Forensic Scientist/Crime Scene Analyst

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Forensic Scientist/Crime Scene Analyst investigates crime scenes in various locations in the city; assists with sealing the crime scene to protect and preserve important and critical evidence. Collects fingerprints/palm prints, tire and shoe prints, tool mark impressions, firearms, wound imprints of the deceased person(s), hair, clothing, fibers, and biological evidence or any other physical evidence deemed necessary to facilitate positive identification and/or elimination analyzes and records crime scenes showing correlation between evidence and the scene. Performs various chemical and photographic processes in the field or laboratory. Attends autopsies to photograph injuries and fingerprint the deceased for identification purposes and collect relevant physical evidence. Photographs evidence at the crime scene that specifically correlates with collected data and other evidence deemed appropriate for the case. Processes evidence in the laboratory using latent print powders, chemical solutions, forensic light sources, and various cameras, lenses, and filters in order to develop and preserve evidence. Ensures that all persons who enter/visit the crime scene do not tamper with any evidence to avoid "evidence tampering" which might become an issue in court proceedings.
• Additionally, the incumbent assists with improving operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly with other scientists/staff members or the public to provide seamless customer service. Observes/complies with the established and/or standard evidence control procedures to maintain the proper chain-of-custody of evidence, collected evidence, proper packaging, and storage to maintain integrity, and ensures evidence is locked securely in a designated location before and after analysis. Utilizes computer software to analyze results of tests in order to perform calculations and keeps up to date on current studies, best industry practices, pamphlet, journals, and books for use in devising established methods in testing and evaluations; develops charts, graphs, and tables as aids to conduct tests; evaluates laboratory test results in the area of concern; prepares technical reports on findings and project results. Testifies in court in connection with the evidence processed, developed, and preserved as well as any examinations or analyses performed. Prepares detailed reports and supplements; accepts documents, and bar-codes evidence associated with each crime scene case.

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

Requirements

Qualifications and Education

• This is an interdisciplinary position that involves work in two different occupational series and may be filled under the Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene), 0401 series or the Crime Scene Analyst, 0301 series, relative to the qualifications of the candidate selected.

Basic Requirements

• Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
• Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.


• In addition, applicants must have Specialized Experience. Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensure and Certifications

• None – However, incumbent must be able to successfully complete the DFS Crime Scene Sciences Competency Testing. Certification from the International Association for Identification.

Work Environment

• This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position are designated as safety-sensitive and shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.
• The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
• Work is performed in the field at the crime scenes; in the laboratory during the analysis, and autopsies, as well as in an office setting when preparing documentation/reports, etc. Also work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements and travel/walk over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood borne pathogens and is required to follow safe field and laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, etc. May be exposed to various objectionable material (e.g., pornography, etc.). The work may require the incumbent to be in unstable locations necessitating the wearing of a ballistic safety vest. The position requires the use of electronic communication devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, communication radios, and wireless computers.

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