Position Description
Mission
The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiners and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.
Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community. To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings. To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.
Brief Evidence Technician description:
The Evidence Technician is an entry-level position which receives, stores, and distributes evidence to crime laboratory disciplines, while preserving the chain of custody of evidence and maintaining the integrity of the evidence so that it can be recognized as legally valid if utilized in court.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Receives evidence from law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and medical examiner services staff, and releases / submits evidence to crime laboratory disciplines using approved protocols to preserve chain of custody
- Verifies evidence submission documentation and packaging is correct and secure, logs receipt of evidence into an internal database and produces case numbers, scans and uploads forms into the case management system
- Inventories and audits stored evidence to maintain evidence integrity and security
- Follows all safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance / quality control protocols
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
- Associate degree (or 60 college credits) in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
Certifications / Licensure:
- Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) or the International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE) certification is required within 2 years of employment
- Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Attention to detail
- Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
Additional Requirements:
- Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
- Experience involving receipt and handling of evidence
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-time | 40 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, in-office
- Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
- Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if needed
- Holidays, weekends, and evening shifts may be necessary
Work Environment:
- Office/laboratory setting
Physical Demands:
- Requires physical strength to lift up to 50 pounds in the routine performance of duties
- Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Bending and climbing ladders may be necessary
Possible Exposures:
- Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
- May come in contact with blood and/or bloodborne pathogens
- Possible exposure to unpleasant odors
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to: Manager, Evidence Intake
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Benefits
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com