Position Description
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
Join our Forensic Services team as a Crime Scene Technician and become an integral part of our law enforcement efforts. As a Crime Scene Technician, you'll play a vital role in gathering, processing, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. From detecting and collecting evidence to processing for latent fingerprints, your work will directly contribute to solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
In this dynamic role, you'll be responsible for a variety of tasks, including preserving evidence, packaging and transporting materials, and performing forensic photography. You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your skills in producing comprehensive crime scene diagrams and preparing detailed reports that may be used in court proceedings.
As a Crime Scene Technician, you'll enjoy a diverse work environment, with assignments that may include standby and call-out shifts. You'll need to be adaptable, as you'll work different shifts and days of the week to support our law enforcement activities effectively.
To excel in this role, you must be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job, including lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds and performing various physical tasks such as walking, standing, kneeling, and bending. Additionally, you'll be required to use personal protective equipment, including respirators, when working with hazardous chemicals or biohazardous materials.
If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career where you can make a real impact, apply now to join our team as a Crime Scene Technician. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and working together to ensure the safety and security of our community.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or equivalent and
one of the following:
- Associate Degree in police science, law enforcement, photography or a related discipline*
- A minimum of three years of paid, full-time, continuous experience conducting crime scene investigations and performing lab processing/analysis of evidence for a law enforcement agency
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's degree with significant course work in photography, chemistry, physical or natural science is highly desirable*
*Verification of college transcripts will be required later in the hiring process
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Knowledge & Skills
- Respond to and participate in crime scene investigations including searching for, identifying and evaluating physical evidence
- Perform a variety of tasks in evaluating crime scenes, photographing and lifting fingerprints, obtaining suspect and elimination prints; documenting crime scenes with photography, sketches and diagrams
- Process evidence for fingerprints; process and recover fingerprints using various methods including powders, chemicals, adhesives, tapes, light sources, digital photography
- Prepare casts of footwear, footprints and tool marks
- Collect, preserve and maintain integrity of evidence in the field and in the laboratory; ensure accuracy of information received; properly package, store and secure evidence; maintain chain of custody
- Process items to locate and recover trace evidence
- Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations related to the classification, collection and preservation of evidence
- Knowledge of the latest methods and techniques of latent fingerprint collection and processing
- Work effectively with the public
- Work harmoniously and professionally with department personnel, representatives of other law enforcement agencies and other public or private agencies
- Use sophisticated chemical, physical, optical and computerized techniques of scientific analysis in the performance of job duties
- Operate Forensic Services van to respond to crime scenes
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Apply Interested individuals should apply online, providing detailed responses to the supplemental questions, and attach a
cover letter and resume. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (253) 591-5400 for assistance.
Examination Process
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take an online assessment and will be notified by email with detailed instructions after the closing date of this job announcement.
Applicants must pass the examination process to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. Virtual interviews are an option but candidates in the final stages of the hiring process may be required to travel to the City of Tacoma in order to complete the end stages of the recruitment process for this position.
This position requires an extensive background check to include a polygraph, medical and psychological exam.
This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 117.
NOTE: Applicants who qualify for veteran's preference, please attach a copy of your DD214
at the time of application. Failure to follow all instructions may result in disqualification. We prefer e-mail for all communications, unless you do not have an e-mail account. This allows us the ability to send you information quickly and efficiently.Communication from the City of Tacoma:You are responsible for checking your e-mail regularly for any information coming from Human Resources and the Tacoma Police Department. Please allow your blockers to accept e-mail from the City of Tacoma. If we are unable to access or receive e-mail back undelivered, your materials may not be processed further.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400
by 3:00pm of the closing date of the job announcement. City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 5/10/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
