Forensic Specialist I

Leon County Sheriff's Office • Tallahassee, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position performs office and fieldwork related to crime scene investigation. The majority of duties involve collecting, examining, preserving, documenting, preparing, and reviewing physical evidence and providing courtroom testimony as required. Work is performed under limited supervision with moderate latitude. The position relies on experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach by using and interpreting policies and procedures. This position adheres to the agency core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect, and commitment to excellence. To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate competency in data entry and retrieval skills, time management skills, intermediate to advanced computer skills, general communication skills (both written and oral), interpersonal skills, customer service skills, and problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• Knowledge of inventory principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable equipment and tools utilized in the industry.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Knowledge of basic criminal forensics.
• Knowledge of property accounting procedures.
• Ability to work closely with others as a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reports.
• Ability to meet requirements and maintain required licensures and certifications as well as agency required in-service training.
• Ability to adhere to the standards and principles of the agency's core values and professionally represent the agency.
• Ability to report to work timely, consistently, and as scheduled.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• High school diploma or GED required and 5 years of related experience with a recognized law enforcement agency or accredited forensic laboratory or sworn law enforcement OR; AS degree and 3 years of related experience with a recognized law enforcement agency accredited forensic laboratory or sworn law enforcement OR; BS in criminology, forensics or related sciences OR; BS in unrelated field plus 1 year of related experience with a recognized law enforcement agency or accredited forensic laboratory or sworn law enforcement OR; Equivalent combination of education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• Valid Florida driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Preserve the integrity of crime scenes, collects and preserves items of evidence, performs the initial evaluation of such evidence, and takes notes of crime scene observation.
• Collect evidence for storage and forensic laboratory examination, including proper evaluation, labeling, sealing, packaging, and storing in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Create sketches, measurements, and photographic and videotape documentation of crime scenes and evidence and properly secures and transports evidence as needed.
• Examine and process evidence utilizing established guidelines for the presence of trace evidence, latent prints, footwear, blood stains, etc., and documents said processes to ensure legality of actions for future depositions, freedom of information requests, and court testimony.
• Provide investigative assistance to law enforcement officers, agencies, and victims following established procedures and guidelines; participates in public education events.
• Prepare reports, records, logs, and related documents following established guidelines.
• Maintain work environment, equipment, and vehicles utilized in the day-to-day activities of unit operations.
• Attend autopsies to document and collect pertinent information.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
• Use a computer and related software applications.
• Provide customer service.
• Monitor and maintain evidence and inventory.
• Prepare and maintain reports, logs, records, and files.
• Use applicable tools and equipment in the industry.
• Maintain legal chain of custody.
• Safeguard evidence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree