Job Information
City of Thornton Criminalist/Senior Criminalist in Thornton, Colorado
Criminalist/Senior Criminalist
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Criminalist/Senior Criminalist
Salary
$34.74 - $50.76 Hourly
Location
City of Thornton; Justice Center, CO
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
24278
Department
Police
Division
Criminal Investigations
Opening Date
09/09/2024
Closing Date
9/30/2024 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Non-Exempt
WORK HOURS
STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK
PROBATION
ONE YEAR (IF NOT CURRENTLY A CERTIFIED EMPLOYEE)
STATUS 2
FLSA NON-EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED
BENEFITS
SEE BENEFITS TAB
Description
Benefits
Questions
Under general supervision, performs a variety of work to identify process and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes in support of the investigations function of the Police Department. Work also includes providing testimony in court, securing, storing and retrieving evidence, performing various examinations of evidence in a crime laboratory, and other duties as assigned.
Criminalist:
Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Criminalist series. Incumbents entering this class have limited related work experience. Work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.
Senior Criminalist:
Under direction, this is the journey-level class in the Criminalist series and is distinguished from Criminalist by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as needed. Incumbents perform more complex and responsible types of functions, and are typically accountable for budgetary development and purchases for the work unit. Incumbents may provide functional supervision to Criminalists.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Responds to the scene of field investigations to perform the technical investigations of criminal and non-criminal scenes related to the identification, documentation, collection, preservation and utilization of physical evidence.
Performs laboratory examinations of evidence, including specialized processing involving physical, chemical, optical and digital techniques.
Obtains non-testimonial evidence, including hairs, fibers, saliva, blood, latent print and other items from victims, suspects and decedents.
Prepares digital likenesses for criminal investigations.
Complete photographic collection at crime scenes.
Analyzes latent prints, lifts and compares all suitable impressions, and enters fingerprints into AFIS.
Attends post-mortem examinations as assigned to collect and document any evidence found.
Provides testimony on forensic investigations and laboratory techniques in legal and administrative hearings.
Utilizes required personal protective equipment. Maintains a safe and clean working environment.
Utilizes National Institute of Justice crime scene processing guidelines.
Assists in the research and/or development of new laboratory techniques.
Assists in preparing and presenting training, lectures, or video presentations to the department and other agencies.
Participates in professional organizations to include teaching and lecturing when appropriate.
Compiles data for special projects or reports as assigned, ensuring completion by specified deadlines and in accordance with established goals and objectives.
Types a variety of materials that may include reports, correspondence, memoranda, policies, schedules, or records from prepared or handwritten copy.
Utilizes data entry, word processing and spreadsheet software to develop and maintain written communications and information.
Assists with the preparation of divisional or departmental budget information.
Will be on a rotational on-call schedule with the other criminalists in the unit.
Performs work that requires the use of specified respiratory equipment that guards against exposure to airborne hazards. Complies with all Municipal, State, and Federal physical requirements as per Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) guidelines.
May prepare graphic representations and scale drawings for criminal and non-criminal investigations.
May provide oversight of Criminalists.
May be required to work overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Criminalist:
High school diploma or GED; two years of college (60 semester credit hours or the equivalent); Bachelor’s Degree preferred. A minimum of one year of full-time experience in crime scene investigations. Specific training in crime scene investigations, photography, fingerprinting, latent print development or related skills. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Senior Criminalist:
Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science or related field from an accredited college or university; Bachelor’s Degree in Forensics or related field is preferred. Five years of full-time crime scene experience; including at least two years in a crime lab. Experience testifying as an expert witness in a forensic field is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Criminalist:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of proper collection and packaging of evidence.
Knowledge of crime scene photography.
Knowledge of blood pattern analysis.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of forensic science.
Knowledge of applicable procurement and process procedures.
Knowledge of applicable legal or administrative procedures for preparing documents.
Knowledge of National Institute of Justice crime scene processing guidelines.
Skill in locating, developing, processing and collecting latent prints.
Skill in taking measurements at a crime scene to produce a scaled drawing.
Skill in operating crime scene equipment, including alternate light source, latent print kit, inked print kit, evidence vacuum, metal detector, measuring devices, flashlight, portable generator, portable flood lights, digital cameras, hand tools, ladders, and police radio.
Skills in operating crime laboratory equipment, including but not limited to microscopes, magnifiers, optical comparators, and new equipment or technical devices.
Skill in exercising independent judgment when prioritizing duties.
Skill in recognizing and analyzing blood patterns.
Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment.
Ability to wear SCBA gear and/or respiratory protection.
Ability to conduct detailed and complete investigations by locating, documenting, collecting, preserving, analyzing and interpreting of physical evidence within the capability of the crime lab.
Ability to photograph crime scenes to produce photographs that are accurate representations.
Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards and laws.
Ability to provide professional testimony in court.
Ability to understand and carry out oral or written instructions.
Ability to understand and apply city policies and procedures.
Ability to understand and comply with the goals of the department.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software, including word processing, data based management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to organize and manage multiple competing tasks.
Ability to prepare documents unique to areas of assignment.
Senior Criminalist:
In addition to previous requirements:
Skill in working independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to appropriately manage crime scenes.
Ability to read, interpret and explain policies or procedures to constituents.
Ability to provide functional supervision as required.
Ability to identify problems or issues, analyze data, and make sound recommendations based upon findings.
Ability to recommend equipment and supplies where needed.
Ability to prepare a budget and procure budgeted items.
Ability to prepare and present training, lectures, or video presentations to the department and other agencies.
Ability to testify in court as an expert witness in forensic science.
Ability to compare latent prints.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the essential duties of this job the employee is required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motion. This position is mostly light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity. The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. The employee is subject to hazards. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.
The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our 2024 Benefits Guide.
Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
Flexible Spending Plan
Retiree Health Savings Plan
Pension Plan & Deferred Compensation Plans
Short & Long-term Disability Plans
Paid Holidays
Vacation & Sick Leave
Multilingual Incentive Pay
Recreation Pass
Wellness Program - Learn more here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ecAZ5bF8G3UKkXFWVXFFrqVAbC4DQyjc/view?usp=sharing)
In-House Training Opportunities
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Schedules
Hybrid Schedules