Criminalist Position in Colorado
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:14 am
Have specific questions about this job? Feel free to contact me! 
Erinn Dominguez, Criminalist
edominguez@arapahoegov.com
CRIMINALIST-ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 04/22/15
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under limited direction from the Supervising Criminalist, this position performs a variety of professional crime laboratory/forensic analysis and crime scene duties including recognition, documentation and collection of physical evidence and reconstruction of events as required. Directs activities at crime scene regarding collection and analysis of evidence, and performs professional and administrative duties associated with the processing of evidence.
DUTIES
Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of all physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
Examines crime scenes to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, video, and identify physical evidence.
Performs latent print comparisons of recorded prints as well as evidentiary latent prints, identifies fingerprints, and utilizes Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. (AFIS/AFIX/IAFIS).
Collects trace evidence.
Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
Prepares sketches and diagrams to include dimensions of scene and to establish location of evidence and relationships of all relevant data.
Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
Prepares, processes and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
Documents, handles, packages, and receipts evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with established forensic practices under state and federal laws.
Directs law enforcement personnel at crime scenes to ensure continuity and preservation of evidence.
Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
Instructs other agency members in Criminalistics, crime scene processing and training seminars, to include outside law enforcement agencies under mutual aid requests.
Makes presumptive field tests of suspected illegal drugs to determine type.
Performs various techniques to restore obliterated numbers on firearms and other metal objects.
Maintains agency photographic and processing equipment in clean and operating order.
May be assigned to train new employees and or act as a trainer to coworkers in specific specialty areas.
Operates computers and standard office equipment including commonly used computer software programs.
Maintains regular and acceptable attendance.
Is available and willing to work such overtime per day or per week as the Sheriff’s Office determines is necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
Is available and willing to work such weekends and holidays as the Sheriff’s Office determines are necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
Performs duties both in the office and in the field.
Interacts effectively with others.
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Extensive knowledge of criminal acts, methods of operation and investigative procedures.
Extensive knowledge of modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedure
Extensive knowledge of criminal acts, methods of operation and investigative procedures.
Extensive knowledge of all areas of Criminalistics.
Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of NCIC Fingerprint classification systems.
Knowledge of law enforcement accreditation standards at the Sheriff’s Office.
Knowledge of computers and commonly used computer software programs.
Working knowledge of digital image processing software (e.g., PhotoShop).
Skill in the use of laboratory and photographic equipment and materials.
Ability to operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment as required by position.
Ability to give acceptable expert testimony in courts of law.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and other law enforcement/judicial personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, to include public speaking.
Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff.
Ability to get along well with others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science, Natural Sciences, Criminalistics or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years experience performing crime scene and/or laboratory duties associated with the processing of evidence in a law enforcement agency. OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfy the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
YOU MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT VALID EMAIL ADDRESS FOR APPLICATION STATUS NOTIFICATIONS (only one email address is accepted by the system).
REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:
The screening process for any position within the Sheriff’s Office may include written test(s), an oral interview, skills test(s) and/or other selection methods designed to measure applicants’ ability to perform the essential functions of the job they are seeking. Required examinations also include:
Polygraph examination.
Psychological evaluation.
Medical examination, including a drug screen.
Background investigation. This will include, but is not limited to contact with the applicant’s former employers, associates, neighbors and other pertinent sources. Applicant’s military history, school records, police records and driving record will also be investigated. All examinations are conducted by qualified/licensed individuals designated by the Sheriff’s Office at the Sheriff’s Office expense.
EXPECTED DURATION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Due to the nature of the application and selection process for the Sheriff’s Office, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.
WORK SCHEDULES:
Employees are required to work the time periods and/or shifts, rotational and/or stationary, and location assignment, consistent with the needs of the Sheriff's Office.
DUTY ASSIGNMENTS:
All applicants hired by the Sheriff serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff of Arapahoe County and may be assigned to any of the agencies bureaus, sections or units at the discretion of the Sheriff or his duly appointed representative. Employment is at the will and pleasure of the Sheriff, per Colorado State Statute: 30-10-506. Written policies and other manuals do not alter the at will status of employment.
