Criminalist II / Forensics Biology

Duties

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.
• Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Crime Scene Investigation, Computer Forensics, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Print Processing, Friction Ridge Comparison.
• Examines evidence, evaluates findings and interprets results utilizing various techniques including photography, microscopy, DNA typing, data searching and recovery, and digital processing.
• Consults and advises law enforcement, attorneys and the courts regarding nature of evidence or the results of laboratory analyses and their meaning.
• Testifies on the results of laboratory analyses and may interpret the findings for the courts and other legal hearings.
• Prepares clear, comprehensive, technically sound and accurate casework reports, including all determined facts and conclusions.
• Maintains laboratory, instruments, equipment and glassware in a constant state of cleanliness, order, and good repair.
• Participates in validation studies or performance verifications for new procedures, methods and/or equipment.
• Prepares laboratory technical procedures manual.
• Ensures analysis practices maintain adherence to accreditation standards.
• Acts in a lead capacity in a forensic discipline. Provides training to other Criminalists on new procedures, equipment, research, and/or best practices.
• Ensures responsibility for the chain of custody, security, and control of evidence while it is in the possession of the Crime Lab.
• Performs administrative and law enforcement support activities.
• May act as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.
• Drives on City business.
• Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

When assigned to the Forensic Biology Unit:

• Conducts forensic examination of evidentiary items submitted to DNA laboratory to identify, isolate, and collect bodily fluid samples, appropriate for forensic DNA examination.
• Conducts scientific examination of DNA samples by biochemical and physical methods, including DNA extraction, PCR setup, and uses specialized analytical instrumentation to develop accurate DNA profiles.
• Interprets analytical results of DNA testing through use of accepted methodologies, including genetic typing software. Conducts peer review of profiles and interpretations done by other employees.
• Ensures proper use of scientific equipment used in DNA testing, including modern genetic analytical instrumentation.

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

Requirements

Experience

• Three years of recent experience as an analyst conducting independent casework in an accredited crime laboratory or five years of equivalent experience in a non-accredited crime laboratory.
• Experience in forensic DNA analysis is desirable.

Education/Training when assigned to the Forensic Biology Unit:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college or university. Coursework in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Statistics/Population Genetics highly desirable.
• Candidates seeking appointment to a Forensic Biology assignment must meet the educational requirements for DNA Analyst as detailed in the current revision of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories issued by the FBI Director. Must complete at least nine semester units (or equivalent credit hours) in biology, genetics, molecular biology AND statistics and/or population statistics coursework.

License(s)/Certification(s)

• Valid Class C California Driver's License.
• Certifications through the International Association for Identification are highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable safety rules, practices and procedures.
• Basic laboratory safety procedures.
• Basic principles involved in scientific methodology.
• Basic principles of chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, and statistics as related to analytical laboratory work, and the principles, theory and operation of scientific instruments and apparatuses used in the Criminalistics Laboratory.
• Modern criminal investigation and identification techniques and procedures.
• Procedures, practices and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of evidence.
• Techniques of scientific research, analysis and report writing.

Skill in:

• Reading, writing and communicating in English to obtain crime scene information, to produce reports and to testify in court.
• Use of a personal computer including computer graphics/digital imaging and software applications as they relate to forensic applications and processes.

Ability to:

• Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
• Administer and evaluate proficiency testing.
• Analyze, interpret and present data and outcomes to a broad audience, including law enforcement agencies, the courts and other agencies.
• Apply theories and principles of chemistry and forensic science to forensic casework situations.
• Assess the adequacy of technical and administrative review activities.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including when serving as an expert witness in the presentation of laboratory findings.
• Document activities in an accurate and clear manner.
• Establish and maintain smooth and effective working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Establish competency and maintain proficiency in specialty disciplines where casework is performed.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Foster a teamwork environment.
• Gather and analyze physical evidence and formulate conclusions.
• Initiate, manage, and coordinate investigation of technical issues, recommend corrective/preventive actions, conduct root cause analyses, and verify completion of corrective action plans.
• Lead, coach, instruct and motivate employees.
• Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Monitor and ensure continued compliance with state laws, laboratory licensing requirements, external accreditation standards, the most recent ANAB Policy on the Estimation of Uncertainty of Measurement, Measurement Traceability, Department policies, and Crime Laboratory operational standards and quality management system.
• Monitor and maintain control of documentation for the laboratory operations, quality manual, technical procedures, personnel testimony evaluations, case records, technical records, instrument calibration, maintenance records, training records, competency testing, quality assurance records and documentation related to the quality system.
• Perform a variety of basic chemical, instrumental, biological, digital and other laboratory analyses.
• Prepare and maintain analytical and other laboratory records and technical reports.
• Prepare the Crime Laboratory for external on-site assessments and audits.
• Provide clear work instruction.
• Resolve analytical problems arising from casework through consultation of the scientific literature and/or applied research.
• Schedule and conduct periodic internal quality system audits
• Schedule and coordinate periodic management reviews.
• Study and keep current of new techniques and procedures in the specialized areas of forensics.
• Use the scientific method to solve a variety of complex problems to explain the significance of the results obtained.
• Work effectively in a highly structured environment.

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