Forensic Technician Trainee

County of Orange • Orange County, CA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Forensic Technician Trainee vacancies within the Sheriff-Coroner Department. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower-level classifications. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is among the largest in the nation, providing exemplary law enforcement services focused on a collaborative, dedicated and innovative approach to public safety. Our nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff are committed to serving the needs of Orange County through six organizational Commands comprised of 23 Divisions. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) provides all public agencies in Orange County with services for the recognition, collection, preservation, and evaluation of physical evidence from crime scenes. The OCCL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing and calibration laboratory (ANAB) and has maintained accreditation since 1992. The OCCL is also a recognized OSAC Registry Implementer. The Division employs over 160 staff members, housed in a spacious, modern 100,000 square foot facility, serving the over 3 million residents of Orange County. Forensic Technician Trainee is the entry level. Incumbents at this level assist with more difficult or complex laboratory assignments under close supervision or work the more routine laboratory assignments under general supervision. After demonstrating proficiency, they may work independently on non-laboratory assignments that require no technical skills such as assembling evidence kits, cutting photographic film, washing glassware, or escorting visitors. There is no permanent status in this class. Forensic Technician Trainee incumbents who demonstrate progressive proficiency and independence will be promoted to the Technician level at or before the end of the one-year probation period. Trainees who are not promoted will have failed probation in this class.

Requirements

• Must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation
• Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner
• Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test
• Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts.
• Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Services (N.A.C.E.S).
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher is required by date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Vision sufficient to read standard text and distinguish between colors
• Speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person or over the telephone
• Independent body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop, and bend
• Able to lift and move up to 35 lbs
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Responsibilities

• Prepares chemical reagents by following prescribed formulas
• Autoclaves reagents and supplies in the DNA Section
• Assembles evidence collection kits from individual components
• Washes glassware and lab coats
• Cleans laboratory workstations and equipment
• Collects and disposes of Biohazard waste
• Maintains good housekeeping and cleanliness of the laboratory work areas
• Assists in the collection and documentation of data necessary for special projects and method development or validation
• Performs routine calibration and performance checks of pipets, pH meters, balances and other laboratory instrumentation
• Records quality control data such as oven and freezer temperatures
• Performs quality control checks of supplies, materials, chemicals, and reagents
• Assists with report preparation/printing in the Toxicology, Blood Alcohol and Controlled Substances Sections, some interpretation of notation and data may be needed
• Reviews cases in the work request and case status system and requests evidence for analysts
• Performs characterization of firearm evidence for entry into the computerized database
• Ensures that workstations and division vehicles are adequately stocked with necessary supplies
• Basic evidence handling such as swabbing items and excising swabs for downstream DNA extraction and typing
• Purchases and picks up supplies
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed