Forensic Technician/Photographer

About the Role

Skilled work in the day-to-day operations of the forensic section. Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Responsibilities

• Performs autopsies, fingerprinting, x-rays, and body releases.
• Photographs autopsy cases and toxicological blood kits for criminal cases; places images into case files on computer for doctors to review in order to determine cause of death.
• Coordinates with and provides records management image request CDs (compact discs); watermarks each image and places onto a CD for attorneys and police departments.
• Reviews and performs requisition of supplies for photographic operations, equipment, and distribution; resolves technical camera equipment, hardware, software, and administrative problems.
• Acts as a liaison between photography staff and doctors, attorneys’ offices, and police departments to ensure photographic needs are met; provides photographic technical assistance to doctors, investigators, and law enforcement agencies.
• Handles medical instruments and operates equipment including digital cameras and specialized photographic equipment and techniques.
• Processes and preserves pictures of autopsies and death scenes; preserves evidentiary images for use in investigations and/or as evidence in court.
• Photographs death scenes, autopsies, external examinations, toxicology photography as needed, and disasters.
• Inventories, stores, and maintains photographic supplies and equipment for the Medical Examiner's office; makes minor repairs to photographic equipment.
• Works with histology specimens.
• Prepares and submits images for case files and reports for photographic assignments.
• Receives corpses and assists pathologists in completion of autopsies.
• Releases bodies to approved authorities.
• Preserves specimens for legal or training demonstration purposes.
• Assists medical examiners in the collection of cultures.
• Maintains records using a personal computer with basic office software and Division-specific applications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Requires 6 months of experience assisting with autopsies, crime scene, biomedical photography, or current enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biology/pre-med or other healthcare field, or a closely related field of study.

Preferences

• Graduated from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in forensic science, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Six months to one year of Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Photography, and/or latent Fingerprint Examinations.
• Experience in preservation and collection of physical, biological, and trace evidence.
• 1+ years of experience in the preservation and collection of physical, biological, and trace evidence.
• 1+ years of experience in Forensic Photography or postmortem photography.
• Experience in the development, collection, and preservation of latent prints for case files and/or law enforcement.
• Postmortem (Autopsy) Photography experience.

Skills

• Tech Savvy: Anticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications. Investigates technologies to learn cutting-edge best practices. Uses digital/social media to benefit the team and add value to the work; understands how to avoid misuse of these tools.
• Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. Outlines clear plans that put actions in a logical sequence; conveys time frames. Aligns own work with relevant workgroups. Takes steps to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the work.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Follows defined and communicated standards, methods, and procedures. Seeks advice and finds ways to work better within processes. Makes reasonable suggestions to improve work methods.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Does what is necessary to meet goals and deliver expected results with acceptable quality. Shows consistent effort to complete even unpleasant or routine tasks in a timely manner; maintains work focus despite obstacles or setbacks.

Work Environment

Physical Demands

Performs medium to heavy work that involves walking, standing, stooping, and also involves exerting between 20 to 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

Unavoidable Hazards

Involves routine and frequent exposure to disease/pathogens.