Evidence Technician - I

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO PERMANENT OR PROBATIONARY PLACER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY. 

The main objectives of this position are technical evidence collection and evidence processing in both the field and laboratory environments. This position is assigned to the North Lake Tahoe Substation, and typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. This position requires rotational weekend on-call assignments, and on call technicians are required to be no further than one hour driving time to the main office.

Additional pays for this assignment include Tahoe Subsistence pay in the amount of $675 per month, and a uniform allowance of  $1,065 per year.  Additionally, employees stationed in Tahoe may be eligible for the Tahoe Rural Health Subsidy; the annual contribution for employee only coverage is $2,000.  For employee plus one and family coverage, the annual contribution is $3,000.

To perform a variety of tasks associated with the collection, maintenance and preservation of evidence; in a non-sworn technical capacity, to perform field and laboratory photographic and technical evidence work; and to maintain criminal identification records and evidence as part of the investigation and prosecution work of the Department.

This recruitment will be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies in various County departments as they arise, subject to specific position requirements and CEO approval.

This is the entry level class in the Evidence Technician series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from supervisory and/or management staff of the Sheriff's Department, may receive technical supervision from the Evidence Technician II.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the preparation, identification and maintenance of assigned evidence and found property.
• Perform field forensic work under the direction of sworn staff; search for and collect physical evidence; photograph and video record crime scenes; make diagrams and log items collected from each location; process and send out blood and urine samples to be analyzed; conduct specialized tasks in photography, latent fingerprint development and other evidence collection as required.
• Identify and preserve evidence; make evidence available for viewing and courtroom presentations; book property into and out of evidence to preserve the chain of evidence; maintain evidence rooms and storage areas in an organized and orderly fashion; maintain detailed filing systems and records on all booked property; destroy and release property; inventory monies and narcotics; generate reports and assist other members of the Department with investigations as required.
• Classify and identify fingerprints; assist in identification matters with Federal, State and local authorities; prepare fingerprint displays for court; compare latent fingerprints to known and unknown suspects and victims; maintain and use files and computer systems in order to identify suspects; maintain and operate equipment for processing of fingerprints.
• Take official and personnel photographs for the purpose of identification and evidence; take photographs relating to evidence in support of criminal investigations in the field, at autopsies and in-house; enlarge crime scene photographs to be utilized as courtroom exhibits; maintain files of photographs.
• Cooperate and work closely with other law enforcement agencies in identification matters as required.
• Requisition materials and supplies as necessary; monitor budget of Unit; assist supervisory personnel and other staff in identifying future budgetary needs.
• Instruct and assist officers in the proper use of photographic and fingerprint equipment.
• Prepare various written reports as necessary.
• Provide testimony in court as directed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of clerical or administrative experience. Related work experience in a law enforcement setting is preferred.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology and operations.
• Basic police reports.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn modern criminal identification techniques, emphasizing photography and fingerprinting.
• On a continuous basis, analyze crime scenes; develop evidence to be processed; identify, interpret, explain and enforce evidentiary and other law enforcement procedures; review and interpret case reports; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On an intermittent basis, walk, stand, climb, kneel and bend while inspecting crime scenes; write or use a keyboard to communicate; and occasionally lift heavy weight.
• Learn to operate equipment and materials used in photographic and fingerprint work, including darkroom techniques and sophisticated computer programs and equipment.
• Learn to take photographs with some degree of sophistication.
• Learn to perform fingerprint comparisons and analyses.
• Learn to perform more sophisticated field forensics.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Work unusual and prolonged work schedules if necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit