Forensic Investigator

Job Description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Medical Examiner Department is actively seeking a Forensic Investigator.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition, health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is technical work in conducting investigations to assist the medical examiner in establishing the means, manner, and cause of death, and developing the identification of the deceased, locating next of kin, and collecting and preserving evidence. The work requires a knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures which involves the use of specialized skills or specialized equipment which is acquired through specialized training or work experience. Contacts with others require skills in understanding and/or influencing people and are important in providing client services, including skills of persuasiveness, assertiveness, and sensitivity to others point of view that are required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around. Although work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures, because of changing priorities or differing situations encountered in the work environment, workers have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence to achieve the required job results. The work requires the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within one's own experiences. Work is performed in an office and somewhat uncontrolled environment where risks and hazards are substantial, but are known, somewhat predictable, and mostly controllable. The physical demands consist of standing or sitting for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and moving moderate to heavy objects weighing more than fifty (50) pounds. Operates standard office equipment, personal computer, video and photography equipment, motor vehicle, and two-way radio. The work is performed under general supervision where the work is varied and, although subject to standardized practices and procedures, the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to supervisor's approval.

Examples of Work

• Responds to initial reports of deaths and determines if the death falls within the statutory jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner's Office.

• Conducts death investigations at the scene of death by questioning witnesses, taking photographs, inspecting bodies, and conducting searches of the death scene area to collect and document relevant evidence.

• Determines and documents the identity of deceased and may be called upon to locate their next of kin.

• Meets with next of kin to execute legal identification documents.

• Photographs or videotapes death scenes and victims.

• Fingerprints cadavers.

• Reviews cases with the Medical Examiner pathologist, providing evidence and supporting documents to support findings.

• Arranges for the removal and transportation of the deceased to the Medical Examiner's Office for examination.

• Collects, catalogues, preserves, measures and weighs evidence, clothing and personal belongings associated with a death investigation and takes custody of personal effects, medications or narcotics and arranges to secure them in their eventual transfer to relatives, police, toxicologists, etc.

• Prepares reports of investigations.

• Operates personal computer to input information and prepare reports, and other standard office equipment.

• Provide assistance to other agencies including identifying suspects; proving crime elements; associating one scene or event with another; and providing leads or other information.

• Testifies in court regarding evidentiary findings.

• Coordinates with hospital transplant teams and medical examiner pathologists for authorized donation and removal of organs.

• May train other employees on practices, and procedures of the Forensic Investigator activities of the Medical Examiner's Office.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies.

• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of investigative techniques, methods, and procedures.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and instruments used in the collection and preservation of death scene and postmortem evidence, and chain of custody.

• Knowledge of state and local laws, rules and regulations governing law enforcement and medical examiner activities.

• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to receiving, identifying, storing, and releasing of bodies.

• Knowledge of basic toxicology and basic ballistic concepts.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy.

• Knowledge of local area geography.

• Ability to read, understand, and apply job related materials including laws, ordinances, and regulations.

• Ability to read a map and street guide.

• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.

• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergencies.

• Ability to observe, understand, and recall facts and information.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, standard office equipment, video and photography equipment, two-way radio, and personal computer.

• Ability to lift and move cadavers and other moderately heavy items.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

• Four (4) years of education and/or experience in criminal justice or other forensic science disciplines.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

• A valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.

• Must qualify prior to appointment, obtain, and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville certification as a Public Driver.

• An American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) registry certification is required within two years of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The probationary period for this class is six (6) months.

• This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville's Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).

• The Medical Examiner's office is part of the Incident Management System for each county which it serves.

• All full-time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of the emergency.

• Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

A FULLY COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.Apply atwww.coj.net. A work history is required for all employment/volunteer work in which qualifications are being based. When meeting/basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with your social blacked out, is required with your application. Transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school's name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred.

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Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here:http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference.

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran's preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Attention: Veterans' Preference Coordinator

11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K

Largo, FL 33778-1630

Email:VeteransPreference@fdva.state.fl.us