently meet our clients’ expectations—anytime, anywhere. Click here to learn more about EFI Global.
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To investigate fire events to determine origin, cause, and responsibility in accordance with assignments from clients or assigned legal counsel.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Accepts assignments from customers for investigation of losses or claims and pursues investigation in accordance with the specific needs of the assignment.
- Determines the origin and cause of the loss/claim under investigation and identifies any potential third-party responsibility for subrogation potential.
- Maintains required reporting commitments to client in accordance with EFI’s standard procedures.
- Promotes and markets utilization of EFI services in the insurance industry and within assigned territory
- Serves as a liaison between the insurance industry and law enforcement/fire service personnel.
- Investigates losses/claims with illegal, fraudulent or subrogation aspects in accordance with assignment from client or assigned attorney representing insurer.
- Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation: motive, opportunity or any other information or evidence that may assist in concluding a factual and complete investigation.
- Develops necessary knowledge and expertise required to conduct thorough inspection of available public records including land deeds, mortgages, liens, suits, judgments, marriage and divorce records, etc.
- Maintains up-to-date information in regard to existing laws pertaining to rights of privacy and availability of public records to assure that all investigations are conducted in a completely legal and ethical manner.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Travels as required.
Job Requirements
Education & Licensing
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
- Must meet minimum certification of NAFI-CFEI certification.
- IAAI-CFI Certification is preferred
Experience
Three (3) years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Skills & Knowledge
- Good oral and written communication
- PC literate, including 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
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.
Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Physical:
- Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
- Must be able to kneel, squat or bend.
- Must be able to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions.
- Have the ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, reaching/working overhead,
- Be able lift/carry up to 50 pounds
- Be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds.
- Be able to drive up to 4 hours per day.
Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking
