Forensic Investigator

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to calls for forensic services from department personnel.
• Photograph items, persons, and scenes as needed or requested.
• Process crime scenes for evidence.
• Collect evidence discovered during the investigative process.
• Preserve evidence and maintain the chain-of-custody according to current best practices and standards.
• Examine and determine techniques and procedures to be used in the development of latent prints on diverse items of physical evidence by using physical, chemical, optical, or any combination of techniques appropriate for the item being examined.
• Preserve and/or photograph latent print evidence, and makes necessary comparisons with known inked impressions.
• Write supplement reports that accurately describe their activities, involvement and observations in crime scene investigations.
• Complete forms and other paperwork as needed or required.
• Testify and present evidence in court when requested.
• Safely operate FIU vehicles in accordance with governing laws and policies.
• Transports property, evidence, or other materials as required.
• Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and rules applicable to the FIU.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Follow all firearms, hazardous materials and general safety protocols.
• Attend training sessions and seminars as required to improve job performance and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law.
• Adhere to assigned work schedules as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Work extra hours or irregular shifts, including days, evening, nights, weekends and Holidays when required.
• Operate a personal computer, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, mobile data computer (MDC), e-mail, internet, or other computer programs.
• Maintain manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, logs, and other materials for reference and/or review.
• Communicate with supervisors, officers, co-workers, dispatchers, emergency/medical, fire, and jail personnel, court officials, attorneys, victims, other agencies, and other individuals as needed to obtain information, coordinate activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Create and maintain positive public relations with the general public.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS

• Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
• The ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.
• The ability to coordinate activities, projects, and programs.
• The ability to operate and use equipment or power tools to perform essential job functions.
• The ability to perform basic mathematics, calculate decimals, fractions and percentages, and to interpret graphs.
• The ability to interpret verbal and/or written instructions, and to exercise reasonable judgment to adopt or modify methods and procedures to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• The ability to perform semi-skilled coordinated movements, such as those required to operate motor vehicles.
• The ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates and others with respect.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or other natural science related field, supplemented by formal training in crime scene investigation, latent print processing and identification, crime scene photography and/or any other specialized technique related to crime scene investigation.
• Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years or more full-time experience processing crime scenes.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a psychological evaluation, polygraph exam, drug screen, driving record, and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver's License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Tasks involve regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). Regular tasks also involve hearing, seeing, smelling and talking. Some tasks may require the ability to lift or exert force up to one-hundred plus (100+) pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Dynamic environment that requires one to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Perform outdoor job functions and tasks in all weather conditions.

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