Forensic Specialist

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Forensic Specialist in the Police Department, there are currently two vacancies.

This class is a technical class allocated only to the Oceanside Police Department. This position is characterized by an exceptionally high degree of responsibility for accuracy and accountability in processing information. Employees at this level are expected to be fully versed in all policies and procedures relevant to the class.

This class is distinguished from the Forensic Supervisor by the latter's responsibility for day-to-day operations and administration of the Forensic Unit.

This classification may be called upon to provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.

Conduct examinations and crime scene investigations, examine, collect, document, and preserve physical and trace evidence at crime scenes;

Record and document crime scenes, which includes diagrams, sketches, photographs, and video;

Attend autopsies to collect photographic and physical evidence;

Photograph and process victims, suspects, and witnesses for evidence in the field or inside a facility such as at the police station, hospital, or jail/prison;

Examine items of evidence in the field and in the laboratory for latent fingerprints, trace evidence, blood, and other impression evidence using a variety of mediums;

Perform basic examination of blood, hair, fiber, firearms, narcotics, and other types of physical Evidence;

Properly label and package evidence;

Prepare detailed evidence collection, crime scene, and laboratory reports;

Obtain major case prints from criminal suspects, victims, and witnesses;

Prepare, enter, and compare latent fingerprints in the automated California Identification System, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, and related systems;

Research and evaluate new technical developments in latent print development, crime scene processing, handling, and analysis;

Responsible for managing the submission of data to the Integrated Ballistic Information System, prepares photographs, charts, and other materials for demonstration of evidence in court;

Testify in court and at other designated proceedings;

Responsible for training new Forensic Specialists in all facets of the assignment;

Responsible for training other department employees in proper evidence processing, collection, and documentation;

Conduct public presentations;

Provide courteous, high quality service to members of the department and public in the course of duties;

Respond to call outs after hours, on weekends, and on holidays

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence
Commonly used fingerprint classification systems and latent print comparison and identification techniques
Principles, practices, and operation of crime scene photographic and laboratory equipment related to identification and investigative techniques
Crime scene diagramming
Rules and procedures of providing testimony in court, courtroom etiquette
Current technology and trends in the profession
Evidence collection and rules of evidence
Local, State, and Federal laws/policies regarding the collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence
Investigation policies and procedures used by law enforcement

Ability to:
Perform a variety of property and evidence collection, processing, documentation, and analysis functions
Work with investigators at complex crime scenes in the collection of evidence
Maintain the integrity of the evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines
Operate and maintain various fingerprint identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment, and supplies
Lift, read, classify, and identify latent fingerprints
Operate various types of photographic equipment and take clear and accurate photographs by employing a variety of photographic techniques
Prepare accurate written reports, maintain accurate and legible logs and records
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Determine the appropriate analytical tests needed for the evaluation of evidence
Work independently
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Operate computers for preparation of sketches, reports and evidence/photo logs and data entry of fingerprint and/or firearms evidence
Make presentations to departments, agencies and the public.

Provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.

Experience and Training

Experience:
Six months of increasingly responsible experience in forensic operations or
processing crime scenes.

Training:

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in evidence technology, biology, chemistry or a related field or a minimum of 60 college semester units from an accredited college or university in evidence technology, biology, chemistry or a related field.

License/Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a current and valid
California driver's license.

As a condition of continued employment:
Must obtain the Basic Field Evidence Technician Certificate (POST certified) within one year of hired date.
Must obtain the Advance Field Evidence Technician Certificate (POST certified) within two years of hired date.

Must obtain Certification as a Crime Scene Investigator from the International Association of Identification within three years of hired date.

Special requirement:

Must complete a medical examination, background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation and be willing and able to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays and rotating shifts and respond to call outs outside of designated work shift.

Working Conditions:

Most of the employee's time is working indoors in an office setting, incumbents may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings and training.

Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries. Exposure to crime victims and suspects is possible while assisting with forensic services.

Exposure to hazardous items such as firearms, drugs, body fluids, blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, explosive devices is common while performing duties related to evidence collection and crime scene investigation.

Physical Condition:

Continuously sit at a desk for long periods, intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding the desk, perform simple grasping and fine manipulations, use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means, and lift or carry weight of ten pounds or less.

Occasional exposure to hazardous items such as firearms, drugs, body fluids, and chemicals.

When conducting fieldwork, walk, stand, bend, crouch, stoop, and sit for varying periods, use hands and fingers to grasp and use various types of equipment and tools used in forensics work, make repetitive hand and body motions, twist and reach below and above the shoulder.

Fieldwork may include climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, and crawling into small/confined spaces, and lifting weights up to 50 pounds.

Selection Process:

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Failure to provide all required application material will result in disqualification.

The selection process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment
to further evaluate job-related education, experience and training.

Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the Eligibility List which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note:

Must successfully complete a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and a medical examination which may include drug screening.

RSUMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS, SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

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