The Ministry of the Attorney General is seeking a detail-oriented and organized individual to join their team as a Forensic Identification Investigator.
This unique and highly skilled group within the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will give you a unique opportunity to apply and further develop your litigation, forensic and investigative skills. The variety of assignments will provide you with exposure to many interesting and challenging situations.
In this role, you will be required to collect, preserve, package and examine physical evidence associated with investigations that fall within the SIU mandate throughout the Province of Ontario.
Please Note: • These temporary vacancies are irregular on-call. Irregularly scheduled positions can involve working anywhere from 0 to 36.25 hours per week based on operational requirements. There is no minimum guaranteed number of hours per week, but it is not uncommon to work between 10 and 36.25 hours per week. Schedules are tentatively set in advance of the work week and management provides as much notice as possible; however changes can occur on short notice based on operational requirements.
• There is a requirement to be able to travel across the province as needed, on a 24/7/365 basis. Travel may be required on short notice and/or at odd hours during 24 hour on call periods.
• The positions' headquarters are located at 5090 Commerce Boulevard, Mississauga; however, the successful candidate may work from other locations in Ontario. The successful candidate may report to Mississauga office, when required.
• The work location(s) will be determined based on the location(s) of the successful candidate(s).
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
In this role, you will:
• Conduct incident scene examinations to locate and identify relevant physical evidence
• Gather, process and analyze evidence by selecting and applying various forensic identification methods
• Act as a resource in regards to the capabilities of the Centre of Forensic Sciences
• Liaise with outside agencies such as the Centre for Forensic Sciences, the Coroner's Office, other provincial ministries and police services
• Prepare required investigative reports and documents
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You have completed formal forensic training from a recognized program such as the Ontario Police College or Canadian Police College or a university Forensic Identification degree course.
• You have a current Ontario Police College Forensic Identification Certification. Re-certification must be completed every three years.
• You have a valid Ontario Class G driver's licence or equivalent as recognized by the province of Ontario.
• You have the ability to travel frequently throughout the province including remote areas.
• You are able to lift, carry, handle, push and pull evidence/objects of varying weights and shapes.
• You are able to kneel, reach, climb, twist, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel and crawl during the examination of incident scenes in order to locate, collect and examine evidence.
• You are able to work mandatory periods of on-call work required.
Technical Knowledge:
• You have demonstrated knowledge of relevant constitutional law, the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canada Evidence Act, the Identification of Criminals Act, the Coroner's Act, the Police Services Act of Ontario and the Regulation and Orders.
• You have knowledge of the role of the Special Investigations Unit with respect to police accountability as it relates to the exercise of police powers.
• You have proven experience applying forensic identification theories, principles and practices (including crime scene and exhibit photography) and their application to latent impressions and fingerprint identification theory, formulae and principles.
Forensic/Investigative Experience:
• You have demonstrated knowledge of techniques, procedures and equipment relevant to forensic identification to collect, preserve, package and examine physical evidence.
• You have knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and procedures and the use of chemical substances and equipment relevant to forensic identification work, including photography.
• You can plan and conduct the examination of incident scenes.
• You can preserve, label and secure evidence, process accused officers and prepare evidence and briefing material for court proceedings.
• You have proven photography, digital and video technology skills to document and record evidence.
Analytical and Research Skills:
• You have proven organizational skills to conduct incident scene examinations, searches, and document scenes, and gather, process and analyze evidence.
• You have demonstrated research skills to research, field test and evaluate innovative forensic techniques and equipment.
• You can gather and evaluate evidence and data and determine the forensic chain of events.
Interpersonal Skills:
• You have demonstrated skills to liaise with colleagues during an investigation, make presentations and deliver instructions.
• You can liaise with outside agencies and testify as an expert witness in court proceedings.
• You have proven interpersonal skills to be sensitive to the needs of persons involved in the investigative process, and to the public and its communities.
• You have leadership skills to provide direction and instruction to Forensic Identification Technicians assigned to incidents.
Communication Skills:
• You have demonstrated experience preparing comprehensive reports/studies; and briefing materials for court proceedings.
• You can utilize database programs such as Map360 to prepare scene diagrams.
• You can prepare briefing materials and testify in support of findings.
• You have communication skills to explain the requirements and impact of the forensic investigation and to participate in SIU outreach programs.