DPS - TRD - Forensic Investigator, TRD - 1575

Applicant must live within fifty (50) miles of the duty station. The duty station will be determined at the time of hire and may change based on departmental need.

Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is a requirement and must be attached to be considered for the position. 

This posting is available for the following locations: Garland, Lufkin, Amarillo, El Paso, Laredo, and Corpus Christi.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs highly advanced (senior-level) crime scene investigator work. Work involves, collecting, analyzing, and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations and legal proceedings. This position will work with Texas Rangers, detectives, prosecutors, and forensic laboratories and play a vital role in solving crimes, identifying suspects, and providing scientific evidence in court. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs technical crime scene work by identifying, documenting, and collecting evidence in support of criminal investigations.

2. Prepares clear and concise written reports detailing facts, observations, and disposition of physical evidence collected. 

3. Documents and stores evidence in compliance with industry standards and chain of custody requirements. 

4. Communicates extensively with uniformed officers and investigators to determine the nature and extent of crime scenes. 

5. Processes, evaluates, and prepares evidence for further laboratory analysis and coordinates with crime laboratory for submission. 

6. Presents evidence and provides testimony in court at county, state, and federal levels.   

7. Participates in training, continuing education, and committee work to maintain certifications and assist in training other law enforcement personnel. 

8. Coordinates and monitors inventory of crime scene supplies to ensure operational readiness. 

9. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: 

Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensics, Biology, or related field is required.

Experience – Minimum of one (1) years’ experience performing Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) work, law enforcement investigation work, or work in any forensic related field is required. Experience operating 3D forensic scanners is preferred.

Substitution Note:  Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.  

Licensure and/or Certification – If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. 

a. Certification by the International Association for Identification or similar organization is preferred.

b. Must complete a mandatory, out-of-state training program, will be required to travel and remain out of state for several weeks during training. Training is extensive and required for certification and continued employment.

Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.  

Technology – Proficiency with Microsoft Office and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and able to learn new software and systems (e.g. CAPPS, SharePoint, Kaseware).

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.  Must demonstrate DPS’ core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.

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 and/or communications 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 to identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

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 which have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Schedule and Travel – Availability for after-hours, weekend, holidays, overnight and emergencies is required. This position may have the ability to telecommute based on the needs of the division/agency. Travel statewide.

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/Indoors and/or Outdoors and/or Vehicle; 
•    Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, balance, kneel and crouch;
•    Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
•    Ability to speak, hear, exercise visual acuity and smell/olfactory;
•    Ability to transfer weights of up to fifty (50) pounds anticipated for this position; 
•    Driving requirements:  Daily (up to 25%).

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.

DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group and state title will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NO ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.