Crime Lab Technician - Grant Funded #2408-314900-01

Date Opened

Monday, August 12, 2024 4:30 PM

Close Date

Monday, September 09, 2024 11:59 AM

Section

Police

Salary

$28.43/hr

Employment Type

Part Time

Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is a highly respected law enforcement agency, both in our community and nationally. Our progressive department provides exciting opportunities for law enforcement professionals to develop partnerships with our citizens in order to prevent the next crime, and to enhance the quality of life within our community always treating people with fairness and respect. The department employs nearly 2,000 sworn officers and over 500 civilians serving a jurisdiction with close to 1 million people. Our employees are men and women from diverse backgrounds interested in meeting the needs of and serving an equally diverse community. The men and women of the CMPD are committed to providing the very best service possible and maintaining the high level of confidence this community has in us.

Overview

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 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.

Function

The Crime Lab Technician generally will not conduct analyses that require subjective opinions and/or the use of complex instrumentation. This is a part time position funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant program and assigned to the Crime Lab.

Summary

This is a technical and administrative support position that is assigned to the CMPD Crime Lab Biology Section. This position requires the individual to work independently performing complex duties including some clerical, administrative and technical assignments in a laboratory setting. This position also requires the individual to exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performing tasks involving significant procedures and detailed sequences of an advanced nature. The Crime Lab Technician generally will not conduct analyses that require subjective opinions and/or the use of complex instrumentation. This is a part-time position funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant program and assigned to the Crime Lab.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Document and re-package evidence being sent to vendor laboratories and create manifests
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and scientific, laboratory techniques.
Operate and maintain laboratory or field forensic equipment and apparatus.
Assist analysts and cold case investigator in the preparation of case files.
Enters case assignments and technical service requests into the Laboratory Information Management system.
Maintains the evidence flow through the section to include receiving, releasing or transfer of the evidence as determined by the section supervisor.
Receives, routes and disseminates reports and other information to detectives, attorneys or other departments.
Maintains laboratory files, maintenance log books, training records and data bases.
Orders and maintains laboratory and office supplies.
Manages and prioritizes requests for service.
Performs routine maintenance and calibration of complex lab instrumentation
Maintains safe conditions in the laboratory and conducts laboratory procedures in accordance with ASCLD/LAB policies.
Prepares reagents and keeps laboratory cleaned and stocked with critical supplies.
Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness.

• Knowledge of Quality Control procedures and Quality Assurance principles; knowledge of ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.

• Ability to communicate effectively, to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner and to create comprehensive understandable reports of findings; Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies and the ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.

• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in forensic evidence testing

• Knowledge of methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody

• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology.

• Knowledge of chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance

• Ability to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with detectives and attorneys

ADA and Other Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: handling small items, grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Requirements:

· Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

· Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish tasks.

· Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information.

· Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

· Light to moderate lifting and carrying.

· Work primarily in office environment.

· Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone.

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:

Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phone.

Preferred Qualification

• High School graduation with three (3) years of laboratory experience or an Associate Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry or a related field with one (1) year of related experience. • Must be highly computer literate with very strong organizational skills. • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with detectives and attorneys.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Graduate or Equivalent and five years of related work experience

Associate's Degree and three years of related work experience

Bachelor's Degree and one year or related work experience

Conditions of Employment

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.

How To Apply

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.

Benefits

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.

In Conclusion

If you have technical issues submitting your application, click here.