Forensic Technician I - Sheriff's Department

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County in Tucson, AZ seeks a Forensic Technician I to document crime scenes and evidence with advanced digital cameras, drones, and 3D lidar. The role includes collecting latent fingerprints, maintaining chain of custody, and preparing detailed reports for investigations.

Work may occur in the field or lab, with rotating shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates need at least one year of photographic work experience or law enforcement forensic experience, plus

Qualifications

• One year of work experience in a photographic field using digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses.
• OR one year of experience as a crime scene/forensic technician with a law enforcement agency.
• Completion of an industry-recognized professional forensic photography certification program.

Responsibilities

• Document crime scenes and evidence using advanced digital cameras, drones, and 3D lidar scanners.
• Develop and preserve latent fingerprint evidence using powders, chemicals, and forensic light sources.
• Identify and collect evidence while maintaining chain of custody documentation.
• Testify in court, at hearings, and depositions.

Skills

Photography experience

Crime scene photography

Documentation

Education

College/university degree or coursework in photography/forensic science

Forensic photography certification program

Tools

DSLR cameras

Mirrorless cameras

Drone (UAS)

3D lidar scanners

Photo lab equipment

Job description

Job Description Summary Department - Sheriff's Department Job Description Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5689 - Forensic Technician I Salary Grade: 8 Pay Range Hiring Range: $23.98 - $28.19 Per Hour Pay Range: $23.98 - $32.39 Per Hour Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. The Forensic Technician I conducts forensic crime scene and evidence investigations. Primary responsibilities include the documentation of crime scenes and evidence using advanced digital cameras and other technologies; the development and collection of latent fingerprint evidence using powders, chemicals and forensic light sources; and the detection and collection of physical and biological evidence. Results of work are used for criminal and civil case investigations. Work may be conducted in the field or in a laboratory. This position may be required to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Schedule rotation may be required.

Essential Functions:

• Uses advanced digital camera systems and photographic techniques, unmanned aerial systems (drones) and 3D lidar scanners to document crime scenes, traffic collisions, evidence, autopsies, victims & suspects
• Develops, documents and preserves latent fingerprint evidence using a variety of methods including powders, chemicals & forensic light sources at crime scenes and in laboratory
• Identifies, collects, and packages evidence while maintaining chain of custody documentation
• Collaborates with law enforcement officers, detectives, and other forensic specialist during investigations
• Uses photo lab equipment and wide format printers to create charts, diagrams and photographic prints
• Operates and maintains forensic equipment and ensures compliance with safety and quality control standards
• Prepares detailed written reports and documentation
• Testifies in court, at hearings, defense interviews & depositions
• Uses advanced digital camera system, portable lighting systems and studio lighting systems to photograph department activities, events and employee portraits
• Uses image enhancement, point cloud registration and mapping/diagramming software
• Instructs law enforcement personnel in crime and collision scene photography, the collection and preservation of evidence, and latent fingerprint processing
• Represents the department and makes presentations to the public regarding forensics and crime scene investigations
• Participates in the training of new personnel

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of work experience in a photographic field using digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses OR one year of experience as a crime scene/forensic technician with a law enforcement agency. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.) OR: Completion of an industry-recognized professional forensic photography certification program. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Licenses and Certificates:

Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Position requires qualifying for and maintaining membership in the International Association for Identification (IAI). Position requires qualifying for and maintaining a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 sUAS pilot’s license.

Special Notice Items:

All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation due to the need for access to law enforcement, corrections and courts facilities, property, communications and associated confidential information and documents, databases and evidentiary materials and communication systems. Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided. Pre-/post-appointment drug screenings are required due to the need for access as described above. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Pima County determines whether a position is eligible for visa sponsorship at the time of recruitment. Eligibility is based on the requirements of the position and applicable laws and regulations. Not all positions with Pima County are eligible for visa sponsorship. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:

Frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; frequently required to bend, crouch and kneel; traverse rough, unimproved terrain on foot; properly wear required safety clothing & use personal protective equipment including a tight-fitting full-face respirator; perceive & distinguish colors; vision correctable to 20/20; hear & communicate via a police radio; walk long distances; stand for extended periods of time. May require working extended hours or alone for extended periods of time. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping and fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, on a radio; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, operate machinery, distinguish colors, have depth perception and peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

All positions are required to work rotating shifts which includes days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. All positions are required to work rotating on-call shifts. All work shifts are subject to reassignment at management’s discretion. Frequently operates a motor vehicle on and off road. Frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions including excessive heat, rain, snow, freezing temps. Frequently exposed to hazardous lab chemicals, fire scene hazards, biological hazards and blood borne pathogens. Frequently works in and around the public including victims, suspects/arrestees, & witnesses. Occasionally perform duties in/on helicopters, aircraft, elevated platforms, ladders and roofs. Perform job duties in conditions which include decomposing bodies, strong odors, insects, hostility, emotionally charged situations, child abuse and animal cruelty. Frequently responds to locations anywhere within Pima County.

EEO Information:

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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