ISP Forensic Evidence Specialist

Description

Idaho State Police - Meridian, Idaho

State of Idaho Opportunity

Forensic Evidence Specialist

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 

DESCRIPTION:

To manage, maintain, and handle forensic evidence; manage administrative systems and related support functions for the Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) laboratory and office; provide direct customer service and technical support services to forensic scientists and external customers; assist in or perform specialized duties as assigned; laboratory administrative tasks, and laboratory quality assurance related duties, maintain attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks, maintain safe laboratory practices and universal precautions; perform related work. 

All Idaho State Police Forensic Laboratories are accredited by A2LA and to the ISO 17025 Standard. State Police Forensic Laboratories serve state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies; state and county prosecutors; and public defenders. 

PLEASE NOTE: The successful applicant will be required to complete a background investigation, polygraph examination and comply with our drug policy. Please review all Idaho State Police Professional Qualifications that includes the agency drug policy.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Forensic Evidence Management

• Receive, store and return a wide variety of forensic evidence (including breath testing instruments, drugs, chemicals, biological material, body fluid-stained items, guns/ammunition and objects for fingerprint analysis)
• Follow policies and analytical methods regarding evidence to ensure proper preservation and integrity of the evidence
• Participate in internal and external evidence audits to ensure appropriate standards of accountability have been met and the evidence is properly packaged, stored and preserved
• Utilize and assist customers with the Idaho Laboratory Information Management System (ILIMS)
• Communicate with agencies about case information 

Administrative duties

• Respond to supervisors, discipline leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits; provide statistical information; create goals, objectives, and employee development plan.
• Develop and maintain electronic and paper scientific records
• Make recommendations for improvement of administrative processes
• Compile data and weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly reports as assigned
• Respond to and maintain legal documents such as subpoenas and motions for discovery
• Maintain administrative office records systems
• Purging and archiving of outdated/superseded records
• Prepare internal and external written correspondence
• Prepare laboratory test kits for distribution to agencies

Training

• Provide training to internal staff and law enforcement agencies in operating ILIMS and pre-log of evidence submissions via telephone, e-mail or in person
• Train law enforcement agencies in proper evidence packaging, receipt, handling, preservation and storage
• Train or provide work direction for new Forensic Evidence Specialists 

Communication/courtroom testimony

• Provide detailed explanations/testimony regarding evidence handling and storage
• Provide testimony regarding any other duties performed
• Educate officers, attorneys, and investigators; instruct in the proper techniques and procedures used to maintain and submit evidence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Good knowledge of:

• Office, record, and data management principles.
  

Typically gained by at least two college courses in a related subject area OR at least two years or applicable work experience in a related field.

• MS-Windows-based computer operating software programs (database, word processing, spreadsheet)

Typically gained by at least two college courses in a related subject area OR at least two years or applicable work experience in a related field.

Experience: 

• Assessing and applying guidance imposed by statute, regulation, policy, or procedure.
  
        Typically gained by at least six months of applicable work experience in a related field.
  
  
• Composing and proofreading business correspondence.
  
       Typically gained by at least six months of applicable work experience in a related field.
  
  
• Providing customer service and customer communication.
  
       Typically gained by at least six months of applicable work experience in a related field.
  

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience using spreadsheet software to create and modify electronic worksheets and design and print graphs 
• Certification with the International Association of Property and Evidence
• College chemistry coursework

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

A Forensic Evidence Specialist must possess highly developed interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate the demands of user agencies. The position requires working with people from all social and economic backgrounds and dealing with information that is of an extremely sensitive and confidential nature. Incumbents routinely handle toxic/carcinogenic and corrosive chemicals as well as biological material. They will be required to have a vaccination for certain infectious diseases or sign a declination. The position requires standing for approximately six hours a day. Subject matter in this position includes routine exposure that is graphic in nature: i.e., autopsy photos, body parts, body fluids, and explicit case reports. The incumbent may be subpoenaed to testify in court as they are considered experts in forensic evidence management and any other assigned laboratory duties. 

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.