Forensic Scientist III (Latent Print Unit)

Duties

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latent prints recovered from crime scenes.
• Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas.
• Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks.
• Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples.
• Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.
• Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable.
• Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
• Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework.
• Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
• Performs validations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations.
• Provides training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards.
• May assist in conducting internal audits within the Crime Laboratory as directed.
• May act in the Crime Lab Technical Leader’s or Crime Lab Unit Manager’s absence as directed.
• Performs related duties as directed.

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, criminalistics, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred. Additional coursework may be necessary.
• Minimum three (3) years at the Forensic Scientist II level; or five (5) years journey level experience in latent print examination with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS

• Unofficial college transcripts are required at the time of application and must be attached to your on-line application.
• Applications cannot be submitted without attached transcripts.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g., International Association for Identification (IAI). Successful completion of the ANAB Internal Auditor Training Course, or ANAB Assessor Training Course for Testing Laboratories or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.
• Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and Advanced Latent Print Comparison Courses. Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic analysis of latent print evidence is required.

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