Nampa - Forensic Lab Technician

Forensic Lab Technician

The role of the Forensic Lab Technician is to provide specialized forensic services for the law enforcement community.  Responsibilities include performing routine laboratory analysis on physical evidence using acceptable scientific methods, interpreting analytical results, preparing written opinion reports, and providing expert witness testimony in a court of law. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Conducts complex laboratory analysis. Case work assigned is based on the training and experience level of individual employees and may include but is not limited to analyses of evidence for 1) the presence of controlled substances, 2) detection of bodily fluids, 3) firearms and toolmark comparisons, 4) impression comparisons, and 5) digital forensic analysis. 

·         Assists law enforcement agencies in processing crime scenes.

·         Documents and protects evidence according to laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.

·         Reports findings in the form of a written laboratory report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results.

·         Maintains laboratory equipment and instruments.

·         Participates in proficiency and quality assurance testing to maintain expertise.

·         Advanced evidence detection, documentation, and collection techniques which may include, but is not limited to; the use of ALS to locate biological substances, use of BlueStar for blood detection, presumptive testing, collection of trace evidence using evidence vacuums and taping techniques; shooting reconstruction and bloodstain patten documentation and analysis.

·         Processing fingerprints in the field or lab setting

·         Takes a lead role at crime scenes.

·         Testifies in court on advanced topics.

·         Evaluates evidence and its role in the case to determine best procedures for testing.

·         Prepares and submits evidence for specialized testing.

·         Participates in the on-call rotation.

·         Participates in inter-agency committees on advanced crime scene topics.

·         Public speaking, teaching and presenting on topics related to their field.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Assists the Criminalist with the development and implementation of standard operating procedures.

·         Assists the Criminalist with the audit and accreditation process.

·         Participates in Professional Organizations as related to an area of expertise.

·         Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audiovisual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

·         Provides training for officers and new employees.

·         Participates in public speaking events, job shadows and intern programs.

·         Assists Evidence Technicians in the performance of their duties.

·         Serve as a member of the Critical Incident Task Force.

·         Act as a liaison between the Nampa Police Department and other forensic laboratories.

·         Maintains chemical inventory and laboratory hygiene program.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a scientific field.

·         Must possess a current and valid Idaho Driver’s License and successfully complete an Idaho State Department of Motor Vehicles driving record check.

·         Civilian position does not require the POST Certification.

·         One year experience in law enforcement procedures as they pertain to crime scene investigations and/or general laboratory work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

·         Ability to pass the Nampa Police Department background check.

·         This position requires the ability to be on call 24/7 on a rotational basis.

·         Ability to operate multiple computer databases.

·         Ability to operate motor vehicles.

·         Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

·         Physical readiness to function in hazardous or uncertain environments.

·         Strong oral and written communication skills.

·         Ability to read and apply departmental rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.

·         Ability to deal effectively and courteously with fellow employees and the general public.

·         Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

·         Ability to act with confidentiality and impartiality.

·         Ability to manage time and demonstrate excellent organizational skills.

·         Ability to read, analyze and interpret common technical information.

·         Ability to respond to common inquiries from law enforcement officials, court attorneys and judges.

·         Ability to effectively present information to law enforcement officials, court officials and the general public.

·         Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in a laboratory environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions.  Must be able to respond and process crime scene as needed