Forensic Specialist Trainee / Forensic Specialist

City of Riverside•Riverside, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Riverside Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Forensic Specialist Trainee / Forensic Specialist. The department is looking to fill the vacancy based on experience level of the candidate and create an eligibility list for any possible upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The Forensic Specialist performs routine technical crime scene investigation duties in the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence. Participates in various other criminal investigative and administrative work. This is the entry/journey level within the Forensic Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Senior Forensic Specialist by the performance of more routine and less complex crime scene duties. Incumbent is expected to operate under direct supervision on routine crime scenes, provide expert testimony in court, and be aware of the operating procedures and policies within the unit. Incumbents may be promoted to the next level of Senior Forensic Specialist upon satisfactory job performance and meeting the minimum qualifications.

Requirements

Forensic Specialist Trainee: Education: high school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). Experience: None
Forensic Specialist: Education: high school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) and completion of 15 semester or 20 quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, forensic science, or a closely related field.
Forensic Specialist: Experience: One (1) year of experience performing routine crime scene duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence and receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence.
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, nights, and rotating shifts and be subject to recall as needed.
Must be willing to work an "on-call" assignment.
Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.
Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a concealed weapons permit (CCW).

Responsibilities

Locate, identify, collect, protect, preserve, and analyze materials and substances as evidence at crime scenes, other locations, and from person; use and employ a variety of techniques and specialized equipment.
Assist in the examination and processing of crime scenes; document crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports; locate and record physical or trace evidence using a variety of photographic techniques; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects when requested.
Develop, lift, photograph, preserve, classify, compare and identify fingerprints, palm prints and inked prints; evaluate latent print evidence for CAL-ID computer system; conduct chemical fingerprint processing and process hazardous and drug related material for fingerprints.
Preserve, compare and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint and glass fragments; collect pathological samples and evidence for later clinical examination; photograph results of autopsy for criminal investigation and prepare photos for court presentation.
Collect, photograph, preserve, identify and perform basic analysis of DNA, blood, ballistics, narcotics, tool marks and other types of physical evidence; assist in analysis and laboratory activities.
Process, download, print, enlarge, and mount photographs; prepare castings of tire, foot, hand, tool, and other types of impressions.
Prepare and maintain reports and records; support the preparation of information for court cases.
Assist and participate in the reconstructing of crime scenes.
Operate City vehicles; transport, release, and retrieve evidence from forensic laboratories.
Perform other duties as assigned.