Civilian Crime Scene Investigator

*Starting pay range for this position is $36.48 - $43.78 per hour or $75,878.40 - $91,062.40 annually.

Key tasks involve digital photography, video recording, report writing, diagram creation, and the collection and preservation of evidence - including digital media. You will be responsible for overseeing evidence-related activities at crime scenes and conducting follow-up forensic analysis. This position works with many units across Larimer County, including Patrol, Jail, Investigations, and Parks and Recreation. In addition to field work, this role includes professional and administrative responsibilities such as processing evidence, maintaining case documentation, and providing expert testimony in court.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of all physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
• Examines crime scenes to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, video, and identify physical evidence.
• Collects trace evidence.
• Prepares sketches and diagrams to include dimensions of the scene and to establish location of evidence and relationships of all relevant data.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
• Prepares, proofreads, processes, and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
• Advises law enforcement personnel at crime scenes to ensure continuity and preservation of evidence.
• Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
• Makes presumptive field tests of suspected illegal drugs to determine type.
• Assumes responsibility for crime scene investigation activities during an assigned shift and on an on-call basis.
• Coordinates the evidence processing with the Northern Colorado Forensics Laboratory, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, and other external entities.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes. Provides technical and professional assistance upon request.

What We're Looking For:

• Honesty and integrity: we are looking for people who tell the truth and make ethical decisions.
• Minimum of 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Forensics or Natural Sciences preferred. Associate's degree or two years of accredited college or university study required.
• Flexible: with time management and projects. willing to pivot projects or plans (personal or professional) to assist on scene.
• Clear communicator: effective communication with the team, supervisor, and other stakeholders.
• Decisive and independent problem-solver: ability to use skills and tools to solve problems on scene and make decisions independently.
• 60-minute maximum drive time to LCSO 2501 Midpoint Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525 required.

• Associate's degree or two (2) years of accredited college or university study in Forensics, Police Science, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field required. Equivalency is based on two years of high-level experience equaling one year of college work.
• One (1) year experience performing crime scene and/or laboratory duties including processing of evidence and latent prints for a law enforcement agency required. One (1) year of experience may be equivalent to a combination of education and experience.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 12 months of hire, required.
• Possess a valid Driver's License to drive Crime Scene Investigations Van to the scene, required.
• Available for on-call work schedule assignments that require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary, required.
• Certified to use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (S.C.B.A) within 12 months from date of hire and complete the respirator Fit Test on a yearly basis, required.

Benefits

Here’s what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

• FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan)

• Short and Long-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program

• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match

• 457(b) Deferred Compensation

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Want to dive into the details? Check out Larimer County's Benefits. https://www.larimer.gov/hr/benefits

Schedule:

• This position has a 7 days a week shift structure: (5 days a week at 8 hours a day, plus on-call) or (4 days a week at 10 hours a day, plus on-call). Schedules are subject to change.
• Available for on-call work schedule assignments that require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Hiring process steps to include, but not limited to:

• Complete online application
• Pre-employment questionnaire
• Online skills test
• Oral board interview
• Full background investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Leadership interview
• Pre-employment medical exam and drug screen
• Sheriff final approval

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Cannot have a felony conviction
• No convictions involving domestic violence
• No use of illegal drugs within the past five years

The Sheriff’s Office prohibits possession or use of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.

***For current Sheriff's Office employees***

In order to be considered, you must get a Letter of Support from your chain of command and submit the Letter of Support with your application by 11:59 pm on the closing date listed. Please use the following process for your Letter of Support:

1. Submit your Letter of Intent to your direct supervisor.
2. Your direct supervisor will then write a Letter of Support and route that Letter of Support through your chain of command.
3. Your next level supervisor/manager endorses your direct supervisor's Letter of Support.
4. Your mid-level manager then endorses your Letter of Support.
5. Your Division Commander then endorses your Letter of Support.
6. Submit your fully endorsed Letter of Support along with your application.

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing.