DFS: Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)/Crime Scene Analyst

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of DFS is to provide high quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

The position is responsible for recognizing and recovering evidence in criminal investigations at the scene(s) of crime(s) by analyzing, photographing, collecting, preserving, and presenting physical evidence. Crime scenes include person crimes, such as homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies, as well as property crimes and traffic accidents, etc.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)/Crime Scene Analyst investigates crime scenes in various locations in the city; assists with sealing the crime scene to protect and preserve important and critical evidence(s) and ensures that all persons who enters/visits the crime scene do not tamper with any evidence to avoid “evidence tampering” which might become an issue in court proceedings. Collects fingerprints/palm prints, tire and shoe prints, tool mark impressions, firearms, wound imprints of the deceased person(s), hair, clothing, fibers, and biological evidence to facilitate positive identification and/or elimination; and analyzes and records crime scenes showing correlation between evidence and the scene and performs various chemical and photographic processes in the field or laboratory. Attends autopsies to photograph injuries and fingerprint the deceased for identification purposes. Photographs evidence at the crime scene that specifically correlates with collected data using digital cameras and other evidence deemed appropriate for the case.

The incumbent observes and follows the established and/or standard evidence control procedures to maintain the proper chain-of-custody on evidence, collected evidence, proper packaging, storage, and integrity; and ensures evidence is locked securely in a duly designated location before and after analysis. Advises on scene response in each case, including those involving deaths, especially when homicide is suspected. Identifies and evaluates risks including but not limited to hazardous materials in the field and the laboratory. Conducts a wide variety of complex and difficult analyses; determines and decides the appropriate tests, methods, and procedures to use; and performs qualitative and quantitative analyses by using specific techniques, including but not limited to physical testing, visual analysis, identification and classification, comparisons, etc. Testifies in court as an expert witness in connection with the evidence processed, developed, and preserved. Prepares detailed reports and supplements; and accepts documents and bar codes evidence associated with each crime scene case. May provide technical guidance to lower-level staff in crime scene related topics. Updates and keeps informed of the current literature and precedence relevant to the forensic scientific fields and shares the same information to the immediate supervisor for proper disposition.

Qualifications And Education

This is an Interdisciplinary Position that involves work in two different occupations which may be filled under the Forensic Scientist, 0401 Series or the Crime Scene Analyst, 0301 Series, depending on the qualifications of the person selected.

A Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position or courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines in addition to one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-11 grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to include such work as: investigating and analyzing crime scenes; protecting and preserving important and critical evidence; or performing similar crime scene work.

Licensure and Certifications

None – However, incumbent must be able to successfully complete the DFS Crime Scene Sciences Competency Testing. Certification from the International Association for Identification is preferred.

Work Environment

This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position are designated as safety-sensitive and shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Work is performed in the field at the crime scenes; in the laboratory during the analysis, and autopsies, as well as in an office setting when preparing documentation/reports, etc. Also work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements and travel/walk over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood borne pathogens and is required to follow safe field and laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, etc. May be exposed to various objectionable material (e.g., pornography, etc.). The work may require the incumbent to be in unstable locations necessitating the wearing of a ballistic safety vest. The position requires the use of electronic communication devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, communication radios, and wireless computers.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Shift, weekend, and holiday work is required. Overtime before or after the daily tour may be required. Mandatory overtime (scheduled or unscheduled) may be required.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401/0301-12

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment: Career Service (CS) - Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-05, and subject to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability: This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, you must successfully pass a criminal background and drug and alcohol screening as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks, background investigations, and drug tests for the duration of your tenure.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Essential and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.