Crime Scene Technician #2206-314800-01

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

• Combines Science, Technology, and expertise to analyze/investigate all property crime types, violent and complex crime scenes in a systematic and legal manner with the goal of the identification, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence
• Documents crime scenes/evidence through basic, advanced/manual (ALS and Bluestar), macro, and 1:1 examination quality photography techniques
• Completes hand drawn sketches/diagrams
• Prepares detailed and accurate crime scene reports which will be utilized by officers/detectives to assist with Criminal Investigations and in court testimony
• Latent Print Processing – Evaluates and processes scenes and diverse items and surfaces for latent fingerprints/shoeprints, or other types of pattern evidence.
• Analyzes the scene to identify, process and collect touch DNA, blood evidence, seminal or other biological fluid evidence.  Uses specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of blood, seminal fluids/body fluids, hair, fibers, gunshot residue and other trace evidence and materials
• Responsible for basic scene reconstruction of trajectory pathways on shooting investigations
• Prepares and packages evidence maintaining its integrity and chain of custody for storage and further processing by the Crime Lab
• Processes living victims, witnesses, and suspects to document injuries/lack of injuries, and identify, document, and collect any relevant evidence found 
• Maintains issued equipment and follows safety protocols at crime scenes
• Conducts training of new employees and other police department employees as needed.  Provides demonstrations to outside entities as requested 
• Renders credible expert testimony in Local and Federal court (a court of law) regarding crime scene processing techniques utilized, the methodology of those techniques, and the methodology of evidence collection and preservation
• Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement, and security of all personally issued and shared equipment and keeps the equipment in operational readiness
• Responsible for the proper documentation, routing and dissemination of all messages and information as received
• Works with decomposing corpses, body fluids, contagious diseases, hazardous materials, heavy objects, standard and unique equipment, and tools
• Must have the ability to process crime scenes any time of the day and in all types of weather conditions
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Possesses scientific proficiency in multiple disciplines, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics
• Keen observational skills and an eye for minute detail
• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment and current techniques used in crime scene investigations and forensics 
• Knowledge of investigative and laboratory techniques
• Ability to develop thorough knowledge of evidence chain of custody procedures and requirements Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency practices and procedures
• Ability to exercise initiative and consistently use independent sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and unique situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems
• Ability to work in often stressful, fast-paced environment. Ability to cope, maintain composure, and work effectively when dealing with difficult and traumatic scenes
• Superior organizational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions
• Ability to be adaptable and innovative with problem solving and general crime scene processing 
• Possesses Analytical sensibilities, excellent critical thinking skills, active listening/active learning abilities Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies
• Ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances

ADA and Other Requirements   Positions in this class typically require: grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Requirements:

Sensory Requirements:

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain
• Comprehension of written information in work related documents
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech  

Working Conditions:

• All types of Indoor and outdoor environments.
• Works under unfavorable conditions including exposure to extreme heat or cold, rain, humidity, other harsh weather conditions, unpleasant odors, inadequate or no lighting, loud noises and vibrations.
• May require work in confined and precarious places with movement restrictions, heights, unstable footing, roof tops, streams/ponds, and other various terrains.
• Frequent exposure to blood borne pathogens, chemicals, allergenic substances, narcotics, mold, fumes of decomposing human remains, and other health hazards.
• Regularly handles and packages biohazardous fluids and materials.
• Diligent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to limit exposure to bloodborne pathogens is required.
• Exposure to disruptive people or a threatening environment

A two (2) year degree in forensic science, related natural/ physical science, or criminal justice and two years relevant work experience as a crime scene investigator, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree

OR

A four (4) year degree in forensic science, related natural/ physical science or criminal justice

High School Graduate or Equivalent and three years related work experience

OR

Associate's Degree and one year of related work experience

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.