Accident Investigator (Traffic Homicide Investigator)

Job Description:

Accident Investigator (Traffic Homicide Investigator)

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Fort Lauderdale community builders possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

The Accident Investigator or also known as the Traffic Homicide Investigator will be responsible for investigating fatal traffic accidents. The primary goal is to determine the causes of accidents, establish whether any laws were broken, and gather evidence to support legal proceedings. The Accident Investigator plays a crucial role in ensuring justice for victims and contributing to road safety. In addition to these duties, the investigator will investigate hit and run investigations with both serious bodily injuries and / or property damage.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Responds to traffic accidents with fatalities; advises drivers of their constitutional rights; takes taped statements from drivers and witnesses; notifies next of kin of deceased
• Attends autopsies when necessary; consults with medical examiner about matters relating to or causing the traffic fatality
• Responds to traffic accidents and requests any additional assistance such as tow-trucks, emergency medical assistance, etc.; may direct traffic
• Photographs traffic accidents and accident vehicles; gathers principal evidence, interviews drivers, witnesses and passengers; determines conditions leading up to accident; conducts tests to estimate speed of vehicles at time of accident
• Verifies driver license and vehicle registration via radio with Records/Teletype Division; calls for sworn officer assistance when police powers are necessary
• Performs vehicle inspections; performs download of Event Data Recorder (black box)
• Secures crash scene and preserves evidence collected for investigation of the accident
• Conducts interviews with accident victims in the hospital; issues traffic citations
• Conducts follow-up on hit and run accident investigations
• Completes written accident reports; testifies in matters brought before the court
• Consults with and provides information and assistance regarding accidents or traffic homicide investigations to Police Officers, other Accident Investigators, other police personnel, news media, and the general public
• Collects Latent Prints and DNA samples
• Prepares search and arrest warrants for Judge to sign
• Prepares Subpoena Duces Tecum to obtain medical records
• Initiates and participates in field training programs for Hit and Run Accident and Homicide Investigators; conducts formal on-the-job training in accident investigation techniques
• Coordinates fatal accident reports and information with the various agencies
• Operates a van-type vehicle; inspects and reports equipment and vehicle for damage or loss

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• May assist Fire-Rescue personnel by ensuring injured persons received the appropriate emergency medical assistance, i.e., CPR, Advance First-Aid techniques
• Attends meetings, conferences and workshops to convey and/or gather information required to perform job functions and meet compliance standards regarding safety regulations
• Provides training to staff on investigative procedures, such as implementing safety controls at the scene of the accident, conducting interviews, report writing, and testifying in court
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective operations

JOB REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency; preferably with college-level coursework in law enforcementOne (3) years of public contact experience;One (1) year experience as an Accident Investigator; Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for one year of the required experiencePossess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license.Have successfully completed instruction in traffic crash investigation as approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission or as pursuant to the Florida Statues. Have successfully completed Traffic Homicide, CPR, and Advanced First Aide courses as required by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.Successfully complete a pre-polygraph interview, polygraph examination, and background investigation.If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application. Preferred Applicant: Bachelors from an accredited college in Criminal Justice or equivalent to Law EnforcementExperience working in a Law Enforcement Agency.Two (2) years experience as an Accident Investigator.Experience in at-scene traffic crash/ traffic homicide investigations. advanced traffic crash investigations, and traffic crash reconstruction. Note: All required certifications and licenses, whether possessed at time of appointment or obtained after appointment, must be kept current and valid while employed

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY/ VETERAN INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 5/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$54,583.98 - $84,642.90 Annually