Forensic Laboratory Investigator - Latent Prints

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

5d•$86,003 - $104,537•Onsite

About The Position

This position is onsite. Are you ready to put your scientific expertise to work on investigations where accuracy, objectivity, and attention to detail truly matter? As a Forensic Laboratory Investigator, you’ll examine and analyze evidence using established laboratory methods, interpret scientific findings, and communicate your conclusions through written reports and expert testimony. Your work will play an important role in providing reliable scientific information that supports the investigative and judicial process.

Requirements

Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Test.
Have completed one (1) of the following requirements: a. Have at least two (2) years of full‑time work experience as a forensic laboratory specialist; OR b. Have successfully completed a course in forensic identification techniques such as: latent fingerprinting, firearms, physical matches, blood spatter interpretation or related area and have at least two (2) years of full‑time experience in police work.
Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. In general, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying.)
Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, required for this classification.
Successfully complete the one (1) year probationary period.
Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
A field investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff’s Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision. Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.
Shall submit a DNA sample for inclusion into the DNA Staff Index.
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
Ability to use basic motor skills required in the operation of typical laboratory equipment and supplies.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry or related field, may substitute for the requirement listed in 2. above.

Responsibilities

Examine, test, and analyze evidence using established scientific and laboratory methods.
Evaluate and interpret analytical results to determine the identification and comparability of evidence.
Prepare clear, accurate written reports and professional opinions documenting examination findings.
Maintain accuracy, objectivity, and proper scientific practices throughout the examination and analysis process.
Testify as an expert witness in court regarding laboratory procedures, findings, and conclusions.
Utilize County and department-specific software and systems to document findings and complete assignments.
Work assigned day, afternoon, or midnight shifts, which may include weekends and periodic on-call responsibilities for emergencies.
Conducts forensic analysis/examination using established laboratory procedures.
Maintains complete documentation of examination/analysis conducted.
Writes technical reports and opinions entailing the results from examination/analyses conducted.
Maintains strict chain of custody and preserves the integrity of evidence in all cases.
Appears in court, rendering expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, results, and conclusions.
Participates in a proficiency testing program.
Maintains and performs minor repairs on equipment.
Participates in continuing education and training programs.
Conducts peer/technical and administrative reviews of laboratory reports to ensure conformance to approved standards and the adequacy of the results for forensic purposes.
Follows the laboratory quality assurance program as well as laboratory safety procedures to ensure the integrity of analytical testing and results and contributes suggestions for improvements.
Performs other related duties as required or requested.
Participates in providing technical training as needed.
Processes crime scenes for evidence and documents scene with specialized equipment/software.
Attends autopsies to photograph subject and collect evidence.
Operates Automated Identification Systems such as A.F.I.S. (Automated Fingerprint Identification System or I.B.I.S. (Integrated Ballistics Identification System) by entering and retrieving data from a terminal.
Participates in laboratory audits.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.