Photographic Laboratory Technician

Position Description

This is a full-time position involving responsible law enforcement support work within the Anne Arundel County Police Department. This position involves specialized technical work in the operation and maintenance of audiovisual and photographic equipment including computer aided design.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

An employee in this class, working under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor, is responsible for operating and maintaining highly technical and specialized photography and audiovisual equipment used in the taking and reproducing of digital photographs and audiovisual media and the overall general operation of the photography unit in the agency. Work may involve the training of other employees in the unit and requires knowledge of technical and equipment advances in photography and forensic photography. An employee in this class performs minor repairs on camera equipment or makes arrangements for equipment repair and is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the photography laboratory. Work is performed independently within established policies, procedures and technical guidelines, and is reviewed by a superior through conferences, reports and results obtained.

Employees in this class are designated essential employees and must report to work under all weather conditions. Shift work and overtime may be required. Work involves exposure to hazardous biological materials, blood borne pathogens and infrequently to bodily fluids. Work also includes standing, climbing, reaching, accessing confined spaces, stooping, mixing toxic chemicals and lifting heavy items weighing up to fifty pounds or more. Some travel to work sites including flying for aerial photo assignments is required. Employees may be required to work overtime, holidays, and weekends.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of the class.)

Prepares for various audiovisual production and photography assignments including the selection, inspection and testing of appropriate equipment and accessories for proper operation.

Processes digital images and audiovisual media for use in court and record storage in the police department storage facilities.

Utilizes computer-aided design in producing digital and audiovisual media.

Operates and maintains laboratory photographic equipment, digital and video cameras, digital identification card systems, digital imaging equipment, time-lapse video recorders, software, scanners, printers, audio equipment, related lighting and other accessories for recordation and documentation of events and incidents; performs or ensures that repairs and preventive maintenance are performed on equipment.

Responds to scenes of departmental incidents to electronically record, photograph, or otherwise assist in their documentation.

Ensures that logs of digital and print processing are maintained; submits monthly statistics and other required statistical information.

Trains uniform police officers and civilians in the use, care and operation of photographic equipment.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of forensic photographic theory, video recording, digital photographic equipment, computer-based photography and video techniques.

Skill in the operation of digital and standard photographic and audiovisual equipment, digital image processing and enhancements, and in performing routine care and maintenance of equipment.

Skill in handling, recording and processing photographic evidence.

Ability to operate a variety of office automation equipment and photographic software applications.

Ability to maintain inventory of supplies and equipment and to research and create statistical reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, vendors and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school, supplemented by acceptable college course work in photography, audiovisual production, computer-aided design or related areas; two (2) or more years of experience in photography and print making, and developing video presentations; six (6) months or more experience with related computer software; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following:

1. Bachelor’s degree or college credits in digital forensics, computer science, information technology, graphic arts, or related field.

2. Two (2) or more years professional work experience with photo and/or video imaging processing equipment within a Law Enforcement or commercial organization.

3. Experience in an internationally accredited laboratory actively engaged in forensic sciences.

4. Professional experience processing law enforcement digital forensic evidence.

5. A working knowledge of computers, and the hardware and software associated with the storage and retrieval of digital images.