FORENSIC SPECIALIST

Job Description:

FORENSIC SPECIALIST

Description

The Position

The City of Riverside Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Forensic Specialist to establish an eligibility list. The eligibility list established may be used to fill any possible upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

This is the entry/journey level within the Forensic Specialist series. 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.

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.

Work Performed

Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.

Qualifications

Recruitment Guidelines:
Option I:
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.

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.

Option II:
Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) preferably with some courses in criminology, forensics, or related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a police department working crime scene and forensic evaluation performing duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence.

Licenses, Certifications, and Necessary Requirements:

• 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).

Selection Process

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

IMPORTANT : Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and may be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.

NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members -For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3 year final compensation.The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation.The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offerssix health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,469 per month for employee and dependent coverage.
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $45 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insuranceequal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $25 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1

Closing Date/Time: 11/17/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$58,860.00 - $82,812.00 Annually