This is professional investigative work in the collection, preservation, and analysis of all crime scene evidence, including major cases. The work requires extensive knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the investigation, processing, and analysis of crime scenes, which is usually gained through formal education and work experience. Contacts require skills in understanding and influencing others, which are important in collecting data and presenting the results of analysis to others. The work is performed following substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards, with latitude to consider which procedures to follow and in what sequence to achieve the required job results. The work involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in searching for solutions within one's own experience. The work is performed indoors and outdoors at varying crime scene locations where there are risks and hazards associated with the collection of crime scene evidence, which are generally unknown or unpredictable, and possibly uncontrollable. Operates a vehicle, photography equipment, power tools, forensic investigative equipment, and a personal computer using word processing, crime scene diagramming, evidence cataloging, and other software applications. The work involves moderate physical activity, which demands standing, bending, crawling, or stooping for extended periods of time and may include lifting or moving objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds, working at heights more than five feet above the ground, and wearing hazardous material protective gear. The work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques, and well-defined policies; the worker plans and organizes the work and determines priorities; and the work is reviewed, usually after the fact, in terms of quality, accuracy, timeliness, usefulness, and adherence to established methods, standards, and policies.

(Not intended to be all inclusive)

• Collects, examines, identifies, packages, preserves, and processes items from crime scenes.
• Processes evidence for latent prints and other trace evidence using chemicals and other various techniques.
• Photographs crime scenes, evidence, and victims using digital and traditional camera equipment.
• Utilizes specialized forensic equipment to detect and examine DNA and serological specimens.
• Transports to, logs, and files evidence at the property room.
• Excavates grave sites for evidence and bodies.
• Takes measurements and freehand draws illustrations of crime scenes.
• Uses measurements, freehand drawings, and computerized crime scene mapping software to diagram crime scenes for court case illustrations.
• Analyses and interprets blood stain patterns.
• Reconstructs shooting incidents and conducts bullet trajectory analysis.
• Operates and maintains a vehicle used to transport investigative equipment and supplies.
• Writes detailed investigative reports using a personal computer.
• Testifies in court proceedings.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment.
• Leads, trains, and guides the work of others.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's Core Competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques used in the collection, examination, identification, packaging, preservation, and processing of evidence from crime scenes.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and departmental regulations and policies governing crime scene investigative activities.
• Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in illustrating and diagramming crime scenes.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures used to code and catalog evidence at the property room.
• Skill in using digital and traditional photographic equipment.
• Ability to collect, examine, identify, package, preserve, and process evidence from crime scenes.
• Ability to use forensic investigative equipment and chemicals to locate and obtain evidence.
• Ability to write and maintain investigative records and reports.
• Ability to recreate, illustrate, and diagram crime scenes.
• Ability to code and catalog evidence at the property room.
• Ability to analyze and interpret blood-stain patterns.
• Ability to reconstruct shooting incidents and conduct bullet trajectory analysis.
• Ability to train and guide the work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to handle deceased and decomposed bodies to obtain trace evidence and fingerprints.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch at ground level.
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work outside in a subtropical climate under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, wooden, and marshy areas.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

OPEN REQUIREMENTS:  Four to six years of education and/or experience in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field of study. Two years of experience in crime scene investigation and/or evidence collection is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401). 

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license during employment in this class.  Must qualify for, obtain, and maintain a City of Jacksonville public driver certification for employment in this class. 

The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and will provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants in compliance with all applicable federal and state employment laws and the current interpretation of employment discrimination by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as set forth in Directive 0528.  There shall be no discrimination or harassment against any person with regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other impermissible factor in recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, transfers, layoff, recall, termination, working conditions and related terms and conditions of employment.