Criminalist - Investigations

• Associate degree in criminal justice or a related field, or Colorado POST Certification.
• Four (4) years of total relevant experience.
• Two to four (2–4) years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, or intelligence operations.
• Two to four (2–4) years of experience handling evidence and maintaining chain of custody and integrity of evidence.
• OR any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable federal, Colorado, and local laws; judicial procedures; rules of evidence; and investigative standards and best practices.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to identify, obtain, and evaluate relevant information from multiple sources.
• Ability to conduct interviews, document statements, and evaluate credibility while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to examine, preserve, identify, and collect evidence while maintaining strict chain of custody and evidence integrity.
• Ability to prepare thorough, accurate, and timely reports and case documentation suitable for prosecutorial review and courtroom use.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and investigative information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and other partner agencies.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to maintain accurate records in accordance with policy, procedure, and legal requirements.
  

• Investigates complex criminal activity and suspected violations of local, state, or federal laws within assigned specialty area.
• Gathers, verifies, and documents information through interviews, observation, surveillance support as assigned, and review of records, logs, and digital or physical documentation.
• Analyzes and interprets data, documents, and records to identify patterns, relationships, and potential evidentiary value.
• Examines items of evidence to discover, preserve, identify, and collect evidence in accordance with established procedures and legal standards.
• Maintains strict chain of custody and ensures the integrity, security, and accountability of evidence and investigative materials.
• Determines investigative scope, timing, priorities, and direction; justifies changes based on findings and emerging leads.
• Compiles complete, accurate, and detailed investigative findings; prepares reports, summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Drafts and completes affidavits for search warrants and arrest warrants, as assigned and consistent with applicable laws and procedures.
• Communicates confidential information appropriately with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and other authorized justice partners regarding ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
• Prepares for and provides courtroom testimony regarding investigative actions, observations, evidence handling, and case determinations.
• Maintains professional working relationships with internal stakeholders and external agencies; participates in task forces or collaborative efforts as assigned.
• Stays current on changes in laws, procedures, investigative techniques, and emerging technologies relevant to assigned investigative specialty.
• May travel regularly within Weld County and nearby jurisdictions to conduct field interviews, coordinate with partner agencies, attend meetings, and support investigative activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

• N/A

• Work is performed in office, courtroom, and field environments, including travel to other City buildings, partner agency locations, and investigative sites within Weld County and nearby jurisdictions.
• May assist with investigative operations away from the station, including execution of search warrants, resulting in variable schedules, on-scene coordination, and exposure to unpredictable environments.
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens or other biohazards when handling evidence; employee is expected to follow all safety protocols and evidence-handling procedures.
• Possible exposure to electrical hazards and other risks when dealing with computer-based or electronic evidence and associated equipment.
• Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking and repetitive tasks at a workstation; may lift and transport light to moderately heavy evidence packages and equipment.
• Vision enough to interpret computer screens and documents to complete investigative documentation and review records; close visual acuity required for extensive reading and data review.
• Manual dexterity enough to accurately input, retrieve, and verify information; regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Communication skills to effectively convey information to internal staff, justice partners, and the public in person, on the phone, and in court settings, including providing testimony as needed.
• The City of Greeley has established a formal telework policy that allows eligible positions, in coordination with their Departments' management team, an opportunity to incorporate a component of remote work into their working schedule. This position will be eligible for consideration under the City's telework policy.
  

EOE Statement: The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training .

ADA Statement : We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com .

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. Pre-employment screenings include a drug test, a background and national sex offender search, a motor vehicle record search, and for some positions, a physical demands evaluation. For more information about City policies and practices during the recruitment process, including but not limited to EOE, Reasonable Accommodation, and pre-employment screenings, please visit our career page HERE.