Forensic Gemologist

Job Description

Purpose of Job

About USAA
USAA knows what it means to serve. We facilitate the financial security of millions of U.S. military members and their families. This singular mission requires a dedication to innovative thinking at every level.
Within defined guidelines and framework, performs gemological duties to include detailed quality assurance inspections, technical support, evaluations of claims replacement jewelry merchandise, source and price quote information, and salvage of jewelry.
We are searching for an individual that has expertise in identifying gemstones, determining the condition of the jewelry, and grading all diamonds and gemstones. This individual will work onsite in our home office in San Antonio, TX.

Job Requirements

Job Duties

• Identifies and manages existing and emerging risks that stem from business activities and the job role.
• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled.
• Follows written risk and compliance policies, standards, and procedures for business activities.
• Photographs, inspects, and identifies the nature or cause of damage on member-owned merchandise and prepares laboratory reports with findings.
• Performs detailed quality assurance inspections; appraises and evaluates claims replacement jewelry merchandise and completes and maintains related documentation.
• Acts as liaison with internal Master Jeweler, external suppliers, manufacturers, appraisers and gemological institutes regarding repairs, third-party arbitration, and quality of manufactured items.
• Responsible for jewelry salvage including the inventory of items, disposal of items at the optimal price and reporting salvage proceeds.
• Provides technical support to facilitate the settlement of claims including writing reports and providing testimony for purposes of arbitration and/or court proceedings.
• Provides expertise to internal business partners regarding jewelry insurability and recognition of possible acts of fraud.
• Records and provides source, price quote, and technical expertise from external sources for internal requests (i.e., external appraisals for underwriting verification).
• Organizes and maintains gemological reference materials and maintains related equipment and supplies.
• Maintains product knowledge such as value and quality and stays abreast of related industry trends.

Minimum Experience

• Bachelor’s degree OR 4 additional years (8 Total) of related experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Current Graduate Gemologist or Professional Gemologist certification.
• 4 years of experience identifying, selecting, matching, assessing and grading diamonds and colored gemstones.
• Knowledge of gem/diamond recut estimations and jewelry repair capabilities.
• Ability to work in conjunction with Master Jeweler to make recommendations for jewelry repair.

Preferred Experience

• 8-10 years proven ability identifying gemstones, assessing condition of jewelry and grading diamonds and gemstones.
• Ability to differentiate between damage and inherent vice on gemstones and determine cause of loss on jewelry.
• Proven Jewelry Appraisal-writing skills.

Compensation:

USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market position. The salary range for this position is: $66,300 - $119,500.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance or at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

Geographical Differential: Geographic pay differential is additional pay provided to eligible employees working in locations where market pay levels are above the national average.

Shift premium will be addressed on an individual basis for applicable roles that are consistently scheduled for non-core hours.

Benefits:

At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

Please click on the link below for more details.

USAA Total Rewards

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.