Forensic Science Specialist

Duties

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

• Takes photographs of crime scenes and suspects; photographs scenes of accidents; takes casts of shoe prints, tire marks, and other impressions as directed
• Photographs, handles, and fingerprints deceased bodies at crime scenes and after autopsies
• Identifies, collects, and preserves all matters of evidence as directed or released to his/her custody; prepares evidence for submission to laboratories
• Processes crime scenes and related evidence for latent fingerprints for use in criminal proceedings
• Assists in fingerprinting and photographing prisoners and others as directed
• Prepares crime scene reports and sketches
• Maintains records with computer entries and written reports
• Operates a crime scene vehicle to respond to service locations
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
• This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree in Forensic Science, a Forensic Science field or closely related field
• Or Certificate in the Forensic Science field
• One (1) year related experience
• Knowledge of photography, fingerprint development, evidence handling, and report writing preferred
• Successfully complete the forensics written examination
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods used in locating, collecting, and preserving physical evidence and the use of such evidence in establishing guilt or innocence
• Knowledge of and competency in fingerprinting and modern latent print processing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of and competency in police photography
• Knowledge of and competency in modern criminal investigation methods and criminal identification techniques
• Ability to give qualifying testimony in the field of fingerprinting, photography, latent fingerprint development and collection and preservation of evidence
• Ability to successfully complete the Crime Scene Academy, Field Training, and Evaluation Program
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Physical Abilities - The physical abilities listed below are requirements to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

• Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye. Must be able to properly identify and differentiate colors
• Hearing acuity, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at either 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each ear
• Ability to climb stairs, steps, and expandable ladders, while carrying necessary equipment
• Operate motor vehicles in a safe and efficient manner, day or night, in compliance with all state laws and regulations regarding operation and licensure
• Process crime scenes and mix chemicals while wearing a full face respirator
• Sit up to 7 hours per day
• Stand up to 8 hours per day
• Walk up to 8 hours per day
• Drive up to 4 hours per day
• Occasionally lift up to 75 lbs.
• Continuously reach
• Frequently bend, crawl, squat, climb, kneel and twist

A member may be exposed to a wide range of any of the following conditions, which may be unpleasant and uncomfortable:

• Wetness (water) from high humidity at night, fog, scenes processed in wet areas
• Slippery walking surfaces due to water at fire, crash scenes, roofs of structures, any scene processed in rainy/damp conditions
• Debris from broken glass, fire, roof accidents, uneven terrain, natural disasters, and/or overhead structures
• Frequent close contact with other forensic science specialists/peers, supervisors, citizens, arrested subjects, and deceased bodies
• The need for flexibility in limited service locations, attics, crawlspaces, inside and under vehicles
• Loud noise at service locations, to include, but not limited to, crash scenes, construction sites, detention facilities, alarms/sirens and/or generator use
• Possibility of burns due to service at fire scenes, crash scenes, and/or chemicals used in advanced crime scene procedures
• Constant fingerprint dusting powders and dust and dirt associated with outdoor service locations
• Pollen and insect and animal bites at any outdoor service location
• Toxic chemicals used in advanced crime scene processing, containers formerly used to store/transport narcotics or evidence from arson scenes
• Fumes of decomposing human or animal remains
• Frequent handling of evidence suspected of being exposed to the Hepatitis, AIDS virus, humans suspected of having Tuberculosis or Meningitis, and being present at scenes where there is a great deal of blood shed

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