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City of Fort Myers

Traffic Accident Investigator

City of Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Florida, United States, 33916

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Overview

The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and many employees build long-term careers here. The salary shown is the full range for this position from entry to later career. NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Safety Sensitive: Yes; Level II Screening: Yes. Under the general direction of a designated supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into traffic-related incidents, with a focus on traffic homicides and hit-and-run incidents. As a primary investigator, the incumbent will respond to accident scenes, assess the incident, secure the area, and process, collect evidence and document findings. Drawing upon expertise in accident reconstruction, the incumbent will analyze physical evidence—such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns—to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the incident. This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Responsibilities

Respond to traffic accidents with fatalities; advise drivers of their constitutional rights; take taped statements from drivers and witnesses; notify next of kin of deceased. Attend autopsies when necessary; consult with medical examiner about matters relating to or causing the traffic fatality. Respond to traffic accidents and request additional assistance such as tow trucks and emergency medical services; may direct traffic. Photograph traffic accidents and vehicles; gather principal evidence; interview drivers, witnesses and passengers; determine conditions leading to the accident; conduct tests to estimate speed of vehicles at time of the accident. Verify driver license and vehicle registration via radio with Records/Teletype Division; call for sworn officer assistance when police powers are necessary. Perform vehicle inspections; download Event Data Recorder data from vehicles. Secure crash scenes and preserve evidence for investigation; conduct interviews with accident victims in the hospital; issue traffic citations. Conduct follow-up on hit-and-run investigations; complete written accident reports; testify in court; coordinate fatal accident reports and information with various agencies. Provide information and assistance regarding accidents or traffic homicide investigations to Police Officers, other Accident Investigators, other police personnel, news media, and the general public. Collect latent prints and DNA samples; prepare search and arrest warrants; prepare Subpoena Duces Tecum for medical records. Initiate and participate in field training programs for Hit and Run and Homicide Investigators; conduct on-the-job training in accident investigation techniques. Operate a city vehicle; inspect and report equipment and vehicle damage or loss. May assist Fire-Rescue personnel by ensuring injured persons receive appropriate emergency medical assistance (e.g., CPR, Advanced First-Aid). Attend meetings, conferences and workshops to gather information required to perform job functions and meet safety standards; provide training to staff on investigative procedures, safety controls at scenes, interview techniques, report writing, and court testimony. This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficient in accident reconstruction principles, including physics, engineering, and biomechanics related to motor vehicle collisions. Familiarity with forensic techniques and methodologies used in investigating traffic accidents (vehicle examination, skid marks analysis, digital data retrieval from vehicles). Solid understanding of legal procedures and protocols related to traffic accident investigations (evidence collection, chain of custody, courtroom testimony). Basic understanding of medical terminology and injury mechanisms to assess injuries sustained in traffic accidents. Knowledge of traffic safety principles and strategies to prevent accidents (road design, signage, traffic control devices). Ability to manage traffic accident scenes effectively: secure the area, document evidence, and ensure safety of personnel and bystanders. Proficient in conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses, drivers, and other involved parties; analyze data from multiple sources to reconstruct events. Strong attention to detail; ability to think critically and analytically to identify causal factors and potential violations of traffic laws. Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal traffic laws and regulations; strong written and verbal communication skills for reports and testimony. Ability to collaborate with law enforcement, forensic experts, legal professionals, and stakeholders; flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and high-stress situations. Willingness to pursue relevant certifications and ongoing professional development in traffic investigations and forensic methodologies. Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related field preferred. Experience or training that provides the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for the degree. Minimum of ten (10) years of sworn law enforcement experience with at least five (5) years in investigative work (e.g., Detective, Investigator). Minimum of 2 years of relevant traffic accident reconstructive experience. Strong knowledge of investigative procedures, evidence collection techniques, and legal principles applicable to criminal investigations. Proficiency with traffic accident reconstruction tools and software. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills; ability to interpret complex information and draw logical conclusions. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse populations. Proficiency in computer applications and software relevant to investigative work, including database management and report writing. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. Must submit to a complete background investigation including fingerprint check; must meet restrictive drug standards; must pass a polygraph examination. Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or related field preferred. 10 years of investigative/detective experience with a law enforcement agency. At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation Course; Advanced Traffic Homicide Investigation Course. Certification related to hardware/software used for crime scene reconstruction. FAA Part 107 Certification. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Physical Requirements

Balancing; climbing; reaching; repetitive motion; speaking; standing; stooping; crouching; feeling; fingering; grasping; handling; hearing (basic to detailed); visual acuity; kneeling; lifting; mental acuity; walking. Work Environment

Potential for exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes, poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, heat/cold, noise and machinery. Exposure to vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, chemicals, oils, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances. Contact with internal and external customers, vendors, outside agencies and the general public. Required to work hours other than the regular schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and during emergencies. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

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