Forensic Specialist - Crime Scene Investigation Salary $56,451.20 - $76,086.41 Annually Location Orange County, CA Job Type Full-Time Department Sheriff/Coroner Job Number 3952GE1018 060 (O) Closing 10/28/2018 11:59 PM Pacific CAREER DESCRIPTION FORENSIC SPECIALIST - CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION This recruitment announcement will be posted until Sunday, October 28, 2018. Applicants will NOT have access to apply during this period. Beginning Monday, October 29, 2018, only on-line applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of the department have been met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time without further notice. RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill a current vacancy within the OC Crime Lab Division. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower level classifications. Class Characteristics Under general Supervision, incumbents in this class provide a full range of photographic services, including forensic and autopsy photographs, aerial photography and processing crime scenes for fingerprints and other physical evidence. Incumbents testify in court as to their activities. Assignments in this classification are made to the crime scene investigation unit. General Duties Assignment will be made to the crime scene investigation unit. The duties include: Perform routine crime scene processing and laboratory assignments for which well defined procedures and guidelines have been established; assist on complex assignments under close supervision; perform latent to inked friction ridge comparisons, process and record crime scenes through technical photography, detailed note taking and rough sketches; photograph autopsies and post embalming; collect biological and DNA evidence from body fluids and handled items; search crime scenes for friction ridge detail and other physical evidence; develop latent friction ridge detail; perform routine laboratory examinations on physical evidence using established methodologies, prepare finished crime scene sketches for court and prepare reports reflecting work activity. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Applicant must have no felony convictions or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department. Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and a mandatory 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 Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.). THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Successful completion of a Field Evidence Technician Class, Friction Ridge Detail Class, Crime Scene Investigation/Photography class or other related Forensic Specialist related courses taught by Forensic Science and Police Science professionals. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Six months as a Forensic Specialist Trainee with the County of Orange OR , one year employment in crime scene investigation, friction ridge analysis, or a police or commercial photography lab OR , an AA degree in police science or Administration of Justice including at least eight units of photography OR , degree or certificate in photography with training in the use of the camera. OR BA/BS degree in police science, forensic science, photography, chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related scientific field involving chemical analysis OR some combination of the above training and experience totaling one year. Knowledge of Goals of crime scene investigation and fundamentals of physical evidence recognition, collection and preservation; routine crime scene and physical evidence photography; techniques of friction ridge development, collection and preservation; friction ridge pattern recognition, classification, and searching and comparisons. Ability to Photograph simple crime scenes and physical evidence; develop latent friction ridge detail on typical surfaces using conventional techniques; draw finished crime scene sketches and prepare other court exhibits and testify in court. License Required Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment. PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities, which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Recruiter for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process . Physical Requirements Applicant must have vision sufficient to read latent fingerprints and to see clearly at crime scenes, distinguish subtle colors, speak, hear, and write well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the telephone, have independent body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, twist back frequently and squat for prolonged periods of time; be able to lift, carry or push up to 50 pounds; and have manual dexterity sufficient to use a keyboard. Environmental Conditions Applicant will have routine interaction with the public and court personnel and must have the ability to maintain good working relationships; and work around harmful chemical fumes or biological agents. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. SELECTION PROCEDURES Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position. Structure Oral Panel Interview (Weighted 100%): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidates' qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list. Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. ELIGIBLE LIST After all procedures have been completed, the Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates. HOW TO APPLY Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas which you have developed expertise. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com . FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Non-Management Benefits In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits. Click for Benefits Summary Information. 01 Describe your education/experience in crime scene investigation. If you do not have the experience requested, list training and/or education that has provided you the knowledge to perform the tasks. Be specific, list type of training and the number of hours, days, weeks, or months required for the training. If listing education, list class title and the number of units obtained. 02 Select the minimum qualifications that applies to you?