Forensic Photographer
Location: Washington, DC
Job ID: 21851
Salary: $80,783.00 - $103,333.00
Closing Date: June 9, 2023
Job Summary·
The incumbent serves as a photographer and performs a variety of complex still assignments related to forensics.
The incumbent provides high-magnification forensic images of all decedent examinations (i e, full and partial autopsies examinations). The incumbent is responsible for creating 30 representative scans of decedents. utilizing a 3D white light scanner with photographic capabilities and processes.
The incumbent uses a specialized photomicrography camera to photograph various stains on microscopic slides to document disease processes The incumbent assists the medical examiner during examination in documenting identifying characteristics of a decedent, such as tattoos, and wounds. scars and other paraphernalia. The incumbent is responsible for devising photography methods and techniques, such as additional coverage, changes in placement and/or direction of action, changes in sequence and areas of operations, specialty I lighting, background and camera angles or other methods to obtain maximum effectiveness in photographic coverage and measurements (i.e., enhance desired effect or eliminate unwanted features of a subject).
Uploads forensic images, photomicrographs and scans to the agency's Forensic Analytic Case Tracking System (FACTS), The incumbent also imports, into the Multimedia Archiving Servers, x-rays and videos obtained from other sources during the death investigation process.
Aides in decedent identification by providing an identification photograph for viewing by the next of kin, This process involves making the decedent visually identifiable while reducing the sight of trauma utilizing advanced computer graphic techniques
The incumbent communicates with OCME investigators to ensure that identification photographs are appropriate for use. Using advanced imaging techniques, the incumbent obtains images of the decedent’s medical intervention/ hardware to aid investigators in the process of identification. The incumbent also provides investigative staff with digitized fingerprint cards for submission to requisite federal, state, or local agencies for identification purposes.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
This position is not covered under the collective bargaining unit.
Full time position, tour of duty 9:00 am -5:00 pm
The position may be subject to a background and security clearance check prior to the appointment.
Qualifications
Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of digital professional SLR cameras, photo microscopy cameras, 35mm cameras, special filters, and films, polarizing light equipment, magnifying bellows, measuring scales, slide scanners and gross specimen stands in order to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing or critical focus.
Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, sterile techniques, and safety precautions required during autopsy, and necessary precautions needed to handle infected or delicate specimens.
Knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic equipment techniques and processes to develop, modify or adapt equipment and procedures to meet new requirements or to perform assignments involving unusual or unprecedented situations that require photographic treatment.
Knowledge of the most recent advancements in the field of photography and the range of new equipment, experimental materials, techniques, or processes to create photographic products or to evaluate possibilities for improvements, modifications, or replacements of existing equipment, materials, and techniques.
Knowledge of digital editing programs and their specific uses, is required to achieve proper contrast, sharpness, density and color in creating images suitable for teaching, documentation and publication.
Knowledge of the organization, the photographic objectives, and viewer reaction to various types of images to evoke desired responses.
Licensures. Certifications and other requirements
The .incumbent must possess a valid. motor vehicle operator's permit.t during the duration of employment in this position.
Education
A Bachelor's degree in photography, forensic science, criminal justice or another related field, OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience is preferred..
Work Experience
In-depth knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of digital professional SLR cameras, photo microscopy cameras, 35mm cameras, special filters, and films, polarizing light equipment, magnifying bellows, measuring scales, slide scanners, and gross specimen stands in order to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing, or critical focus.
In-depth of forensic photography techniques and equipment Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, sterile techniques, and safety precautions required during the autopsy, and necessary precautions needed to handle infected or delicate specimens
In-depth knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic equipment techniques and processes to develop, modify or adapt equipment and procedures to meet new requirements or to perform assignments involving unusual or unprecedented situations that require photographic treatment.
Through knowledge of the most recent advancements in the field of photography and the range of new equipment, and experimental materials,. Techniques or processes to create photographic products or to evaluate possible li1ies for improvements, modifications or replacements of existing equipment, materials, and techniques..
Work Environment
'Work is performed in an office setting, autopsy suite, medical laboratory or x-ray room; and may be performed in the field. The incumbent may be exposed lo health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain aware of precautions. Laboratory processing exposes employees to irritant chemicals and other hazards, such as HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open flames, and specialized gas, etc. The work requires the incumbent to utilize special safety precautions and personal protective equipment.
OSHA certified
Fieldwork includes, but is not limited to, hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, tram tracks, and natural and man-made disaster scenes. There 1s also poss1b1hty of physical harm from grief-stricken and hostile family members during body removal end 1dent1ficat1on procedures.
Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-601-12
Salary Range: $80,783.00 - $103,333.00; based on funding
Type of Appointment: Career Service – Regular Appointment
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Area of Consideration: Open to the public
Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
