Forensic Technician I at County of Riverside in Perris, California

Job Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is seeking to fill four vacancies to support their office located in Perris. Under direct supervision, 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; and perform other duties as required.

Incumbents in this class serve as entry-level Forensic Technicians within the Forensic Services and Coroner's Bureau Divisions of the Sheriff's Department. 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 have experience obtaining evidence at a crime scene, creating reports of the findings, and analyzing the evidence in the lab. Additionally, candidates possessing a certification related to forensics are highly desired. These certifications include, but not limited to, the following: Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Photography, Fingerprint Techniques and Impression, Forensic Report Writing, Death Investigation, and/or Blood Stain Pattern Analysis.

Meet the Team!The law enforcement professionals of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office , with a staff of over 3,600 dedicated men and women, cover the expanse of over 7,300 square miles in southern California. The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to serving the citizens of its communities with integrity, professionalism, leadership, and loyalty and believes in service above self.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• In a training capacity, assist in searching for, collecting, and categorizing evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis.

• Assist in collecting, identifying, developing, and preserving latent fingerprints.

• Preserve, compare, and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments.

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

• 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.

• Tag, mark, and store evidence collected; may assist with managing 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.

• Photograph crime scenes, suspects, and evidence with digital and traditional photograph equipment; process and organize digital images using computer software programs.

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

• Prepare photographs and crime scene sketches for courtroom exhibits; store and inventory exhibits.

• Videotape testimony; edit and redact audio files of suspect and witness interviews; prepare, organize, and document evidence for discovery.

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

• May testify in court.

• Assist with 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.

• Learn to use various kinds of scientific instrumentation to analyze, compare, identify, and quantify materials of evidence.

• Learn the function and use of the computerized bar code inventory control system used for evidence movement, storage, and accountability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.)

Candidates possessing a certification related to forensics are highly desired. These certifications include, but not limited to, the following: Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Photography, Fingerprint Techniques and Impression, Forensic Report Writing, Death Investigation, and/or Blood Stain Pattern Analysis. Must be attached at time of application

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.

Other Requirements: Incumbents are expected to work flexible work schedules including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, being on 24-hour on-call status, and may often be required to work overtime.

Physical Conditions: Incumbents must be able to assist with heavy lifting and carrying of deceased persons in difficult types of terrain and weather conditions; independent body mobility to stand for long periods and/or walk on uneven ground or wet surfaces.

Environmental Conditions: Incumbent must be comfortable to work around, biohazards, potential infectious diseases as well as, offensive sights and smells and w ill be required to wear personal protective equipment in accordance with applicable occupational safety and health regulations when potentially exposed.

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

Background:Candidates must be able to pass an extensive background check which may take several months.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Contact

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


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  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.


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  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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