Forensic Scientist I-III Digital/Multimedia
Condition of Employment:
Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of:
1. Visual acuity,
2. Auditory acuity
All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Forensic Scientist I – Digital/Multimedia
Performs (entry-level) independent laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Work involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results, and preparing written opinion reports. May perform crime scene investigations. Testifies as an expert witness in court as to results of analyses. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Forensic Scientist II – Digital/Multimedia
Performs routine (journey-level) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory tests, conducting analyses, and identifying physical evidence from crime scenes; interpreting analytical results; establishing and maintaining records pertaining to casework and court testimony; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Forensic Scientist III – Digital/Multimedia
Performs moderately complex (journey-level) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory tests, conducting analyses, and identifying physical evidence from crime scenes; interpreting analytical results; establishing and maintaining records pertaining to casework and court testimony; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.
31B, 31D, 311A, 31A, 649X, 749X, 401, 023, OAP12, 5805, 5803, 7S0X1, 3P0X1, 31PX, 71SX
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Receives and returns evidence items and completes proper forms according to strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity of accepted chain of evidence for each item.
2. Contacts various law enforcement officials, crime victims, and others to obtain and/or provide information related to offense to which provided evidence items are relevant.
3. Prepares preliminary and final reports concerning results of each analysis performed.
4. May assist in crime scene investigations, as assigned.
5. Serves as an expert witness in court.
6. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.
Forensic Scientist I – Digital/Multimedia
8. Reads required training materials and demonstrates understanding of procedures through examination of proficiency test samples provided.
9. Learns how to evaluate digital media using technical forensic software, and how to protect digital data from loss during the examination process.
10. Learns how to properly report examination results, and participates in mock trials to develop testifying skills.
11. Researches forensic science field and scientific journals for new advances in computer forensic examination.
12. Attends training courses in and/or outside of the state of Texas.
13. Conducts testing and validation of software and hardware used in examination of evidence.
14. Learns examination process of acquiring, verifying, archiving, examining and reporting of evidence recovered or extracted from submitted evidence.
15. Learns to troubleshoot forensic workstations and equipment and update software and hardware.
16. Learns legal aspects concerning the seizure and analysis of digital evidence.
Forensic Scientist II – Digital/Multimedia
17. Demonstrates understanding of procedures through examination of proficiency test samples provided.
18. Evaluates digital media using technical forensic software, and protects digital data from loss during the examination process.
19. Reports examination results, and testifies in court regarding the results of those examinations.
Forensic Scientist III – Digital/Multimedia
20. Lectures to or instructs law enforcement groups, schools, and others at the discretion of, or, in absence of supervisor.
21. Represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
22. Maintains professional contact with nationwide forensic examiners.
23. Performs more exacting and intricate examinations in most difficult cases and assists and teaches other examiners in the more difficult examinations.
24. Acquires, verifies, archives, examines and reports evidence recovered or extracted from submitted evidence.
25. Troubleshoots forensic workstations and equipment and updates software and hardware.
26. Complies with legal aspects concerning the seizure and analysis of digital evidence.
27. Completes technical review and proficiency tests as required.
Qualifications
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in computer forensics, computer science, computer engineering, cyber technology, forensic science, digital forensics, forensic media, or related scientific field.
Substitution note: Two years’ experience performing forensic examinations of digital media using the software and tools generally accepted in this discipline may substitute for the major requirement.
Any of the following certifications may substitute for the major requirement:
- Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE)
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
- Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner (DFCP)
- Global Information Assurance Certification Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
Experience–
Forensic Scientist I – Digital/MultimediaNone
Forensic Scientist II – Digital/Multimedia
A minimum of one (1) year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist III – Digital Multimedia
A minimum of three (3) years’ of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Licensure and/or Certification – Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, following the completion of training, if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Forensic Science – Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:
- Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;
- Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;
- Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;
- Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant;
- Conduct testing used in examination of evidence
- Testify in court as an expert witness.
Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
Research and Comprehension – Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety – Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.
Travel and/or Schedule – Availability for after-hour and weekend work, on occasion, may be required.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Environment: Office, Laboratory;
- Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
- Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
- Ability to exercise visual acuity, e.g., stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work, perceive minute differences and details, accurately identify colors and discern differences in color, and ability to withstand the strain of continued close work;
- Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work;
- Ability to transfer weights of twenty-five (25) pounds anticipated for this position;
- Driving requirements: Moderate frequency (10%).