$30,812 – 46,443

A responsible civilian position with the responsibilities involving detection, collection and preservation of physical evidence found at crime scenes, fingerprint processing and analysis, photography, physical evidence examination and analysis; in cooperation with sworn officers and court officials involved in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases throughout Durham County; and other forensic duties pertaining to cases under investigation.

• Processes crime scenes to include the search and recovery of latent finger and palm prints, trace, DNA and other physical evidence. Takes photographs, prepares sketches and documents the search and collection for physical evidence. Responds to area hospitals and autopsies to document and collect evidence in criminal investigations. Prepares crime scene reports for presentation in court and gives court room testimony.
• Maintains issued equipment and follows safety protocols at crime scenes and in the lab.
• Prepares evidence for submission to SBI, FBI and private laboratories for examination and assists Police Officers with criminal investigations. These tasks may include photo arrays, video reproduction and photography.
• Maintains fingerprint card records of Durham City and County arrestees.
• Conducts latent fingerprint and palmprint examinations for criminal identification and elimination purposes using the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and manual comparisons.
• Attends training on a variety of Forensic and Criminal Justice topics annually.
• Conducts training of new employees and other police department employees as needed. Provides demonstrations to outside entities as requested.

• Ability to develop thorough knowledge of evidence chain of custody procedures and requirements.
• Ability to develop working knowledge of firearms and firearms safety.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports using proper grammar and punctuation and maintain required records.
• Ability to learn and use computers and other specialized equipment on a daily basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental Employees, State and Federal Authorities and members of the public.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment, process scenes with deceased persons and walk, climb and crawl through confining spaces, treacherous terrain, bio-hazards and other factors encountered at crime scenes.
• Ability to work all hours of the day and night, in any weather condition, on weekends and holidays. Available for call back when necessary. FLSA non-exempt.

• Minimum of an Associate Degree in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or related field from an accredited technical institute, community or junior college.
• A valid North Carolina Class "C" Driver's License by hire date.

Successful completion of a background check, polygraph examination, physical examination and psychological evaluation.