Forensic Technician II - Riverside

County of Riverside; California; On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside County District Attorney's Office is seeking a Forensic Technician II to perform technical forensic work including fingerprint analysis, scene photography, evidence preservation, and report preparation in Riverside. The role requires travel within Riverside County and testimony in court as needed.

The incumbent will inspect and document evidence, develop fingerprints, and assist with trials. Prior experience with evidence custody and POST fingerprint training is preferred, with

Qualifications

• One year of experience receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence in a County District Attorney's Office or law office agency.
• POST fingerprint training or 40 hours of Basic Fingerprint Techniques or the equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Search for, collect, and preserve evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis; photograph crime scenes, collisions, suspects, and evidence collected.
• Develop and preserve latent fingerprints using various techniques; identify and compare fingerprints.
• Prepare detailed written field and laboratory reports; testify in court as an expert witness.
• May review the work of lower Forensic Technicians and provide training to lesser-experienced staff.

Skills

Fingerprints

Crime Scene Photography

Photography Techniques

Evidence Handling

Education

POST fingerprint training

Basic Fingerprint Techniques

Tools

Fingerprint equipment

Digital imaging

Job description

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

About The Position

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office has an opportunity for a Forensic Technician II position in Riverside. The incumbent will perform technical forensic work identifying, collecting, preserving, photographing, interpreting, and comparing fingerprints and other physical evidence at crime scenes, autopsy examinations, and during criminal trials. The Forensic Technician II will be responsible for preparing the detailed written field and laboratory reports, testifying in court, and performing other duties as required. This position also requires the incumbent to travel throughout the County of Riverside.

Forensic Technician II

Incumbents in this class serve as journey-level Forensic Technicians within the Forensic Services and Coroner's Bureau Divisions of the Sheriff's Department, and within the Bureau of Investigation of the District Attorney's Office. This class differs from Supervising Forensic Technician in that incumbents in the latter class function as working supervisors.

Applicants possessing at least one year of experience receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence in a County District Attorney's Office or law office agency are preferred.

The department is seeking candidates with experience and certificates related to forensics, which includes, but is not limited to: Crime Scene Photography and Fingerprint Techniques.

Meet the Team!

The District Attorney of Riverside County , as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community. The office’s staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service. We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Search for, collect, and preserve evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis; photograph crime scenes, collisions, suspects, and evidence collected.
• Develop and preserve latent fingerprints using various techniques; identify and compare fingerprints.
• Collect, preserve, and attempt to evaluate or identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments.
• Take and compare physical impressions to attempt to connect evidence with suspect.
• In a laboratory setting, develop and enhance fingerprint evidence using various techniques; lift trace evidence such as blood, hair, fiber, and DNA samples and refer evidence to criminal laboratory (e.g., the DOJ) for further analysis.
• Interview witnesses as to location of evidence and for details in order to create composite drawings of suspects.
• Collect and process evidence during search warrants; create diagrams and poster boards of search warrant location; videotape search, photograph and document all evidence collected.
• Construct, store, and inventory courtroom exhibits; videotape testimony, edit and redact audio files of suspect and witness interviews; prepare, organize, and document evidence for discovery.
• Consult with attorneys regarding effective preparation and presentation of evidence during trial.
• Use computer software and equipment to prepare and draw sketches of crime scenes and suspects.
• Prepare detailed records; tag, mark, preserve, and store evidence collected; may manage an evidence room to include checking items in and out, maintaining chain of custody and inventory control, and destroying items no longer needed for criminal prosecution.
• May review the work of lower Forensic Technicians and provide training and lead direction to lesser-experienced technicians.
• Study new techniques in forensics; conduct research into the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment.
• Prepare detailed written field and laboratory reports and other correspondence.
• Testify in court as an expert witness in the presentation and verification of collected evidence such as bloodstain interpretation, projectile trajectory, fingerprints, photography, and diagramming.
• Attend post mortem examinations; fingerprint the deceased, collect trace evidence, pathological samples, and other physical evidence for further examination; photograph autopsies of criminal investigations; prepare photos for courtroom presentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Forensic Technician II

Salary: $34.93 - $52.04 Hourly

$6,055.30 - $9,019.73 Monthly

$72,663.61 - $108,236.81 Annually

Education: 32 hours of P.O.S.T. approved training in fingerprint science and/or 40 hours of Basic Fingerprint Techniques or the equivalent. Proof of education/completed hours must be uploaded with application

Experience: One year of experience collecting, preserving, and photographing physical evidence at crime scenes, and comparison of fingerprint evidence. Listed experience must be reflected on your application/resume.

Knowledge of: The techniques of collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence; modern principles, practices, and techniques of traditional photography and digital imaging; current methods of fingerprint collection, identification and analysis and comparison; technological developments relative to the forensic function.

Ability to: Coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; interpret such information; find relationships, and draw logical conclusions; apply modern fingerprinting methods to the task of identification; take, develop, and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above shoulder, stand for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry camera and evidence collection equipment. This position also requires the incumbent to work around offensive sights and smells.

Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

May Be Required To Work Overtime As Needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Joe Olivares at 951-955-9554 or [e-mail] with any questions regarding this recruitment. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference

The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations

The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Work Location and Telework

In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.

Proof of Education

If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including "H1-B" visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period

As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will", are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information

Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.