Forensic Evidence Specialist (Photographer 3)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service investigates deaths of persons who die from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent good health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility, or in any suspicious or unusual manner. Our service is also responsible for approving cremations.

The Medical Examiner Service serves the people of Nova Scotia by providing impartial, professional, compassionate, and accurate medicolegal death investigation. We serve Nova Scotians by providing compassionate service that meets the highest standards of science. We are committed to educating the next generation of forensic scientists. We collaborate with our partners in health care and health surveillance to prevent deaths.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, the Forensic Evidence Specialist(s), (hereafter 'FES') are leadership positions with advanced technical skill and experience in forensic digital imaging and evidence processing for the Medical Examiner Service.  The incumbent(s) will provide photographic documentation to assist specialists in the laboratory and the field.  The FES is responsible for all components of the forensic digital imaging and evidence program, including:  service delivery, budgeting, contracting, quality control and standards, training, policy, site logistics and archive management.  Service delivery includes project management, scheduling, evidence chain of custody, and technical preparation and processing.  The incumbent(s) operates digital SLR cameras for medical-legal specimen and evidence documentation of autopsies and death scenes, anatomical structures, gross and microscopic specimens and physiological and pathological processes. The FES will operate printing equipment, digital still and video cameras, high resolution television equipment and video editing equipment, flatbed and film scanners, studio lighting equipment, macro and micro photography equipment, and infrared and ultraviolet documentation equipment.  The incumbent will also manage, enhance and create outputs of these electronic images using computer software, in a wide variety of formats, to meet the demands of particular projects and cases.  In addition to providing courtroom testimony, the submission of the photographic evidence and exhibits will also require the FES to appear in court as requested.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12, plus considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, equipment, and materials of modern forensic imaging.

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in photography is required plus technical training in forensic imaging and extensive experience with Adobe photo editing software – including Photoshop and Lightroom. Video production, filming and editing would be considered a strong asset.   An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.  International Association for Identification, Forensic Photography Certification is considered an asset; otherwise, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete this program within three years of employment (http://theiai.org/certifications/imaging/requirements.php).
 
The successful incumbent will have experience managing responsibilities of planning, documenting, and implementing procedures; experience with quality management systems; knowledge of the principles of forensic science including chain of custody, preservation of evidence, and legal practice; possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to lead training programs and manage personnel competency.  Knowledge of high-speed photography and the application of radiographic imaging for forensic applications would be considered an asset.
 
If selected for an interview, candidates may be required to submit a digital portfolio demonstrating their photographic abilities.  

The digital portfolio ideally would include:

1. Forensic scene photos,
2. Autopsy/anatomical photos,
3. Evidence/specimen photos,
4. Alternate light and imaging techniques relevant to forensic imaging,
5. Studio lighting product photos, and
6. Environmental and/or studio portraits.  

Please ensure that your photos protect the privacy of individuals captured in the photos and adhere to the laws of confidentiality.  Portfolios, if required, will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored.  Candidates must pass the portfolio evaluation process before proceeding to an interview.  Only candidates who pass the portfolio evaluation will be interviewed.  A technical competency assessment may also be used as part of the evaluation process.  Candidates will have to pass the competency assessment in order to proceed to an interview.  The scores from the portfolios will be used in the overall scoring for the competition.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This roster is for casual support to provide photography for all forensic autopsies, including on-call coverage. Joining our casual roster is a great opportunity for you to jumpstart your career with the Department!