CRIME SCENE SPECIALIST
Citrus County Sheriff's Office

Starting Pay: $19.65/HR

General Description: Regular, full-time position working day or evening shift, weekends, holidays, and on-call. This position will require working nights, weekends and holidays. This position works under the guidance and direction of the Forensics Supervisor. All applicants must be willing to receive future training in fingerprint identification. This civilian position is eligible for special risk retirement benefits and an assigned agency vehicle.

Essential Functions:

• Investigates and processes crime scenes through observation, photography, documentation, fingerprint development, casting, or by other means as necessary.
• Develops, collects, transports, and secures evidence or other property from criminal cases adhering to the chain of custody and control measures.
• Testifies in court related proceedings.
• Prepares reports that are complete, clear and concise.
• Conducts public relations activities as directed.
• All Citrus County Sheriff’s Office employees are considered ‘essential workers’ and are subject to working in any capacity/hours deemed necessary by the Agency during activations, including but not limited to, in-County and out-of-County deployments.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods used in locating, collecting, and preserving physical evidence and the use of such evidence in establishing guilt or innocence.
• Knowledge of and competency in fingerprinting and modern latent print processing techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of and competency in forensic photography.
• Knowledge of and competency in modern criminal investigation methods and criminal identification techniques.
• Ability to give qualifying testimony in the field of fingerprinting, photography, latent fingerprint development and collection and preservation of evidence.
• Ability to successfully complete the Forensics Field Training and Evaluation Program.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Effective time management skills to analyze workload, organize, and prioritize tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Keyboard skills required, as well as basic computer knowledge.
• Must have the ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergencies

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree or higher in Crime Scene Investigations, Forensic Science or a Physical Science;
• OR two years of related experience in Crime Scene or Forensics;
• OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to climb stairs, steps and expandable ladders, while carrying necessary equipment.
• Operate motor vehicles in a safe and efficient manner, day or night, in compliance with all state laws and regulations regarding operation and licensure.
• Process crime scenes and mix chemicals while wearing a respirator.
• Sit, stand or walk up to 8 hours per day.
• Occasional lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Continuous reaching.
• Frequent crawling, bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, and kneeling.
• May require exposure to temperature/weather extremes, strong odors/fumes, toxic agents, smoke, dust, pollen wetness, humidity, animal/wildlife, blood/bodily fluids/pathogenic substances, explosives or traffic hazards.

Requirements:

• Must have the legal right to work in the United States.
• Valid Florida Driver's License required.