Forensic Specialist/Lateral Entry

The Position
This position operates on a 4/10 schedule and will be required to work weekends, evenings, nights, holidays and on a rotating on-call schedule. Incumbents will be working in the field in all weather conditions, laboratory and general office settings. Physical demands of the position include climbing, crawling, bending, lifting, pushing and/or pulling objects weighing up to 55 lbs., exposure to blood-borne, air-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, various chemicals and tolerating adverse conditions.
The ideal candidate for this position will possess:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interpret and present data in a clear and concise manner.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills by cultivating positive working relationships and facilitating the exchange of information.
• The embodiment for the City's Approach to Public Service- Commitment to the Community, Achieving Excellence Through Teamwork, and Doing the Right Thing the Right Way.
• The qualities of a 5 Tool Player Leader, Thinker, Operator, Communicator, and Public Servant.

Examples of Essential Functions

The functions typically performed by the Forensic Specialist include the following:

• Conducts crime scene investigations; identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence including fingerprints, firearm evidence, trace evidence, shoe/tire impression evidence and physiological fluids.
• Documents crime scene investigations and major traffic collisions using conventional, digital and video photography, including aerial photography.
• Develops, collects and/or preserves friction ridge evidence using powders, chemicals and alternate light source technology.
• Scans, marks minutiae, and searches latent prints in the Automated Palm Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS).
• Analyzes, compares, evaluates and verifies latent prints against rolled or scanned prints.
• Conducts serial number restoration on firearms and other metal surfaces.
• Processes evidence collected at the crime scene for other forms of physical, physiological, and trace evidence.
• Performs presumptive chemical identification examinations on various types of biological evidence
• Takes measurements of crimes scenes and completes sketches for court displays.
• Interviews victims and witnesses and completes composite sketches.
• Attends Post-Mortem examination of deceased persons and assists the pathologist in the documentation, recovery and preservation of medico-legal evidence.
• Prepares detailed reports of investigations and/or forensic examinations conducted.
• Presents findings of investigations or examinations conducted in a court of law as an expert witness.
• Performs routine safety and maintenance checks of Forensic vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains departmental photographic and forensic equipment and supplies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

Education

High school diploma or recognized equivalent.

Experience
One year of forensic experience including fingerprint analysis, evidence collection and processing, and crime scene photography and documentation or six months of experience as a Forensic Specialist Trainee.

Licenses

Valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment.

Special Requirements

Ability to work various shifts, weekends, and holidays. May be required to return to work during non-business hours in emergency situations.

Desirable
College-level coursework in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical/ Life Science or a closely related field. Photography experience with digital cameras.