Forensic Investigative Genealogist

New York City, NY • Bronx, NY

123d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (BXDA) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By 'Pursuing Justice with Integrity,' the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day. The Bronx District Attorney's Office is hiring a Forensic Investigative Genealogist assigned to the Forensic Science Unit (FSU), within the Strategic Innovations Division. The Forensic Science Unit oversees cases with forensic science evidence including DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. Additionally, the FSU coordinates cold case homicide and sexual assault investigations. We are seeking a candidate with extensive forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) experience to help identify unknown criminal suspects and unidentified homicide victims.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or education and/or experience which is equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum of THREE (3) years' professional experience in FORENSIC INVESTIGATIVE GENETIC GENEALOGY tree building is required, including focused genealogical research on underrepresented populations.
• Knowledge of the DOJ Interim guidelines on Forensic Genetic Genealogy and familiarity with accessible genetic genealogy databases, reference testing, and third-party tools is required.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in an organized manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to convey genealogical relationships to the lay person.
• Must be able to adhere to strict requirements regarding legal records management, data protection, privacy/confidentiality, and preparation of discovery materials.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to meet deadlines, excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and strong ethics.

Nice To Haves

• Enrollment or completion of a FIGG certificate program is preferred.
• Knowledge of NYS courts and the criminal justice system is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead 'tree-building' for FIGG investigations, doing genetic genealogy research independently and/or collaboratively with other law enforcement partners.
• Utilize public source and law enforcement records to build family trees.
• Maintain a database and case files for unsolved homicide and sexual assault cases.
• Prepare discovery materials based on genealogy work, and testify in court, if required.
• Assist with all FSU cold case investigations, meetings, and case conferences.
• Assist NYPD Cold Case detectives in identifying unsolved homicide and sexual assault cases with forensic evidence.
• Collaborate with the BXDA Forensic Science Unit, NYPD, and OCME to identify and submit evidence for traditional STR forensic testing and SNP testing.
• Order and distribute laboratory reports for narcotics, ballistics, and DNA.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the Strategic Innovations Division.

Benefits

• Health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26.
• Union benefits such as dental and vision coverage.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• A pension.
• Optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees