Forensic Services Specialist

Job Description:

Forensic Services Specialist

Description

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Job Description

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Forensic Services Specialist performs specialized forensic and evidence-related duties in support of criminal investigations. This position is responsible for crime scene response, documentation, collection, processing, transportation, storage, and control of physical evidence and property in the custody of the department. The position requires the application of forensic principles, strict adherence to chain-of-custody requirements, technical recordkeeping, and independent judgment to ensure the integrity of evidence from collection through courtroom presentation. The Forensic Services Specialist provides courtroom testimony, consults with the District Attorney’s Office, coordinates laboratory submissions, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and departmental laws, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills:

Crime Scene and Investigative Functions

• Respond to criminal offenses requiring forensic processing and evidence collection.
  
• Secure, document, and thoroughly process crime scenes using accepted forensic methods.
  
• Photograph, sketch, measure, and document crime scenes and evidence.
  
• Collect, package, label, preserve, transport, and store physical evidence in accordance with established protocols.
  
• Prepare supplemental reports detailing forensic actions taken in each case.
  
• Complete submission documentation and hand-deliver DNA, latent print, and other evidence to appropriate laboratories for analysis.
  
• Attend autopsies as required to assist with evidence collection and documentation.
  

Evidence and Property Management Functions

• Receive, document, store, and ensure proper custody and control of physical evidence and property.
  
• Maintain manual and computerized records including evidence custody documents, chain-of-custody records, property receipts, property control files, and related reports.
  
• Maintain evidence/property rooms and ensure compliance with security, safety, and audit requirements.
  
• Coordinate the release and return of evidence and property to rightful owners when authorized.
  
• Prepare unreturnable items for disposal in accordance with departmental policies, court orders, federal laws, and state statutes.
  
• Arrange for or transport evidence to state and other approved laboratories for analysis.
  

Court, Legal, and Administrative Functions

• Prepare evidence and forensic exhibits for court presentations.
  
• Provide courtroom testimony under subpoena regarding evidence handling, forensic processing, and chain of custody.
  
• Consult with the District Attorney’s Office regarding cases, evidence, and testimony.
  
• Operate a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems, including Records Management Systems (RMS).
  
• Perform Crime Information Bureau (CIB) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) transactions as required and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
  

Data, Assets, and Public Interaction

• Collect, classify, analyze, and format data and information to support investigations and evidence management.
  
• Exercise responsibility for preventing loss and ensuring accountability of high-value evidence and departmental assets.
  
• Apply basic mathematical principles including ratios, rates, and percentages when evaluating data and inventories.
  
• Support positive relationships between the City and the public through courteous, professional, and cooperative interactions.
  
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive, restricted, and work-related information.
  
• Perform related duties as required or assigned.
  
• May be required to work during emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and continuity of vital services.
  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
  
• Law enforcement operations and criminal justice processes.
  
• Legal terminology and rules of evidence.
  
• Principles and practices of crime scene investigation and evidence handling.
  
• Records retention principles and practices.
  
• Customer service principles and practices.
  
• City geography.
  
• Business and personal computers and spreadsheet/database applications.
  

Skill in:

• Crime scene documentation and forensic evidence handling.
  
• Problem-solving and independent decision-making.
  
• Effective oral and written communication.
  
• Preparing reports, presentations, and exhibits using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
  
• Multitasking, time management, and prioritization.
  
• Organizing, maintaining, and auditing records.
  
• Handling sensitive situations with diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
  
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships across all levels of the City.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent;
  
• Two (2) years of prior law enforcement or forensic-related experience involving criminal investigations and evidence handling preferred;
  OR
  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Associate’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field is preferred.
  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License.
  
• Crime Scene Technician Certification preferred, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in office, laboratory, property room, and field environments. Duties require frequent use of computers and office equipment, as well as forensic tools and safety equipment. The position involves exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and potentially disturbing scenes, requiring adherence to strict safety and privacy guidelines. Approximately fifty percent (50%) of work time involves sitting or standing, with the remaining time involving walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. Emergency response and non-routine work hours may be required.

Compensation Range

DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.