COMMUNITY POLICING:
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is committed to the implementation of the community-policing concept. Community policing is an organizational strategy and philosophy which emphasizes problem solving partnerships between the Sheriff's Office, neighborhoods and businesses, working together to create a better quality of life within the community.
INITIAL STATUS PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful applicants are subject to an initial status period of employment. This initial status period is 12 months for all positions. The initial status period is regarded as part of the applicant’s examination process and will be utilized for purposes of employee evaluation, training and adjustment to the demands of the profession. New employees, who fail to perform satisfactorily during the period, may be separated from the Sheriff’s Office, depending on the circumstance of each case.
APPLICANT DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS:
Applicants are advised that areas for disqualification from further consideration include, but are not limited to, the following:
Illegal Drug Use. Applicants who have recent illegal drug usage will be disqualified. Recent drug use includes marijuana within 1 year and all other illegal drug use within the past 5 years. All other illegal drug use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Any felony conviction
Driving Record
Outside activities which may be deemed a conflict of interest
Revelation or discovery of assaultive behavior
Documented record of prior work performance
Unsuccessful completion of any basic requirement
Inability to perform the essential functions of the position
Police history - type, frequency and nature of contacts(s).
Providing false or misleading information during the application / selection process.
It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to not discuss the reasons why applicants were not selected for hire. There is no flexibility to this policy. Applicants may be notified of their disqualification at any point in the selection process. If you receive such a notice, it simply means that you do not meet our standards at this time. Receiving this notice does not indicate that you are ineligible to apply with other agencies.
POLICY ON REAPPLICATION:
Applicants who failed a written test may reapply and retest no sooner than six months from the date of they took the written test. All other applicants who are disqualified can reapply with the Sheriff’s Office no sooner than one year from the date of notification of non-selection.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer, who fully supports and complies with the ADA. EOE M/F/D/V
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/arapahoe/default.cfm
Erinn Dominguez, Criminalist
edominguez@arapahoegov.com
CRIMINALIST-ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 04/22/15
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under limited direction from the Supervising Criminalist, this position performs a variety of professional crime laboratory/forensic analysis and crime scene duties including recognition, documentation and collection of physical evidence and reconstruction of events as required. Directs activities at crime scene regarding collection and analysis of evidence, and performs professional and administrative duties associated with the processing of evidence.
DUTIES
Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of all physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
Examines crime scenes to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, video, and identify physical evidence.
Performs latent print comparisons of recorded prints as well as evidentiary latent prints, identifies fingerprints, and utilizes Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. (AFIS/AFIX/IAFIS).
Collects trace evidence.
Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
Prepares sketches and diagrams to include dimensions of scene and to establish location of evidence and relationships of all relevant data.
Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
Prepares, processes and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
Documents, handles, packages, and receipts evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with established forensic practices under state and federal laws.
Directs law enforcement personnel at crime scenes to ensure continuity and preservation of evidence.
Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
Instructs other agency members in Criminalistics, crime scene processing and training seminars, to include outside law enforcement agencies under mutual aid requests.
Makes presumptive field tests of suspected illegal drugs to determine type.
Performs various techniques to restore obliterated numbers on firearms and other metal objects.
Maintains agency photographic and processing equipment in clean and operating order.
May be assigned to train new employees and or act as a trainer to coworkers in specific specialty areas.
Operates computers and standard office equipment including commonly used computer software programs.
Maintains regular and acceptable attendance.
Is available and willing to work such overtime per day or per week as the Sheriff’s Office determines is necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
Is available and willing to work such weekends and holidays as the Sheriff’s Office determines are necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
Performs duties both in the office and in the field.
Interacts effectively with others.
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Extensive knowledge of criminal acts, methods of operation and investigative procedures.
Extensive knowledge of modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedure
Extensive knowledge of criminal acts, methods of operation and investigative procedures.
