Forensic Photographer

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This position is located in the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's (OCME) Mortuary Unit. This position functions as an expert Forensic Photographer, responsible for performing a variety of complex still assignments related to forensics. The work requires an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic equipment, techniques, and processes to develop, modify, or adapt equipment and procedures to meet new requirements, and to perform assignments involving complex/unusual or unprecedented situations that require photographic treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides high-magnification forensic images of all decedent examinations (i.e., full and partial autopsies examinations). Creates 3D representative scans of decedents utilizing a 3D white light scanner with photographic capabilities and processes. It uses a specialized photomicrography camera to photograph various stains on microscopic slides to document disease processes. Assists the medical examiner during examination in documenting and identifying characteristics of a decedent, such as tattoos, wounds, scars, and other paraphernalia. Devises photography methods and techniques, such as additional coverage, changes in placement and/or direction of action, changes in sequence and areas of operations, specialty lighting, background and camera angles, or other methods to obtain maximum effectiveness in photographic coverage and measurements (i.e., enhance desired effect or eliminate unwanted features of a subject).

Uploads forensic images, photomicrographs, and scans to the agency's Forensic Analytic Case Tracking System (FACTS). Imports x-rays and videos obtained from other sources during the death investigation process into the Multimedia Archiving Servers. Aides in decedent identification by providing identification photograph for viewing by the next of kin. This process involves making the decedent visually identifiable while reducing the sight of trauma utilizing advanced computer graphic techniques.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Experience in operating standard and specialized camera and film processing equipment related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

The incumbent must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's permit during the duration of employment in this position.

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in an office setting, autopsy suite, medical laboratory, or x-ray room; and may be performed in the field. The incumbent may be exposed to health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain aware of precautions. Laboratory processing exposes employees to irritant chemicals and other hazards, such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open flames, and specialized gas etc. The work requires the incumbent to utilize special safety precautions and personal protective equipment.

Other Significant Facts

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-1060-12

Salary Range: $80,784.00 - $103,333.00; based on funding.

Type of Appointment: Career Service-Term Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Area of Consideration: Open to the public

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.