Forensic Science Specialist

Duties:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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;
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science, a Forensic Science Field or closely related field OR Certificate in the Forensic Science field AND
• 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
• Occasionally crawl, squat, climb, kneel, or twist

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