Senior Evidence Technician

Job Description:

Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc. (HFSC), is an independent organization created by Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston City Council to provide forensic science services formerly delivered by the Houston Police Department. HFSC has been officially registered as a Texas Local Government Corporation* since June 26, 2012.

HFSC is now seeking a full-time Senior Evidence Technician. Property and Evidence Management encompasses work locations at 500 Jefferson and 1202 Washington Avenue. Assignments can be at one or both of these locations depending upon demand.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to Houston Forensic Science Center, the Senior Evidence Technician receives, stores, releases, and maintains custody of a wide variety of confiscated property, evidence, and vehicles. Ensures the integrity of and the chain of custody of all seized property and evidence is maintained in accordance with state laws, City ordinances, and the policies and procedures of Houston Forensic Science Center. Specific duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives, catalogs, tags and secures property and evidence. Stores property and evidence in designated areas.
• Processes, prepares and performs/arranges the disposal of evidence property in accordance with department policies, including narcotics, firearms and biological items. Destroys all counterfeit property.
• Receives and releases evidence from/to HPD officers, DA investigators and HFSC Lab personnel for court or inventory purposes.
• Processes and organizes items for public auctions.
• Prepares and handles 90 days and annual disposition authorization forms.
• Transfers cash and valuables to vault and seized money to the Narcotics Division.
• Performs annual audits of the vault and city owned property.
• Responds to requests and inquiries concerning the release of property, notifies owners when property is available for release, and ensures compliance with departmental policies and procedures,
• Research, updates, and modifies database information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Forensic Science, or a related field is required. Relevant direct experience in the handling of evidence submissions in a law enforcement agency or accredited forensic lab may be considered in lieu of the degree.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of two years of experience with a law enforcement agency or with an accredited forensic lab in the handling of evidence, are required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work unsupervised or in a small group after completion of the appropriate training, completing complex tasks and procedures with minimal or no guidance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• Possession or the ability to obtain a Texas Drivers’ License to operate a vehicle.
• Proven expertise in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and Microsoft’s cloud-based service, SharePoint, is required.
• Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without accommodation:

1. Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time and may need to squat or bend, reach outward or upward to effectively discharge job duties.
2. Must be able to lift/carry and/or push/pull up to 50 lbs.
3. Must be willing to travel to off-site locations

Benefits

Houston Forensic Science offers a competitive salary and employee benefits package.