Crime Scene Investigator I

The Position

Incumbent works under the direction of the CSI Field Supervisor or designee, identifying, developing, collecting, documenting and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes and motor vehicle accidents.

Essential Functions

Respond to law enforcement personnel requests conducting and assisting with crime scene investigations.

Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, county employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.

Comply with civil service rules, collective bargaining agreements, county policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.

Locate, process, and preserve various evidence types (e.g., latent, biological, trace, fingerprint impression evidence) utilizing advanced technical equipment and techniques.

Document scenes and associated evidence utilizing notes, digital video, and specialized photography techniques (e.g., oblique lighting, night photography).

Create comprehensive field and computer generated diagrams of crime scenes and accident scenes suitable for court presentation.

Collect, package, and protect evidence and associated reference samples (e.g., loss, destruction, contamination).

Maintain proper chain of custody of evidence.

Attend and document autopsies and collect physical evidence assisting in the positive identification of deceased individuals and in criminal prosecution.

Document and process victims, subjects, and/or suspects of violent crimes for potential physical evidence.

Administer breath tests on suspects arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or other alcohol-related charges.

Prepare photo lineups utilizing the investigative search computer database.

Document and process collected evidence items at the forensic services division (FSD).

Preserve and store evidence items (e.g., electronic).

Submit laboratory requests to the latent print unit and/or chemistry unit.

Prepare and maintain case records, reports, correspondence, and documents.

Participate in CSI unit case file technical and administrative reviews.

Appear and testify in court as a subject matter expert witness.

Assist the county attorney's office, creating enlarged scene diagrams and other visual displays for court presentation.

Clean and decontaminate the CSI unit area of the FSD facilities and maintain equipment notifying the CSI field supervisor of damage or missing equipment.

Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).

Participate in equipment and vehicle inspections.

Maintain job knowledge and skills (e.g., research, meetings, trainings, webinars, seminars, conferences, continuing education).

Participate in validation studies.

Conduct selected quality control checks and documentation according to unit technical manuals.

Provide input and propose corrections and improvements to the FSD quality system.

Conduct and assist with training sessions (e.g., citizens' academy, various schools, special interest groups, other agencies).

Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on county business.

Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.

Perform other related duties as assigned and directed.

Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in forensic science, chemistry, biology, criminal justice, anthropology, geology, entomology, or photography required.

Complete the CSI structured training program, associated competency tests, and supervised casework within eighteen (18) months of hire and maintained throughout employment required.

International Association for Identification (IAI) crime scene certification level I within three (3) years of hire and maintained throughout employment required.

Maintain a Nebraska title 177 class B permit.

Valid driver's license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.

Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check, physical assessment, and conditional offer drug screen required.

*Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is generally performed indoors and outdoors, at various locations (e.g., investigation scenes, laboratory, autopsy facilities). Noise level is usually moderate. Work hours vary (e.g. days, shifts, weekends, overtime/extra hours, holidays, emergency call-in). Work involves potential exposure to the elements, mechanical/electrical hazards and biohazards, (e.g., offensive odors, decomposing human corpses). Work requires safety measures for exposure to chemicals, exposure/handling of weapons in the gathering or processing evidence. Occasionally, work may be performed in confined areas. Work may be unpleasant and upsetting when dealing with evidence involving human remains, sexual assaults, child abuse or neglect and may be stressful when dealing with time constraints, multiple/changing priorities, limited resources and uncooperative/irate individuals.

Work requires some physical activity including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, occasional balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching and kneeling, and the agility, balance and strength to maneuver over rough terrain, around various obstacles on foot. Work requires the ability to frequently lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Incumbents must be able to perform crime scene functions while wearing a full face respirator.

Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Benefits

Douglas county offers a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Insurance including health, dental, vision, and life
• Pension
• Sick leave
• Vacation leave
• 13 holidays
• Flex spending accounts
• Deferred income plans (457 plan)
• EAP
• Health savings accounts