Forensic Investigator I

Job Description:

Forensic Investigator I

Description

THE POSITION

Please Note: A candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, to perform crime scene investigations, evaluate and process evidence, examine latent fingerprints and perform related duties and responsibilities in accordance with Police Department policies and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level of the Forensic Investigator series. Employees in this class work under close supervision as a trainee performing crime scene investigation duties according to established procedures in scene photography and videography, evidence evaluation, collection and processing, scene diagramming and latent fingerprint examination and identification. Incumbents receive both on-the-job and formal classroom training and perform duties of increasing responsibility that are generally observed and reviewed both during its performance and upon completion. During the first year of employment, incumbents are expected to progress in acquiring skills, knowledge and abilities to be able to perform work independent of direct oversight and supervision.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Supervising Forensic Investigator. Technical oversight and work direction related to the investigation and forensic processing of major crime scenes and related evidence is provided by the Lead Forensic Investigator, Supervising Forensic Investigator, Sergeant, or designee. Incumbents of the Forensic Investigator II class are expected to train, oversee and provide work direction to Forensic Investigator I and provide verbal and written feedback to supervisory personnel regarding work performance and progress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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• Respond to and process a wide variety of crime scenes.
• Participate in and perform specialized duties in the investigation and evaluation of crime scenes and related evidence.
• Collect, preserve, protect, prepare written records and establish and/or control the chain of custody.
• Measure locations and relational distances of victims, suspects and other individuals, evidence, objects, buildings, vehicles and other items using manual and automated equipment and prepare diagrammatic material depicting those measurements and locations as found at crime scenes.
• Develop latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals, or other approved methods, both in the field and in an evidence laboratory, on a variety of objects and surfaces and perform related specialized photography.
• Work in an evidence lab setting, developing latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals, laser, or other approved methods, collect DNA and trace evidence off of property items, enter cartridge cases into IBIS, serial number restorations, and perform specialized photography to document evidence.
• Perform forensic photography and videography of victims, suspects, crime scenes, items of evidence, latent prints and other items and objects.
• Fingerprint and photograph dead bodies in various states of decomposition.
• Evaluate and compare inked and latent prints using manual and automated methods.
• Upon assignment as a Latent Examiner, verify identifications of inked and latent fingerprints.
• Upon assignment as a Forensic Artist, formulate composite likeness of subjects from descriptions obtained through interviews.
• Prepare supplementary investigation reports related to crime scene investigations, evidence collection and processing, fingerprint identification and processing procedures, and other reports as required.
• Review reports for quality and accuracy.
• Fingerprint persons as required.
• Testify in court.
• Provide training to subordinate and other department personnel.
• Provide demonstrations and presentations regarding forensic techniques and equipment to department personnel, other City departments, citizens and community groups.
• Provide exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic understanding of computer operations and/or word processing programs.
• Basic principles of digital photography and videography.
• Basic understanding of fingerprint pattern recognition.

Ability to:

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
• Learn fingerprinting procedures.
• Learn police procedures and methods for crime scene investigations.
• Learn physical and biological evidence collection, crime scene photography, videography and diagramming.
• Learn proper handling and maintenance of safety equipment and chemicals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City departments, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Provide effective testimony in court.
• Prepare records and reports.
• Perform related work as required.
• As knowledge, skill and abilities develop, exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Learn to provide keen attention to detail and engage in critical thinking and analysis.
• Work at locations involving human trauma of all types and degrees of severity and in high stress situations.
• Perform crime scene investigation work involving extended hours and physical effort, in inclement weather and at a variety of locations.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

A combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience:
One year, equivalent to full-time, experience as a student trainee, or career employee in a law enforcement agency or two years of experience in a customer service position in the public or private sector.

AND

Education:
Completion of sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with major work in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.

Substitution:
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major work in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field may substitute for the required experience.

Additional Substitution :
Three years' experience in police investigation, forensics, or fingerprinting, and a Bachelor's Degree in a non-related field.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment . Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Loss of the Class C License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Respiratory Protective Equipment:
Work in this class requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Felony Convictions:
Free of felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.

Probationary Period:
Employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on 40 hours per week (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• If you’re requesting Veteran’s credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran’s credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.
• Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.

2. Training and Experience Test: (Weighted 100%) - The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:

• Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.

3. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate’s eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Forensic Investigator I examination.

4. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

5. Background Process: If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and drug use history.

QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org ; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$60,942.76 - $85,752.58 Annually