Criminalist I

Duties

This is the trainee level in the Criminalist series. Incumbents work under direct supervision while developing the experience required to perform at the fully qualified journey-level.

The Criminalist I classification is distinguished from the Criminalist II in that the latter classification is expected to perform journey-level analysis and casework.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with and conduct laboratory examinations and analyses in the identification and comparison of physical evidence;
• Compares analytical findings with known standards;
• Analyzes a wide variety of materials and objects which may constitute physical evidence;
• Conduct field investigations at crime scenes to search for, collect and preserve physical evidence for laboratory analysis;
• Reconstruct situations using physical evidence to aid in the interpretation of relationships amongst persons, instruments, or materials with the crime;
• Study new techniques, procedures and methodology in the field of criminalistics;
• Conduct research in the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment for the solution of problems in laboratory or field identification of evidence;
• Prepare detailed reports of forensic analyses and findings;
• Draft case notes for administrative review;
• Maintain case files and records;
• Interact with law enforcement personnel to obtain information about evidence and cases;
• Serve as a consultant to other law enforcement agencies;
• Prepare and present detailed written reports;
• Testify in court as an expert witness on findings and interpretation;
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on laboratory instruments;
• Responds promptly to time-sensitive incidents by driving either a personal or county vehicle to remote or distant locations as required, ensuring timely resolution and support based on the nature and urgency of the situation;
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

Incumbents in the class of Criminalist I are eligible for promotion to Criminalist II upon meeting the minimum requirements and receiving a satisfactory work progress report. Employees must qualify for promotion within 24 months or be terminated.

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

Requirements

Education

• A bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics, or a closely related field is required (per ANAB accreditation standards).

Transcripts

• A legible copy of your college transcripts that includes BOTH degree and coursework information must be attached to the application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Degree AND coursework information MUST be clearly listed on both the application AND transcripts; otherwise your application will not be accepted.

Note: Criminal Justice courses are not acceptable.

DNA Option: Candidates interested in assignment to the DNA Unit of the laboratory must have passed the following courses, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Quality Assurance Standards: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and either Statistics or Population Genetics.

Note: Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. (Must be attached if applicable.)

Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the results of the evaluation, may be referred to a selection interview.

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