Property Technician I/II - Sheriff's Office

County of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Humboldt seeks a Property Technician I/II to receive, store and maintain evidence and property for the Sheriff’s Office. The role supports compliance with chain of custody, records accuracy, and coordination with other agencies.

The position requires attention to detail, ability to handle hazardous materials and firearms safely, and willingness to pass a background check. Training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of receiving, storing and inventory of property and evidence.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations pertaining to property handling.
• Record keeping and inventory principles and practices.
• Office practices and procedures, including standard equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Receives property and evidence and issues receipts; categorizes and stores property.
• Ensures property and evidence are received, stored and released per chain of custody and legal requirements.
• Locates owners and releases property to rightful owners with proper authorization.
• Maintains property room keys and secures storage areas.
• Prepares periodic reports on property stored and disposal or auction status.
• Testifies in court regarding chain of custody and records.
• Maintains detailed property inventory records; coordinates reviews with staff and outside agencies.
• Disposes of unwanted property per rules; may act as Sheriff's representative in narcotics destruction.
• Assists with special projects related to property handling and monitoring changes to laws.

Skills

Property handling

Record keeping

Court testimony

Inventory management

Security procedures

Work prioritization

Education

One year experience as storekeeper/stock clerk/property clerk OR in general office support

One year experience in receiving and storing property and evidence (law enforcement preferred)

Job description

Property Technician I/II - Sheriff's Office

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, receives, stores and maintains an inventory of evidence and property for the Sheriff's Department; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Property Technician I is the entry level of this non-sworn support series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning County and law enforcement policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with Property Technician II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher class.

Property Technician II is the experienced level class of the series, fully competent to process and maintain detailed records of property and/or evidence held and disposed of. Successful performance of the work requires a knowledge of regulations pertaining to property and evidence storage and accountability.

• Receives property and evidence and issues receipts; categorizes and stores property which has been found or turned in as evidence.
• Ensures that property and evidence are received, stored and released in accordance with chain of custody and/or other legal requirements.
• Locates owners and releases property to rightful owner after ensuring proper authorization for release.
• Maintains records of property room keys; duplicates keys and distributes as required; maintains security of property and evidence storage areas.
• Prepares periodic reports related to property stored, including disposal of property, unclaimed property and property available for auction.
• Testifies in court regarding chain of custody and property records.
• Prepares detailed records of evidence inventory and maintains orderly appearance of property file area; catalogs and maintains continuous property inventory record. Coordinates the review of inventory items by departmental staff and outside agencies. Disposes of unwanted or unreturnable property and evidence in accordance with state, County or departmental rules and regulations; acts as the Sheriff's representative in the destruction of narcotics.
• Conducts research to determine appropriate procedures for the storage of evidence and disposition of property.
• Confers with representatives of the County, District Attorney and others regarding the disposition of property, advises other staff regarding the proper handling of evidence.
• Assists with special projects related to the maintenance and handling of property and evidence, including monitoring and implementing changes to laws and regulations.
• Maintains storage area in clean and orderly condition.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of receiving, storage and inventory of property and evidence. Basic safety practices pertaining to the work including the handling of dangerous substances, narcotics and firearms.
• Applicable laws and regulations.
• Record keeping and inventory principles and practices.
• Office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.

Skill in:

• Receiving, storing and maintaining an inventory of property and evidence.
• Filing and indexing a variety of property items.
• Organizing and maintaining detailed and accurate records of inventory items.
• Presenting accurate court testimony concerning evidential property.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Organizing work and setting priorities with limited supervision.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be willing to handle firearms and lift boxes weighing up to fifty pounds. Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation.

Education and Experience:

Property Technician I: One year of experience as EITHER a storekeeper, stock clerk or property clerk OR in general office support work.

Property Technician II: In addition to the above, one year of experience in receiving and storing property and evidence, preferably in a law enforcement setting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.