Forensic Technician I/II - Indio at County of Riverside in Indio, California

Job Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office has an opportunity for a Forensic Technician I/II position in Indio. The incumbent will perform technical forensic work identifying, collecting, preserving, photographing, interpreting, and comparing fingerprints and other physical evidence at crime scenes, autopsy examinations, and during criminal trials. The Forensic Technician I/II will be responsible for preparing the detailed written field and laboratory reports, testifying in court, and performing other duties as required. This position also requires the incumbent to travel throughout the County of Riverside.

Forensic Technician I

Incumbents in this class serve as entry-level Forensic Technicians within the Bureau of Investigation of the District Attorney's Office. Duties are performed under the close scrutiny of a supervisor and/or a journey-level Forensic Technician II. Incumbents may be promoted to the next higher class of Forensic Technician II upon satisfactory job performance and after meeting the recruiting guidelines.

Competitive Candidates will possess experience handling evidence within a relative law enforcement environment.

Forensic Technician II
Incumbents in this class serve as journey-level Forensic Technicians within the Forensic Services and Coroner's Bureau Divisions of the Sheriff's Department, and within the Bureau of Investigation of the District Attorney's Office. This class differs from Supervising Forensic Technician in that incumbents in the latter class function as working supervisors.

Applicants possessing at least one year of experience receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence in a County District Attorney's Office or law office agency are preferred.

Competitive candidates will possess experience and certifications related to forensics, which includes, but is not limited to: Crime Scene Photography and, Fingerprint Techniques

Meet the Team!
The District Attorney of Riverside County , as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community. The office's staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service. We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Search for, collect, and preserve evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis; photograph crime scenes, collisions, suspects, and evidence collected.

• Develop and preserve latent fingerprints using various techniques; identify and compare fingerprints.

• Collect, preserve, and attempt to evaluate or identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments.

• Take and compare physical impressions to attempt to connect evidence with suspect.

• In a laboratory setting, develop and enhance fingerprint evidence using various techniques; lift trace evidence such as blood, hair, fiber, and DNA samples and refer evidence to criminal laboratory (e.g., the DOJ) for further analysis.

• Interview witnesses as to location of evidence and for details in order to create composite drawings of suspects.

• Collect and process evidence during search warrants; create diagrams and poster boards of search warrant location; videotape search, photograph and document all evidence collected.

• Construct, store, and inventory courtroom exhibits; videotape testimony, edit and redact audio files of suspect and witness interviews; prepare, organize, and document evidence for discovery.

• Consult with attorneys regarding effective preparation and presentation of evidence during trial.

• Use computer software and equipment to prepare and draw sketches of crime scenes and suspects.

• Prepare detailed records; tag, mark, preserve, and store evidence collected; may manage an evidence room to include checking items in and out, maintaining chain of custody and inventory control, and destroying items no longer needed for criminal prosecution.

• May review the work of lower Forensic Technicians and provide training and lead direction to lesser-experienced technicians.

• Study new techniques in forensics; conduct research into the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment.

• Prepare detailed written field and laboratory reports and other correspondence.

• Testify in court as an expert witness in the presentation and verification of collected evidence such as bloodstain interpretation, projectile trajectory, fingerprints, photography, and diagramming.

• Attend post mortem examinations; fingerprint the deceased, collect trace evidence, pathological samples, and other physical evidence for further examination; photograph autopsies of criminal investigations; prepare photos for courtroom presentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Forensic Technician I:

Salary: $24.82 - $38.80 Hourly
$4,301.37 - $6,724.59 Monthly
$51,616.45 - $80,695.06 Annually

Education:Completion of 20 semester or 30 quarter units from an accredited college or university in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a closely related field. (One year of receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence in a law enforcement agency, or a closely related law enforcement assignment may be substituted for the required education.)

Knowledge of:Crime scene investigation techniques and procedures; fingerprint processing methods; traditional photography and digital imaging techniques and equipment; the relationship of law enforcement to the community at large.

Ability to:Learn collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence at crime scenes; coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; interpret such information; draw logical conclusions; apply fingerprinting methods to the tasks of identification; take, develop, and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above shoulder; stand for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry camera and evidence collection equipment. This position also requires the incumbent to work around offensive sights and smells.

Forensic Technician II:

Salary: $28.04 - $43.83 Hourly
$4,859.97 - $7,596.51 Monthly
$58,319.66 - $91,158.08 Annually

Education: 32 hours of P.O.S.T. approved training in fingerprint science and/or 40 hours of Basic Fingerprint Techniques or the equivalent.

Experience:One year of experience collecting, preserving, and photographing physical evidence at crime scenes, and comparison of fingerprint evidence.

Knowledge of: The techniques of collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence; modern principles, practices, and techniques of traditional photography and digital imaging; current methods of fingerprint collection, identification and analysis and comparison; technological developments relative to the forensic function.

Ability to: Coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; interpret such information; find relationships, and draw logical conclusions; apply modern fingerprinting methods to the task of identification; take, develop, and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above shoulder, stand for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry camera and evidence collection equipment. This position also requires the incumbent to work around offensive sights and smells.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The duties of this position require the incumbent to be available to work nights, holidays, and weekends and may be available for stand-by and call-outs after regular working hours.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Degree and Experience Verification

Competitive experience/education must be reflected on your application/resume.

*** Prior to submitting your application , upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your Government Jobs account.*** If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI).

Contact Information

For more information regarding the position, please contact the recruiter Ulysses Gerardo at (951) 955-5772 or via email at ltjimenez@rivco.org.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com .

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• 
  Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.


• 
  Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.


• 
  Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
  

A new member is defined as any of the following:

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.

A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

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