Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)/Crime Scene Analyst
Location: Washington, DC
Job ID: 22797
Salary: $87,339 - $111,749
Closing Date: August 10, 2023
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of DFS is to provide high quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.
The position is responsible for recognizing and recovering evidence in criminal investigations at the scene(s) of crime(s) by analyzing, photographing, collecting, preserving, and presenting physical evidence. Crime scenes include person crimes, such as homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies, as well as property crimes and traffic accidents, etc.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)/Crime Scene Analyst investigates crime scenes in various locations in the city; assists with sealing the crime scene to protect and preserve important and critical evidence(s) and ensures that all persons who enters/visits the crime scene do not tamper with any evidence to avoid “evidence tampering” which might become an issue in court proceedings. Collects fingerprints/palm prints, tire and shoe prints, tool mark impressions, firearms, wound imprints of the deceased person(s), hair, clothing, fibers, and biological evidence to facilitate positive identification and/or elimination; and analyzes and records crime scenes showing correlation between evidence and the scene and performs various chemical and photographic processes in the field or laboratory. Attends autopsies to photograph injuries and fingerprint the deceased for identification purposes. Photographs evidence at the crime scene that specifically correlates with collected data using digital cameras and other evidence deemed appropriate for the case.
The incumbent observes and follows the established and/or standard evidence control procedures to maintain the proper chain-of-custody on evidence, collected evidence, proper packaging, storage, and integrity; and ensures evidence is locked securely in a duly designated location before and after analysis. Advises on scene response in each case, including those involving deaths, especially when homicide is suspected. Identifies and evaluates risks including but not limited to hazardous materials in the field and the laboratory. Conducts a wide variety of complex and difficult analyses; determines and decides the appropriate tests, methods, and procedures to use; and performs qualitative and quantitative analyses by using specific techniques, including but not limited to physical testing, visual analysis, identification and classification, comparisons, etc. Testifies in court as an expert witness in connection with the evidence processed, developed, and preserved. Prepares detailed reports and supplements; and accepts documents and bar codes evidence associated with each crime scene case. May provide technical guidance to lower-level staff in crime scene related topics. Updates and keeps informed of the current literature and precedence relevant to the forensic scientific fields and shares the same information to the immediate supervisor for proper disposition.
Qualifications and Education
This is an Interdisciplinary Position that involves work in two different occupations which may be filled under the Forensic Scientist, 0401 Series or the Crime Scene Analyst, 0301 Series, depending on the qualifications of the person selected.
A Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position or courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines in addition to one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-11 grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to include such work as: investigating and analyzing crime scenes; protecting and preserving important and critical evidence; or performing similar crime scene work.
Licensure and Certifications
None – However, incumbent must be able to successfully complete the DFS Crime Scene Sciences Competency Testing. Certification from the International Association for Identification is preferred.
Work Environment
This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position are designated as safety-sensitive and shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.
The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
