Criminalist II

Duties

• Performs microscopic, chemical, comparative and/or other analytical techniques and methods during scientific analyses.
• Applies scientific analytical methods to screen, document, collect and test for or identify body fluids and trace evidence such as hairs, fibers, blood, semen and saliva.
• Provides support to crime scene investigations through specialized techniques that require detailed technical knowledge and training.
• Provides close to general supervision at crime scenes to ensure proper methods for processing, collection, labeling and transportation of evidence.
• Prepares analytical reports based on findings and interpretations and offers technical expertise in court.
• Provides training and support for Criminalist I's and Evidence Technicians.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of guidelines and accepted practices in the field of forensics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

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

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic, physical, natural/biological science or criminal justice with a science background from an accredited institution -AND- three years of qualifying experience in law enforcement, forensics or other closely related fields.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of scientific examination methods and procedures sufficient to evaluate, compare and identify physical and fingerprint evidence;
• Laws, regulations and the processes involved in the criminal justice system;
• Boise Police crime lab policies and procedures;
• ISO 17025 standards;
• One or more forensic specialties.

Ability to

• Provide training and consultation services to professional criminal justice and scientific audiences and testify as an expert regarding forensic examinations performed;
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment;
• Present conclusions in a court of law as an expert witness;
• Perform work compliant with ISO 17025 standards, including standard operating procedures and quality assurance guidelines;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Master's degree in criminal justice or forensic science.

Knowledge of

• Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (ABIS/MBIS);
• Training in criminal investigations;
• Advanced crime scene reconstruction (shooting, bloodstain, etc.).

Preferred Certifications

• Certification from the International Association for Identification in crime scene investigation and/or latent print examination.
• Certification from the American Board of Criminalistics.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Complete in-house and formalized training to obtain latent print or crime scene investigation certification (dependent on authorized disciplines) within three years from the International Association for Identification.

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be able to pass
• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Education Verification
• Polygraph Exam
• Boise Police Department Criminal Justice Information System Background Check (BPD CJIS)

Working Conditions

• The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds.
• Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level is occasionally moderate.
• Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch.
• Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance.
• Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment

• The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter.
• Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces.
• Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
• Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
• This position works at crime scenes which may be hazardous or unsanitary, located in houses, buildings, outdoors in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Individuals will be regularly subjected to viewing evidence of violence or trauma, including graphic and disturbing crime scenes of homicide, sexual assault, robbery, traffic accidents, animal abuse, arson, and autopsy subjects (deceased persons, children and animals), and related evidence at all stages during the investigation and prosecution of crimes.
• Work includes protected exposure to explosives and narcotics (to include fentanyl).

This position works: on call to respond to crime scenes as required.

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