High Water Academy

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Sponsor

We are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Kris “Tanto” Paronto – former Army Ranger, co-author of 13 Hours, author of The Ranger Way and The Patriot’s Creed, and one of the real-life heroes portrayed in 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi – as well as Rick Gardner of Administrative Strategies (AdStrat), to launch a groundbreaking initiative: the High Water Academy.

One-of-a-Kind Training

This program is designed specifically to offer our nation’s heroes a rewarding new career path in the field of flood insurance adjusting. Each class will train up to 20 students, providing the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in this high-demand industry. Most importantly, graduates will receive guaranteed job placement upon completion.

This field is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and have a strong desire to help others during difficult times.

At High Water Academy, we believe in equipping our heroes with real opportunities, practical training, and the support they need to succeed in civilian life. We’re honored to help build a new future – one mission at a time.

First course: July 20 – Aug 1st in Littleton, NC

Through the generous support of the Boots Laced Up Foundation, we fully cover the cost of tuition, along with the following:

  • A job-ready laptop
  • Lodging for the duration of the course

Please Note: Students are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to and from the training and lodging location.

Course description

Course Title: Flood Insurance Adjuster & Examiner Certification Program
Duration: 2 weeks (intensive training)
Format: In-person
Target Audience: Military service members, honorably discharged veterans, retired veterans, and disabled veterans (to include their spouses and children over 21 years of age)

Pre-requisites: No prior experience required; must be 21+, eligible to work in the U.S., and be a military service member, honorably discharged veteran, retired veteran, or the spouse or child of an eligible veteran

Course Description:
This two-week certification course prepares you to become a qualified Flood Insurance Adjuster and Examiner, equipping you with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to assess flood damage, interpret policy coverage, and process claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and other relevant guidelines.
 
Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on estimating practice, real-world case studies, and claims simulation exercises, you’ll learn the full lifecycle of a flood insurance claim – from property inspection to final settlement. You’ll also gain valuable insight into field protocols, adjusting software (such as Xactimate), FEMA compliance requirements, and customer communication best practices.
What You’ll Learn:
  • Fundamentals of flood insurance and NFIP policy structure
  • How to inspect flood-damaged properties and identify loss types
  • Use of claim estimation software (Xactimate or equivalent)
  • Writing professional estimates and proof of loss documentation
  • FEMA and NFIP adjusting standards and ethics
  • Communicating effectively with policyholders and insurers
  • Claims workflow, file documentation, and audit preparation
  • Field safety, time management, and deployment readiness
Course Features:
  • Instructor-led training from licensed industry professionals that have over 100 years of cumulative experience
  • Real-world flood scenarios and adjusting simulations
  • Training in claims writing software and documentation standards
  • Review of federal guidelines and best practices for compliance
  • Certificate of Completion and preparation for licensing exams (if required by your state)
  • Guidance on how to get deployed and begin working immediately after graduation
  • Ongoing support thru Adjusters Group of America on all claims
Outcome:
By the end of this course, you will be ready to operate as an entry-level flood adjuster and examiner, prepared for both independent contract work and potential deployment in flood-affected areas. Graduates will leave with a certificate of completion, a working knowledge of industry tools and standards, and a clear pathway to beginning a career in disaster recovery and insurance adjusting.
Job description
Job Title: Flood Insurance Adjuster and Examiner
Industry: Insurance / disaster recovery
Job Type: Fieldwork & desk-based / full-time or contract
Job Description Overview:
As a Flood Insurance Adjuster and Examiner, you will play a critical role in helping individuals and businesses recover from flood-related damage. This profession combines investigative fieldwork with analytical and customer service skills to assess damages, determine policy coverage, and ensure timely and accurate claims processing. You will be responsible for inspecting properties, evaluating the extent of flood damage, interpreting insurance policies, and preparing detailed reports and settlements.
This is a high-impact, often fast-paced role that requires precision, communication, and empathy. The job may involve travel to flood-affected areas, working under FEMA or NFIP guidelines, and collaborating with homeowners, contractors, and insurance carriers.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Damage assessment: Travel to flood-impacted properties to conduct on-site inspections and document the extent of structural and content damage using standardized methods and tools.
  • Policy interpretation: Review and interpret flood insurance policies (especially under the National Flood Insurance Program – NFIP) to determine coverage eligibility and limitations.
  • Claim documentation: Gather relevant data including photos, repair estimates, proof of loss forms, and witness statements to support the claim.
  • Estimate writing: Use software such as Xactimate to prepare repair estimates based on industry-standard pricing and guidelines.
  • Claim adjustment: Evaluate all submitted documentation to calculate and recommend appropriate claim settlements.
  • Reporting: Prepare detailed reports, including a comprehensive explanation of how the claim decision was reached, and submit to insurance carriers or supervising agencies.
  • Communication: Maintain clear and professional communication with policyholders, contractors, and insurance representatives throughout the claims process.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to federal, state, and program-specific regulations (such as FEMA and NFIP standards) to ensure legal and ethical adjusting practices.
What to Expect in This Career:
  • Travel-intensive work: Especially during flood events or disasters, you may be deployed to affected regions and work long hours in challenging conditions.
  • High Responsibility: Your evaluations directly impact the financial recovery of families and businesses.
  • Seasonal Opportunities: Many adjusters work on a contract basis and may have periods of high activity depending on flood seasons and natural disasters.
  • Remote & Field-Based Balance: Some aspects of the job, like report writing and claim review, may be performed remotely.
  • Opportunities for Growth: Experienced adjusters may become examiners, supervisors, or open their own adjusting firms.
  • Strong Income Potential: Especially during disaster seasons, licensed and experienced adjusters can earn a substantial income based on volume and efficiency.
Who Should Consider This Career:
This field is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and have a strong desire to help others during difficult times. A background in construction, insurance, or customer service can be helpful, but the field is also open to those new to the industry with the right training and certification.

Application process

  1. Download and complete the application form.
  2. Click “Apply” below and upload completed form with all required documents.
  3. Our team will review your application to verify eligibility and course availability. We may follow up via phone or email for any additional information.
  4. Once your application has been approved, we will contact you with next steps. If for some reason we are unable to approve your application, we will let you know about that as well.

Timeline

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that we have received it. Please allow up to 7 business days for us to process the application. We will follow up with you from there on next steps.

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