Forensic Investigator/Property Custodian

City of St. Charles; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St. Charles is seeking a Forensic Investigator to support police investigations by processing crime scenes and managing the property room. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, with a focus on evidence collection and analysis. The position offers a competitive benefits package and requires a valid driver's license. Applicants must be prepared for 24/7 response to forensic needs.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• Three years of forensics experience in a police or law enforcement setting.
• Certification/training in digital/computer evidence recovery desired.

Responsibilities

• Timely response to crime scenes to process forensic evidence.
• Manage the intake, organization, disposal, and security of evidence.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in police administration

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Digital Imaging Systems

Job description

Supports police investigations in two ways; processing crime scenes for physical and digital evidence and utilizing and maintaining in-house crime lab for processing evidence; and overall management of on-site property room.

Forensic Investigator duties include:

• Timely response to crime scenes to process forensic evidence.
• Determining the appropriate means to process evidence and ensure proper chain of custody.
• Collection, processing, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence, to include internet history, emails, documents, images, and other files from smartphones, computers, and data storage devices.
• Work with officers to provide critical electronic evidence to support their investigations.
• Utilize and maintain crime lab and equipment for gathering evidence, which may include testifying in court concerning evidence.
• Serve as liaison to other criminal justice agencies.

Property Custodian duties include:

• Manage the intake, organization, disposal, and security of evidence and property in the property room to preserve chain of custody.
• Detailed physical and digital record keeping and documentation.
• Coordinate disposal of property and evidence as authorized by department regulations and state statutes.

• Associate’s degree in police administration, law enforcement, or related field ideally with an emphasis on forensic science (bachelors preferred).
• Three years of forensics experience in a police or law enforcement setting, with specialized training in investigations and/or forensics, and knowledge of property room control functions.
• Operate film and digital camera, proficient with digital imaging systems, Microsoft office suite, and other software programs.
• Strong organizational skills and written and interpersonal communication skills are a must.
• Certification/training in digital/computer evidence recovery (e.g. Cellebrite) desired, or ability to attain within one year of hire.
• Response to forensic needs 24/7 outside normal business hours and carry a city issued smartphone.
• Moderate physical activity with the ability to lift 60 lbs. and work under varying environmental conditions.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• If selected, successful completion of a background check, physical, functional capacity evaluation, and drug screen will be required.

Starting pay commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, prescription, vision, wellness incentives, life insurance, retirement plan with Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Mission Square retirement saving options, and much more!

If you are unable to apply online, or for other assistance, please contact 630-377-4446. Applicants are welcome to reapply for vacancies if they have previously applied.