Forensic Photographer

Forensic Photographer

ORAU
Post date:
03/18/2013

PURPOSE: To perform the full range of photographic camera and darkroom functions on a day/evening shift on materials, impressions (including latent fingerprints), or devices that are evidentiary in nature or of intelligence value. Incumbent will use an array of equipment, methods, techniques and processes to provide the best camera work, film processing, digital media, both unique and normal quality black and white or color prints as well as requested camera assignments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Photograph materials, devices, or impressions (including latent fingerprints) of evidentiary or intelligence value utilizing a multitude of complex, sensitive cameras and lens including digital media; various types of high contrast films, filters and lights; focusing screens, tripods; and lighting techniques such as oblique lighting, direct lighting, front directional lighting, bounced lighting, and the like. Manage and adjust image clarity across an array of digital images.
  • Study the nature and condition of the subject matter to be photographed to determine clarity, and detail. Determine most appropriate camera, light sources, backgrounds, films, papers, light meters and filters for various shots to be taken; position subject matter appropriately; set lighting arrangement; determine lens and exposure times and; adjust focus.
  • Process exposed film through automatic film processor or digital media using photographic software.
  • Make enlargements and/or reductions using a variety of lens, filters and photographic software to make accurate and precise enlargements and reductions from very poor over or under exposed negatives and/or digital images. Use dodging, shading, and burning techniques. Enlargements must be made to exact scale as they may be used for court testimony. Retouch photographs using chemicals, knives, and the like, when processing and printing black and white photographic work. Occasionally assist the Photographic Processing Unit, Laboratory Division with film processing and printing.
  • Perform duties relative to quality control including running control tests, checking chemicals, mixing solutions, checking the varying degrees of exposure, maintaining temperature controls, and the like. Check and monitor tests on new types of film, paper, chemicals, and other photographic materials/media or non-standard equipment as necessary.
  • May appear in judicial proceedings to provide testimony on photographic work performed.

JOB QUALIFIATIONS: Associate’s degree in photography from an accredited university/college or technical school or high school diploma and equivalent work experience. Minimum of five (5) years experience reqired; preferred experience in photographic documentation of evidence. For three of the five years immediately prior to applying for the specific contract position, the individual must have 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capability; or 3) be a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas. These individuals must, however, be United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Professional photographic services and photo processing experience in a laboratory setting required. Must have experience photographing materials, devices, or impressions (including latent fingerprints) of evidentiary or intelligence value utilizing a multitude of complex, sensitive cameras and lens; various types of high contrast films, filters and lights; focusing screens, tripods; and lighting techniques, direct lighting, front directional lighting, and the like. Must have the ability to study the nature and condition of the subject matter to be photographed to determine clarity and detail and select most appropriate camera, light sources, backgrounds, films, papers, light meters and filters; position subject matter appropriately; set lighting arrangement; determine lens and exposure times and; adjust focus. Must have experience processing exposed film through automatic film processor or digital media using photographic software and to make enlargements and/or reductions using a variety of lens, filters and photographic software to make accurate and precise enlargements and reductions from very poor over or under exposed negatives and/or digital images. Must have knowledge of court proceedings to appear as a competent Government witness in regard to photographic work performed. An active or reinstatable TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance is required for this position.

Visit www.orau.org/careers/ to apply.

www.orau.org
Fri, 05/17/2013