Topic: Forensic Technician for Firearm and Tool Mark Section (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

[Erica Lawton]

 
In the next few months, the Broward Sheriff's Office Crime Lab will be opening a forensic technician position for the Firearm and Tool Mark Unit. When the position is made available, you can access it using the following website:[/font]

https://jobs.sheriff.org/JobListings.aspx[/color][/url]

When the position has officially opened another announcement will be made on the AFTE forum.  Please check back often.[/font]

This position has the potential for advancement in the future for individuals who are highly motivated and work well in a team environment and with management.[/font]

The Broward Sheriff’s Office facilities include the following:

·         NIBIN/BrassTRAX workstation

·         Indoor firearms range including shot tank

·         Firearms Reference collection with approximately 1000 weapons

·         One comparison microscope per Firearm Examiner

·         [font=]Merit pay raises (~5%) with the potential for additional cost of living raises (~2-4%) annually[/font]

·         [font=]Health and Fitness facilities available to all employees, free of charge[/font]

·         Florida Retirement System, Special Risk Retirement[font=] (vested after 8 years)[/font]

·         [font=]Public out-of-state or federal employment may be eligible towards the Florida Retirement System (up to five years may be purchased)[/font]

·         [font=]Deferred Compensation investment program available (pretax investment)[/font]

·         [font=]96 hours of paid sick leave per year[/font]

·         [font=]Two (2) weeks of paid vacation for 1 to 3 years of service, Three (3) weeks of paid vacation for 4 to 10 years of service, and Four (4) weeks of paid vacation for 11 years or more.[/font]

·         [font=]12 paid holidays (includes a floating holiday)[/font]

·         [font=]8 hour personal day[/font]

·         [font=]BSO Crime Lab was the first sheriff’s office laboratory to be ISO accredited with ASCLD/LAB-International in 2005 and have been an accredited laboratory since 2000.[/font]

·         [font=]No state income tax[/font]

[font=]Applicants must meet BSO educational requirements (see below):[/font]

[font=]--------------------[/font]

[font=]Forensic Technician[/font]

[font=]BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION [/font]

[font=]POSITION TITLE: FORENSIC TECHNICIAN [/font]

[font=]GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES [/font]

[font=]Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to perform general laboratory tasks that support testing and operations in the Crime Laboratory of the Broward Sheriff's Office. As an ASCLD/LAB-International accredited laboratory, position must adhere to accreditation standards encompassing extensive documentation, validation of procedures, technical and administrative review of reports and case notes, etc. In addition, employees are required to participate in external proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, continued technical training, quality audits, and accreditation inspections by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - Laboratory Accreditation Board. Employees in this classification perform highly specialized technical and scientific work which requires the accurate completion of a variety of standardized analytical tests, examinations, and procedures which may be complex in nature, but generally do not require interpretation of results. Position is responsible for the preparation, labeling, inventory, and maintenance of chemicals and equipment to ensure and protect the integrity of the testing procedures. Performs related work as directed. [/font]

[font=]SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES [/font]

[font=]EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS [/font]

[font=]The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. [/font]

[font=]Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sterility in the laboratory to include glassware, materials and equipment. [/font]

[font=]Orders equipment and supplies. [/font]

[font=]Assembles, displays, and assists in laboratory instruction, to include laboratory tours. [/font]

[font=]Conducts inventory of equipment, chemicals, and evidence. [/font]

[font=]Transport equipment, supplies, and records. [/font]

[font=]Conducts routine safety inspections and provides assistance with other laboratory accreditation requirements. [/font]

[font=]Assists in maintaining laboratory library and reference files. [/font]

[font=]Performs recordkeeping and other related clerical duties as assigned. [/font]

[font=]Assists laboratory personnel in the identification and/or comparison of evidence. [/font]

[font=]Performs other technical duties as assigned. [/font]

[font=]Documents, prepares, labels, and performs quality checks on reagent preparations relating to chemical testing. [/font]

[font=]Assists with the maintenance of shared unit evidence storage areas. Sterilizes and prepares unit testing and storage equipment and supplies. [/font]

[font=]Prepares solutions for and general chemical analysis; prepares bulk solutions. [/font]

[font=]Handles and properly disposes of biohazardous, radioactive, and pathogenic substances according to established regulatory practices and procedures. [/font]

[font=]Performs routine maintenance of specialized unit equipment, to include calibration and sterilization procedures. [/font]

[font=]Assists in the preparation of samples for in-house proficiency testing. [/font]

[font=]Maintains and monitors critical systems such as temperature monitoring and card access. [/font]

[font=]May receive, catalog and input data into Individual Characteristic Database Systems. [/font]

[font=]Depending on functional area of assignment additional duties and responsibilities may include: [/font]

[font=]Firearms and Toolmarks Unit - Involves training and completing casework in serial number restoration and the examination and operability testing of firearms. May receive, catalog and input data into Individual Characteristic Database Systems. [/font]

[font=]Latent Print Unit - Involves training in the preliminary screening of latent print evidence for friction ridge detail. May receive and input latent print casework for entry into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). [/font]

[font=]MARGINAL FUNCTIONS [/font]

[font=]While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members. [/font]

[font=]Performs related work as directed. [/font]

[font=]MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE [/font]

[font=]Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry or closely related science; additional course work may be necessary; see discipline related special requirements below; minimum six (6) months prior experience working in a laboratory environment; demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. [/font]

[font=]SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS [/font]

[font=]Depending on functional area of assignment must have major coursework to include: [/font]

[font=]Forensic Biology/DNA - Successful completion of coursework in General Biology and General Chemistry [/font]

[font=]Controlled Substances/Forensic Chemistry - Successful completion of coursework in General Chemistry. [/font]

[font=]Firearms and Toolmarks - Successful completion of coursework in General Chemistry. [/font]

[font=]Latent Prints - Successful completion of coursework in General Biology and General Chemistry. [/font]

[font=]PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS [/font]

[font=]Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment. [/font]

[font=]Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. [/font]