Fire Investigator - Part-time (NAFI-CFEI required at minimum, IAAI-CFI preferred)
Rimkus
Worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting, specializing in forensic, built‑environment, disputes & labs.
Investigate fire/explosion origins, produce reports, and testify for clients.
5 days ago ago
$83,300 - $124,900
Entry-level
Full Time
Los Angeles, CA
Field
Company Size
1,500 Employees
Service Specialisms
Forensic Engineering
Consulting
Engineering
Litigation Support
Property Damage Assessments
Risk Management
Technical Services
Expert Witness Services
Sector Specialisms
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
Developers, Owners, and Managers
Government
Healthcare Technology
Hospitality, Retail, and Restaurant
Industrial
Insurance
Marine
Role
Description
litigation support
fire forensics
cause determination
evidence collection
code research
scene securing
Provides technical and scientific support to clients for subrogation and litigation purposes.
Facilitates and helps present continuing education seminars on fire-related topics.
Conducts code compliance research, including electrical, gas, fire, building, and installation code violations.
Determines the origin and cause of fires and explosions involving structures, equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, and other losses.
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.
Assists in securing the fire/explosion scene to prevent removal or damage of potential evidence.
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.
Requirements
nafi-cfei
iaai-cfi
5+ years
analytical
microsoft office
fire science
A minimum of NAFI-CFEI with the ability to obtain an IAAI-CFI within 18 months.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
5+ years of related work experience in fire investigation or a related field.
Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
IAAI-CFI certification preferred.
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.
Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
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 write scopes of work clearly and coherently, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
AAS in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Forensic Science, or related experience as a fire investigator, firefighter, or law enforcement officer/investigator.
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.
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.
Benefits
Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with a non-exempt FLSA status. There may be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with to meet the demands of the position.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
1983 Founded
Year Established
The firm was established in 1983 by Robert E. Rimkus in Houston.
>110 Offices
Global Presence
Expanded to over 110 offices across 10 countries over four decades.
$100M–$500M Revenues
Financial Performance
The company reports strong annual revenues in the $100 million to $500 million range since 2024.
714 MW Wind Farms
Energy Projects
Engages in large-scale renewable energy projects, including 714 MW offshore wind farms.
Began as a home-based forensic engineering consultancy by chemical engineer Robert E. Rimkus.
Over four decades, expanded into a global network.
Financially backed by private equity partner HGGC since 2024.
Typical projects include double-deck tunnel assessments, run-of-river hydro plants, and other engineering challenges.
Core specialisms include forensic analysis of failures, built-environment consulting, expert witness services, and laboratory testing.
Standout capabilities include human performance labs, materials failure labs, forensic meteorology tools, and product safety testing.
Strategic acquisitions—like CCi in 2021—broadened its reach into building consulting and claims support.
Noteworthy for its in-house WeatherPath™ app, wildfire preparedness guidance, and forensic fire & explosion investigation teams.
Work bridges technical consulting, legal dispute resolution, construction oversight, and scientific testing, serving insurers, law firms, governments, and corporates.
Culture + Values
Do the right thing. Build trust and respect. We tell the truth.
We do what we say we will do. We provide exceptional customer service. We are all individually responsible for performance.
Excellence in everything we do. Innovation and continuous improvement. Our team members’ prosperity and well-being.
We are one team. We collaborate toward shared objectives. We help and support each other.
Environment + Sustainability
Offers greenhouse gas and carbon footprint analysis and benchmarking.
Conducts ASHRAE Level I, II, and III energy audits in buildings.
Designs and implements energy‑ and GHG‑reducing projects, with full engineering services.
Supports LEED and sustainability consulting across NC, CI, CS, EBOM project types.
Provides full assessments of building envelope, MEP systems, vertical transportation to optimize energy use.
Performs energy evaluation and submission for compliance with local energy‑reporting ordinances.
Inclusion & Diversity
1,500+ Employees
Global Workforce
Engages a diverse team spanning 110+ offices worldwide.
Has a dedicated DE&I committee promoting initiatives across the business and employee touchpoints.
Implements internal programs including employee surveys, trainings, and resources to foster inclusive culture.
Commits to bias awareness and key training in hiring to build and develop a strong, diverse talent pipeline.