Civilian Crime Scene Investigator

Larimer County•Fort Collins, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

One Agency, One Mission: Public Safety Are you passionate about science, justice, and uncovering the truth? At the heart of every investigation, Civilian Crime Scene Investigators play a vital role in turning clues into answers and helping bring closure to victims and families. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office has an opportunity for you to join our Evidence Unit as a Civilian Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). This is a non-sworn, civilian position ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in forensic science or natural sciences who are looking to make a meaningful impact within the criminal justice system. This position performs a variety of professional duties related to forensic crime scene investigation and analysis. Responsibilities include the recognition, documentation, and collection of physical evidence, as well as reconstruction of events. Starting pay range for this position is $37.2186 - $44.6623 per hour or $77,415 - $92,898 annually.

Requirements

Honesty and integrity: we are looking for people who tell the truth and make ethical decisions.
Associate's degree or two (2) years of accredited college or university study in Forensics, Police Science, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field required.
Equivalency is based on two years of high-level experience equaling one year of college work.
One (1) year experience performing crime scene and/or laboratory duties including processing of evidence and latent prints for a law enforcement agency required.
One (1) year of experience may be equivalent to a combination of education and experience.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 12 months of hire, required.
Possess a valid Driver's License to drive Crime Scene Investigations Van to the scene, required.
Available for on-call work schedule assignments that require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary, required.
Certified to use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (S.C.B.A) within 12 months from date of hire and complete the respirator Fit Test on a yearly basis, required.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Cannot have a felony conviction
No convictions involving domestic violence
No use of illegal drugs within the past five years
The Sheriff’s Office prohibits possession or use of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Forensics or Natural Sciences preferred.
Flexible: with time management and projects. willing to pivot projects or plans (personal or professional) to assist on scene.
Clear communicator: effective communication with the team, supervisor, and other stakeholders.
Decisive and independent problem-solver: ability to use skills and tools to solve problems on scene and make decisions independently.
60-minute maximum drive time to LCSO 2501 Midpoint Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525 required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of all physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
Examines crime scenes to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, video, and identify physical evidence.
Collects trace evidence.
Prepares sketches and diagrams to include dimensions of the scene and to establish location of evidence and relationships of all relevant data.
Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
Prepares, proofreads, processes, and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
Advises law enforcement personnel at crime scenes to ensure continuity and preservation of evidence.
Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
Makes presumptive field tests of suspected illegal drugs to determine type.
Assumes responsibility for crime scene investigation activities during an assigned shift and on an on-call basis.
Coordinates the evidence processing with the Northern Colorado Forensics Laboratory, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, and other external entities.
Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes.
Provides technical and professional assistance upon request.
Key tasks involve digital photography, video recording, report writing, diagram creation, and the collection and preservation of evidence - including digital media.
Responsible for overseeing evidence-related activities at crime scenes and conducting follow-up forensic analysis.
This position works with many units across Larimer County, including Patrol, Jail, Investigations, and Parks and Recreation.
In addition to field work, this role includes professional and administrative responsibilities such as processing evidence, maintaining case documentation, and providing expert testimony in court.