Hybrid Forensic Photographer chez City of Jacksonville, FL

About the Department

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Medical Examiner Office is actively seeking a Forensic Investigator.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is skilled technical work performing digital imaging of bodies and physical evidence, processing and archiving case-related images using secure methods while preserving chain of custody and serving as a forensic imaging consultant to the Medical Examiner Office and allied agencies. The work requires knowledge of photography methods, techniques, and procedures, which includes the use of specialized skills or specialized equipment including digital and traditional optics, ambient lighting, and alternate light sources, which are learned on the job or through specialized training. Contacts require basic courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others and include requesting or providing information, asking questions, or obtaining clarification. Work is semi-routine where tasks are covered by procedures or precedents, but some latitude is permitted to consider and choose the most appropriate technique, method, or procedure to follow. Work is performed in a controlled work environment where there are some risks and hazards, but they are known, predictable, and controllable. Operates personal computer to input data and photographs, operates a camera for digital photography of cadavers and physical evidence, and may operate a motor vehicle. The physical demands of the work include moderate physical activity such as climbing a ladder or elevated platform to take pictures, occasionally lifting objects weighing more than fifty (50) pounds and moving cadavers and equipment. The work is performed under general supervision where the work is varied and, although subject to standardized practices and procedures, the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to supervisor's approval. 

Position Duties

• Processes and prints autopsy and crime scene photos for law enforcement agencies, State Attorneys’ office, and other authorized users. 
• Operates digital cameras to photograph cadavers and physical evidence, ensures quality of images, and downloads pictures into computer using specialized software programs that code digital images for security access to prohibit unauthorized alternations, and reformats digital memory cards and works with technical support to troubleshoot equipment and software problems including image recoveries. 
• Operates a personal computer for purposes such as maintaining files, creating visual materials used in medicolegal and educational presentations, and preparing evidence images for 1-to-1 enlargements. 
• May testify as a credentialed forensic photographer regarding case-related images or standard operating procedures. 
• Maintains applicable supplies for digital imaging and the inventory of photographic equipment and supplies. 
• Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on photo equipment as necessary. 
• Maintains archiving logs and production records, prepares status and related reports. 
• Remains current on forensic imaging standards of practice, procedures, and techniques. 
• Suggests and implements practical approaches for department-wide and individual professional growth as needed, based upon a continued awareness of the current standards of practice and technological advances. 
• Trains Medical Examiner personnel on the best practices, methods, and techniques of forensic imaging. 
• May train other employees on practices, and procedures of the Forensic Photographer activities of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Operates a motor vehicle when required during consultations. 
• Operates standard office equipment including personal computer with specialized software programs to restore, edit, enhance, secure, and log photographic images, and use photographic or x-ray equipment. 
• Assists Autopsy Technicians as needed. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies. 
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of crime scene photography including principles of in-situ cadaver and physical evidence photography, lighting techniques under various ambient light and weather conditions, composition, design, processing, and equipment use and maintenance. 
• Knowledge of special techniques including alternate light sources. 
• Knowledge of office procedures and policies as it relates to photo processing, evidence, preservation of chain of custody, and record keeping procedures. 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions precisely. 
• Ability and willingness to work with cadavers. 
• Ability to photograph various types of evidence for 1-1 enlargements. 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift and move cadavers and other heavy items such as boxes and materials. 
• Ability to operate a personal computer with specialized software programs to restore, edit, enhance, secure, and log photographic images, and use photographic or x-ray equipment. 
• Ability to perform minor maintenance of equipment.

Other Qualifications

• Two (2) years of undergraduate education and/or experience within the past five (5) years, in one or more of the following fields: forensic, microscopic, clinical, medical, or crime scene photography. Expert-level proficiency in the use of digital cameras (manual mode) is required, including the ability to perform routine troubleshooting and maintenance of processing and printing equipment. An associate or bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in photography from an accredited institution is preferred. Candidates are encouraged to present a portfolio that demonstrates their technical skillsets. 

• The probation period for this class is six (6) months.  
• This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401). 
• The Medical Examiner’s office is part of the Incident Management System for each county which it serves. 
• All full-time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of an emergency. 
• Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short time notice.

• A valid driver's license is required prior to appointment & must be maintained. 
• Must qualify for prior to appointment, obtain, and maintain during employment in this classification a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver.

A FULLY COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. Work history is required for all employment/volunteer work in which qualifications are being based. If basing your qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with social blackout, is required with your application. U.S. transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school’s name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred. Transcripts outside the U.S. must be converted to U.S. standards.

The application system works best with Google Chrome or Edge with Chromium web browsers. Please try to apply using one of these browsers. To ensure you receive email notifications, be sure to make “[email protected]” a trusted sender. You may also track the status of your application and see notifications by logging into your account. 

Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for post-secondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here: http://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference. 

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator

11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K

Largo, FL 33778-1630

Email: [email protected]