Criminalist I

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, to perform physical, chemical, biological and/or digital analyses related to scientific examination of physical evidence in criminal cases. The Sheriff’s Identification Unit of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting for a Criminalist I position specializing in latent and tenprint examination. The incumbent will perform forensic friction ridge examinations to support investigations and legal proceedings. Primary responsibilities include: Performing the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of friction ridge skin impressions from evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies. Conducting biometric identification examinations and preparing AFIS submissions and inquiries. Documenting examination processes and results accurately and thoroughly, generating clear and concise written technical reports, and presenting findings to investigators, attorneys, and other stakeholders. Providing effective expert testimony in court regarding fingerprint identification methods, conclusions, and related forensic principles. The selected candidate must successfully pass a full background investigation prior to appointment.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or applied science, or related field
An incumbent must possess the minimum qualifications for the discipline assigned as defined by the Laboratory's current accrediting body as well as applicable requirements as set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards and the California Code of Regulations
Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County driver's authorization
Knowledge of modern criminal investigation and identification techniques and procedures
Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures
Knowledge of techniques of scientific research, analysis and report writing
Ability to perform a variety of basic chemical, instrumental, biological, digital and other laboratory analyses
Ability to learn a variety of techniques for specialty discipline(s) where casework is assigned and performed
Ability to study and keep current of new techniques and procedures in the specialized areas of forensics
Ability to establish competency and maintain proficiency in specialty disciplines where casework is performed
Ability to document activities in an accurate and clear manner
Ability to use the scientific method to solve a variety of complex problems to explain the significance of the results obtained
Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate and detailed analytical reports for law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, the courts and other agencies
Ability to gather and analyze physical evidence and formulate conclusions
Ability to analyze, interpret and present data and outcomes to a broad audience, including law enforcement agencies, the courts and other agencies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including when serving as an expert witness in the presentation of laboratory findings

Nice To Haves

Specializing in latent and tenprint examination
Performing forensic friction ridge examinations to support investigations and legal proceedings
Performing the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of friction ridge skin impressions from evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies
Conducting biometric identification examinations and preparing AFIS submissions and inquiries
Documenting examination processes and results accurately and thoroughly, generating clear and concise written technical reports, and presenting findings to investigators, attorneys, and other stakeholders
Providing effective expert testimony in court regarding fingerprint identification methods, conclusions, and related forensic principles

Responsibilities

Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Print Processing, Toxicology, Questioned Documents, Footwear/Shoe Print Analysis, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene Analysis
Examines evidence, evaluates findings and interprets results utilizing various techniques including photography, microscopy, wet chemistry, immunoassay, chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, DNA typing, data searching and recovery, and digital processing
Assists with field investigations at crime scenes and other locations to search for, collect, document and preserve evidence
Consults and advises law enforcement, attorneys and the courts regarding nature of evidence or the results of laboratory analyses and their meaning
Testifies on the results of laboratory analyses and may interpret the findings for the courts and other legal hearings
Prepares clear, comprehensive, technically sound and accurate casework reports, including all determined facts and conclusions
Assists in determining the interrelationship of various pieces of physical evidence
Maintains laboratory, instruments, equipment and glassware in a constant state of cleanliness, order, and good repair
Serves as a liaison with applicable professional organizations to provide and obtain pertinent information necessary in maintaining subject matter expertise
May be assigned to deliver technical presentations to outside groups
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required
Performs related work as required