Crime Scene Investigator (Civil Service)

City of Sioux City•Sioux City, IA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sioux City Police Department is seeking a Crime Scene Investigator. Under the general direction of the ID Section Supervisor, this position processes crime scenes using forensic applications including digital photography, fingerprint development and comparison, DNA and general evidence collection. The role requires knowledge of chain of custody and cross-contamination. Employees must receive training in Iowa to examine and test marijuana within 5 years of employment. Cross-training within the property room is possible. A thorough background check is required. Work hours may vary, and overtime is required. The City of Sioux City offers an exceptional compensation and benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, life insurance, and cafeteria plan options, as well as generous paid leave time. City employees must reside within thirty (30) miles of Sioux City's jurisdictional limits, within Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota, or comply within 180 days of hire.

Requirements

Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations that may include graphic crime scenes, blood, strong odors, distraught individuals, autopsies.
Ability to be careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Knowledge regarding the handling of evidence without contamination and maintaining the chain of custody.
Ability to learn to use equipment for evidence collection including, but not limited to, static dust lifter, plaster casts, swabs, blood detection kits, trajectory kits, luminol, serial number restoration, and mikrosil.
Ability to learn to use evidence processing equipment for fingerprint recovery and comparison, and drug identification.
Knowledge of the use of digital photography in both manual and automatic modes.
Computer skills sufficient to download and work with digital photos, photo lineups, property management, digital scene reconstruction, Excel, Word and be able to burn CDs.
Willingness to present, teach and lecture on topics related to Forensic Science.
Ability to write and speak clearly, distinctly and effectively with fellow employees and the public.
Read in English and compare similarities and differences between words and series of numbers.
Provide and follow verbal and written instructions.
Give full attention to what other people are saying and seek to understand in a professional manner.
Apply common sense understanding to the work process, procedures, programs, and services.
Ability to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and climb or balance.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Ability to see details at a distance.
Ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Must be able to work long hours and irregular shifts.
Regularly lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds.
Must become certified in Iowa to examine and test marijuana within 5 years of employment.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Technology, Criminalistics, Chemistry, Biology, or related field, OR An associate degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Technology, or related field and two (2) years of full-time work experience in a forensic laboratory, general crime scene investigation, fingerprint processing; or closely related area, OR Graduation from high school or a G.E.D. and four years of full-time work experience in a forensic laboratory, general crime scene investigation, fingerprint processing or closely related area, OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with photography is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts complete crime scene investigations and collects physical and microscopic type evidence for comparative and elimination purposes.
Processes items for fingerprint evidence both on scene and in lab, collects evidence for DNA testing.
Performs a variety of assignments in police photography, using both black and white and color imaging, still and video photograph; downloads, catalogs and saves digital photos.
Uses alternative light sources and chemical processes to develop images for photographing.
Performs forensic photography at postmortem examinations and collects evidence accordingly.
Performs technical testing for drug identification.
Develops latent fingerprints and evaluates prints for quality.
Classifies searches and files fingerprint records utilizing the BIS system.
Reviews FBI record returns to aid in the location of aliases.
Sends evidence to DCI lab and disseminates reports.
Prepares and collects casts of footprints, tire tracks and tool impressions for evidence comparisons.
Restores obliterated serial numbers on a variety of metal surfaces.
Collects trace evidence from suspects and victims including DNA evidence.
Testifies in judicial proceedings.
Maintains good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to all citizen requests for service.
Shows sensitivity to the emotional state victims may be in.
Maintains regular and punctual attendance and working hours.
Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency.
In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.