Extensive knowledge of all areas of Criminalistics.
Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of NCIC Fingerprint classification systems.
Knowledge of law enforcement accreditation standards at the Sheriff’s Office.
Knowledge of computers and commonly used computer software programs.
Working knowledge of digital image processing software (e.g., PhotoShop).
Skill in the use of laboratory and photographic equipment and materials.
Ability to operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment as required by position.
Ability to give acceptable expert testimony in courts of law.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and other law enforcement/judicial personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, to include public speaking.
Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff.
Ability to get along well with others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science, Natural Sciences, Criminalistics or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years experience performing crime scene and/or laboratory duties associated with the processing of evidence in a law enforcement agency. OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfy the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
YOU MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT VALID EMAIL ADDRESS FOR APPLICATION STATUS NOTIFICATIONS (only one email address is accepted by the system).
REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:
The screening process for any position within the Sheriff’s Office may include written test(s), an oral interview, skills test(s) and/or other selection methods designed to measure applicants’ ability to perform the essential functions of the job they are seeking. Required examinations also include:
Polygraph examination.
Psychological evaluation.
Medical examination, including a drug screen.
Background investigation. This will include, but is not limited to contact with the applicant’s former employers, associates, neighbors and other pertinent sources. Applicant’s military history, school records, police records and driving record will also be investigated. All examinations are conducted by qualified/licensed individuals designated by the Sheriff’s Office at the Sheriff’s Office expense.
EXPECTED DURATION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Due to the nature of the application and selection process for the Sheriff’s Office, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.
WORK SCHEDULES:
Employees are required to work the time periods and/or shifts, rotational and/or stationary, and location assignment, consistent with the needs of the Sheriff's Office.
DUTY ASSIGNMENTS:
All applicants hired by the Sheriff serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff of Arapahoe County and may be assigned to any of the agencies bureaus, sections or units at the discretion of the Sheriff or his duly appointed representative. Employment is at the will and pleasure of the Sheriff, per Colorado State Statute: 30-10-506. Written policies and other manuals do not alter the at will status of employment.
COMMUNITY POLICING:
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is committed to the implementation of the community-policing concept. Community policing is an organizational strategy and philosophy which emphasizes problem solving partnerships between the Sheriff's Office, neighborhoods and businesses, working together to create a better quality of life within the community.
INITIAL STATUS PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful applicants are subject to an initial status period of employment. This initial status period is 12 months for all positions. The initial status period is regarded as part of the applicant’s examination process and will be utilized for purposes of employee evaluation, training and adjustment to the demands of the profession. New employees, who fail to perform satisfactorily during the period, may be separated from the Sheriff’s Office, depending on the circumstance of each case.
APPLICANT DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS:
Applicants are advised that areas for disqualification from further consideration include, but are not limited to, the following:
Illegal Drug Use. Applicants who have recent illegal drug usage will be disqualified. Recent drug use includes marijuana within 1 year and all other illegal drug use within the past 5 years. All other illegal drug use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Any felony conviction
Driving Record
Outside activities which may be deemed a conflict of interest
Revelation or discovery of assaultive behavior
Documented record of prior work performance
Unsuccessful completion of any basic requirement
Inability to perform the essential functions of the position
Police history - type, frequency and nature of contacts(s).
Providing false or misleading information during the application / selection process.
It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to not discuss the reasons why applicants were not selected for hire. There is no flexibility to this policy. Applicants may be notified of their disqualification at any point in the selection process. If you receive such a notice, it simply means that you do not meet our standards at this time. Receiving this notice does not indicate that you are ineligible to apply with other agencies.
POLICY ON REAPPLICATION:
Applicants who failed a written test may reapply and retest no sooner than six months from the date of they took the written test. All other applicants who are disqualified can reapply with the Sheriff’s Office no sooner than one year from the date of notification of non-selection.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer, who fully supports and complies with the ADA. EOE M/F/D/V
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/arapahoe/default.cfm