Job Description

Posting number: 26-37531-03

Department: District Attorney

Division: District Attorney

Job classification: FORENSIC TECHNICIAN II

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Legal, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Attorney, Forensics, Criminology

Summary

Logo of the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, featuring a scale symbol and the text

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office has an opportunity for a Forensic Technician II position in Riverside. 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 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 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.

The department is seeking candidates with experience and certificates 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.

Banner promoting job benefits for the County of Riverside, featuring a cityscape background and the county seal.

Examples of 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.

Qualifications

Forensic Technician II:

Salary: $34.93 - $52.04 Hourly

$6,055.30 - $9,019.73 Monthly

$72,663.61 - $108,236.81 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. **Proof of education/completed hours must be uploaded with application**

Experience: One year of experience collecting, preserving, and photographing physical evidence at crime scenes, and comparison of fingerprint evidence. **Listed experience must be reflected on your application/resume.**

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:

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

May be required to work overtime as needed.

Supplemental information

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Joe Olivares at 951-955-9554 or jomendoz@rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries..