Job Description

FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIALIST TRAINEE

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 62310

Effective Date:	12/92X

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform technical duties in the operation of the police photographic laboratory involving the processing and printing of black and white and color pictures while acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities required for appointment to the Forensic Photographic Specialist class. Guidance and close supervision is provided by highly trained and skilled lead Forensic Photographic Specialists. Assigned duties increase in scope and difficulty as the Trainee demonstrates the ability to perform such duties. Performance is evaluated on the basis of progress in development of technical competence as prescribed by a twelve-month structured training program. This class differs from the class of Forensic Photographic Specialist in that work is closely supervised and verified and that the employee must successfully complete the training program to be eligible for appointment to the Photographic Laboratory Technician classification in accordance with Personnel Rule 8(e)4. Employees who are unsuccessful during any phase of training will be terminated from the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in a structured training program;
• Learns to prepare photographic development solutions and to process color and black and white photographic film making appropriate adjustments to compensate for film type and exposure;
• Loads, unloads and cleans film holders, hangers, developing tanks and reels;
• Processes wet prints through dryer and trimmer and distributes to proper agencies;
• Prints, enlarges, reduces or copies photographic images in color and black and white;
• Maintains film room, dark room and finish room in a clean and orderly manner and and services equipment;
• Photographs various objects and copies photographs with copy camera;
• Learns to set up and maintain cameras and strobe lights in the County jail and Records and Identification Bureau;
• Develops expertise to assist Police Identification Technicians and Police Officers in use of photographic equipment;
• Learns to perform a variety of equipment repairs;
• Orders photographic supplies and maintains records and inventories;
• Keeps up with the state-of-the-art materials and equipment relating to forensic activities;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic photographic techniques and processes.

Ability to:

• Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.
• Successfully complete training program within prescribed twelve- month period.
• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum.
• Learn to develop all types of film.
• Learn to copy or photograph various subjects under laboratory lighting conditions.
• Keep records and inventories of supplies and order materials when needed.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Work split hours and shifts.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to meeting appropriate polygraph and background standards.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential or marginal functions depending upon work assignment, location, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Formal education or experience in photography which provides a broad knowledge of photographic techniques and processes. Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.