Crime Scene Investigator I

Starting pay: $45,344yr or $46,716/ yr with 3+ years of experience

Applies scientific principles to analyze, identify, and classify physical evidence related to crime scenes. #oj

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card.
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
• No illegal drug usage within the past year. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A or B.S.) in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biological/Physical Anthropology, Nursing or Forensic Nursing, or related science field. Related degrees must demonstrate completed undergraduate coursework in at least two (2) of the following: Forensics, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, Human Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, or Biological/Physical Anthropology OR Associate's degree (A.A. or A.S.) in one of the concentrations/degrees listed above AND one (1) year related experience OR High School Diploma/GED AND three (3) years' related experience.
  Related experience to include: crime scene investigator, evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer, etc.
• If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows:
  • Two (2) years of direct experience for an Associate Degree
  • Four (4) years of direct experience for a Bachelor's Degree
• Must have valid Florida driver's license. Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle. Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver's physical exam.
• Must be able to be FCIC/NCIC certified within one (1) year of employment. Must maintain certification once achieved.
• Performs duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, and analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological or chemical contamination, and uses chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of such evidence.
• Responds to and processes various crime scenes by searching for, documenting the location of, collecting, preserving, analyzing, packaging, and preparing for presentation in court, evidence such as: paint, glass, printed matter, paper, ink, fabric, dust, dirt, combustible gases, hair, skin, blood, bones, human organs, human tissue, semen, urine, feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, narcotics, firearms and related materials, fingerprints, shoe/tire tracks, and currency.
• Performs a variety of analytical examinations, such as processing the crime scene and related evidence using chemicals, powders, light source enhancement and other methods.
• Completes photograph referrals, photographs, and prints of dead persons at the morgue.
• Above listed items have the potential to contain organic or inorganic contaminants to include carcinogens, diseases, combustibles, chemical hazards, and blood-borne pathogens.
• Based on MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) these processes may contain health-damaging properties that are corrosive, combustible, carcinogenic, and contain respiratory irritants, nervous system irritants, eye and skin irritants, and blood toxins. 70% of workload
• Prepares reports and presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions; prepares court exhibits/reports. 18% of workload
  Takes measurements of crime scenes. Processes and reconstructs crime scenes to include trajectory analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis and diagramming of the scene. 5% of workload
• Takes and maintains chain-of-custody of evidence/property.
• Submits evidence to the Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other appropriate laboratories.
• Acts as a liaison between crime laboratories, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Confers with experts in relevant specialties as needed. 5% of workload
• Testifies in court hearings and depositions about work performed. 2% of workload
• Must be able to assist in the removal of bodies and human remains.
• Must have knowledge of federal, state, and county laws pertaining to the collection and use of physical evidence.
• Must have knowledge and skill in techniques and procedures used in crime scene investigations (e.g., evidence collection, storage, handling, analysis, and documentation to include the use of related chemicals and photography).
• Must be able to perform work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to self-manage which includes adaptability, dependability, and initiative.
• Must have advanced analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Must possess interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain working relationships.
• Must have working knowledge of court proceedings and testimony as well as be able to testify as an expert court witness.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to present information to groups and respond to questions from managers, attorneys, investigators and/or detectives.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in various forms and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must possess basic mathematical skills including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Must have basic computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (e.g., Word; Excel, Access).
• Must have the ability to learn and use specialized applications. Upon selection, must be able to pass a psychological evaluation.
• Must be willing and able to participate in a 17-week job training and must successfully pass the Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam.
  
  
  
  
  

ADDITIONAL PROCESSING:

• Some positions, depending on the responsibilities, may require the candidate to successfully pass a physical or other selection processes when needed.
• Please upload a copy of your resume that is no longer than two (2) pages in length to your application

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, smell, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
May be exposed to a wide range of conditions, many of which are unpleasant and/or hazardous. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to health-damaging conditions, infectious or contagious diseases, carcinogenic substances, allergenic substances, insects and/or animals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and various terrains. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Must package and handle biohazardous fluids and materials. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available for twenty-four (24) hour call out. May be required to work extended shifts.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Orange County Sheriff's Office may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.