Certified Property Appraiser, Independent Contractor (1099) (58193)

U.S. Forensic, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. The firm’s capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. U.S. Forensic tailors its consulting engineering services to meet each client’s unique needs, and its experienced forensic engineers and investigators support a wide range of industries. As part of the ATS family, the company also offers expanded capabilities in testing, inspection, and calibration when a broader scope of services is required.

Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets, including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today, ATS employs nearly 2,100 team members across more than 95 locations throughout the United States.

Together, U.S. Forensic and ATS are driven by a shared purpose to create a safe and reliable world, delivering assurance through precise technical and professional services.

Position Overview:

U.S. Forensic’s sister company, Forte, provides technical expertise to the property and casualty insurance industry, helping clients achieve fair, accurate, and timely resolutions of disputed property claims. We are seeking motivated professionals interested in building a successful career in property insurance appraisal and developing their expertise within the industry.

This opportunity is designed for newly certified appraisers and experienced claims professionals transitioning into the appraisal field. The selected candidate will inspect damaged residential and commercial properties, prepare detailed repair estimates, document findings, and work with opposing appraisers to establish the amount of loss.

The ideal candidate is dependable, professional, coachable, detail-oriented, and committed to producing high-quality work. Forte will provide guidance regarding company procedures, client expectations, reporting standards, and quality assurance requirements. Candidates should already possess a solid foundation in property claims, damage evaluation, and estimating.

Location:   Preferred locations include Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, and California. Candidates should be willing to support appraisal assignments throughout their state.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect residential and commercial properties damaged by wind, hail, fire, water, and other reported causes of loss.
• Review assignment instructions, carrier estimates, contractor estimates, photographs, measurements, and relevant claim documentation.
• Accurately identify and document the scope and extent of physical damage.
• Prepare complete, itemized repair or replacement cost estimates using Xactimate.
• Take clear photographs, measurements, notes, and other documentation necessary to support appraisal conclusions.
• Prepare professional narrative reports explaining inspection findings, estimate decisions, and areas of disagreement.
• Communicate professionally with opposing appraisers, umpires, adjusters, contractors, and property owners.
• Compare estimates and negotiate differences involving scope, quantities, pricing, and repair methodology.
• Remain neutral and independent while evaluating the amount of loss.
• Submit estimates, reports, awards, and supporting documentation for quality assurance review before finalizing an appraisal.
• Complete requested revisions accurately and within established turnaround times.
• Maintain timely status updates and organized electronic claim files.
• Meet company and client deadlines while managing multiple assignments.
• Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, appraisal standards, client guidelines, and Forte procedures.
• Limit appraisal decisions to the scope and amount of loss while avoiding coverage determinations reserved for the insurance carrier.
• Participate in training, coaching, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five years of residential or commercial property claims experience is preferred.
• Active Property and Casualty Adjuster License in applicable jurisdictions, where required.
• Property appraisal certification or completion of recognized appraisal training.
• Working knowledge of property construction, roofing systems, building materials, repair methods, and damage evaluation.
• Familiarity with Xactimate; Xactimate certification is preferred.
• Familiarity with XactAnalysis is beneficial.
• Ability to prepare detailed, accurate, and itemized repair estimates within the established SLA timeframes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment and the ability to remain impartial during disputed claims.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, web browsers, PDF software, and electronic claim-management systems.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to property inspection locations.
• Must pass a background check and maintain an acceptable MVR in accordance with company policy and client requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling wind, hail, fire, water, roofing, or large-loss claims.
• Familiarity with EagleView, Hover, or similar property measurement platforms.
• Construction, restoration, roofing, estimating, or building-code experience.
• Prior experience communicating with contractors, adjusters, policyholders, or other claim professionals.
• Experience preparing estimates, reports, or other documentation that may be reviewed by clients or appraisal-panel members.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability

Applied Technical Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

U.S. Persons Only

A requirement of this position is access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, the company will consider only "U.S. Persons" for this position. A "U.S. Person" includes (a) U.S. citizens or nationals; (b) U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., "green card" holders); (c) persons granted refugee status; or (d) persons granted asylum in the United States. This information is collected solely for purposes of complying with U.S. export control requirements and will not be used to unlawfully discriminate in the hiring process.

Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.