Evidence Technician I

Missoula County•Missoula, MT

About The Position

The Evidence Technician I performs work identifying, preserving, collecting, documenting, receiving, storing, and disposing of physical criminal evidence and found property for the Missoula County Sheriff's Office. The position oversees the daily operations and organization of a secure evidence warehouse, ensuring evidence is properly secured and stored, and reports regularly to division supervisors about warehouse operations and needs. The technician catalogs, documents, and stores evidence and property related to crimes and investigations; checks submitted evidence for proper packaging and documentation; preserves chain of custody; and, when requested, may assist case deputies, detectives, or the coroner with evidence and property at major crime scenes and death investigations. The role includes testifying in court about chain of custody, preparing related reports, affidavits, and legal documents, and arranging the lawful disposition of items no longer needed as evidence. Duties also include logging received property, conducting annual inventory, preparing unclaimed property for auction, transporting evidence to and from the Montana State Crime Lab, and transporting toxicology kits to and from funeral homes. The position orders and maintains warehouse and office packaging supplies, maintains the evidence van when necessary, oversees visitors and contractors at the warehouse, and requests law enforcement assistance when needed. The technician reports maintenance problems and unsafe conditions, provides evidence discovery to prosecuting offices and other law enforcement agencies upon official request, safely disposes of biological waste, coroner medications, and dangerous drugs, and updates the department on changes to Montana evidentiary processes. The role also oversees vehicles stored or impounded at the warehouse and works closely with local towing companies. Work is primarily performed in an office-like setting at a county warehouse facility remote from other Sheriff's Department offices, with independent work and minimal supervision. Work may also occur at major crime scenes and involve special safety measures and exposure to potentially dangerous substances, hazardous drugs, biological materials, and firearms. The position requires lifting up to 25 pounds regularly and 40 pounds occasionally, using ladders and stools, reaching above shoulder height, driving to transport evidence and respond to scenes, and serving on call for weekend and after-hours callouts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; degrees suited to the position include criminal justice, criminology, and forensic science.
Three years of work experience working independently with a minimum of supervision.
Pass an extensive criminal history and background investigation.
Valid driver’s license required.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Ability to use ladders and stools and reach above shoulder height to store and retrieve property or evidence.
Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to work safely around potentially hazardous substances, including narcotics, biohazards, weapons, and other hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and organization of the secure evidence warehouse, ensuring evidence is secured and stored properly.
Report regularly to division supervisors regarding warehouse operations and needs.
Catalog, document, and store evidence and property related to crimes and criminal investigations.
Ensure submitted evidence is properly packaged and documented.
Assist case deputies, detectives, or the coroner with identifying, preserving, documenting, and collecting property or evidence at major crime scenes and death investigations when requested.
Preserve the chain of custody and testify in court regarding evidence chain of custody.
Prepare reports, affidavits, and other legal documents related to evidence and its chain of custody.
Arrange disposition of items no longer needed as evidence through court orders, registered letters, phone calls, and newspaper advertisements according to state law.
Log and document information for received property items.
Conduct annual property inventory and prepare unclaimed property for auction.
Transport evidence to and from the Montana State Crime Lab for analysis and transport toxicology kits to and from funeral homes.
Order and maintain evidence and office packaging supplies, warehouse supplies, and the evidence van when necessary.
Oversee and accompany visitors and contractors at the warehouse, and call for law enforcement assistance as needed.
Report maintenance problems or unsafe working conditions to supervisors or the maintenance division.
Provide discovery of evidence to the Missoula County Attorney’s Office, Missoula City Attorney's Office, and other law enforcement agencies upon official request.
Safely dispose of biological waste, coroner medications, and dangerous drugs.
Provide the department with updates regarding Montana evidentiary processes and changes.
Oversee vehicles stored and impounded at the warehouse and work closely with local towing companies.
Drive to transport evidence and respond to scenes.
Serve in an on-call capacity, subject to weekend and after-hours callouts.