Forensic Investigator

Employee will support the daily operations of the Forensic Services Unit and assist with crime scene and evidence chain of custody, and processing when applicable. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all DNA-related workflows, including submissions and tracking.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for outside law enforcement agencies seeking to submit evidence to FSU for examination and processing.
• Receives evidence submissions from outside law enforcement agencies and ensures proper chain of custody, packaging, and supportive documentation as established by FSU submission guidelines.
• Enters evidence items into MCDB/PSP records management system (RMS/BEAST) as needed.
• Initiates cellular phone download procedures according to best practices and FSU policy.
• Responds to crime and crash scenes to assist FSU members with their forensic documentation and processing responsibilities, occasionally outside regular business hours.
• Operates the FSU crime scene truck in support of crime and crash scene investigations undertaken by FSU members.
• Conduct 3D Laser Scans as needed of crime and crash scenes.
• Assist with weekly test runs of Rapid DNA instrument and prepares DNA shipments.
• Disseminates all DNA leads both to internal and external agencies.
• Maintain relevant Excell spreadsheets pertaining to FSU statistics
• General understanding of firearms related evidence and associated components.
• Develop an understanding of the various forensic databases.
• Latent Fingerprint Screening and Pattern Recognition.
• Attendance at autopsy to assist with evidence collection.
• If applicable, this position may require availability during designated on call hours.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• High school diploma.
• Some college credits.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice/Court Systems.
• Previous training/experience in crime scene/crash investigation procedures.
• Communication: oral & written (including grammar).
• Follow supervisory directions and seek the same appropriately.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee must use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift or move over25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Investigations at crime/crash scenes may involve noise levels of increased volume or unfavorable weather conditions.