County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to take photographs using 35 mm, 120 and digital camera equipment; to develop and process film; and perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The incumbent of this position is a journey-level photographer covering all phases of photography performing technical photography; and teaching photographic techniques to other personnel in the department. The incumbent will be expected to appear in court as an expert witness in the field. The person must also demonstrate the use of high resolution for digital imaging photography. This class is distinguished from Photographic Laboratory Technician in that the latter’s duties involved in the developing process consist primarily of laboratory work.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Develops, enlarges, prints and processes black/white photographs and color photographs.
2. Photographs crime scenes, documents, and perishable evidence in both color and black and white.
3. Prepares photographic evidence for presentation in court.
4. May testify on the authenticity of photographic materials presented in court.
5. Maintains inventory of photographic supplies.
6. Sets up and maintains photographic files.
7. Photographs by infrared or ultraviolet light.
8. May perform microphotography and high speed time lapse and sequence photography.
9. Conducts training sessions on photographic technique to other Sheriff’s Office personnel.
10. Performs color-balancing and restores pictures by scanning images on a computer.
11. Downloads digital images from a camera onto a computer and corrects resolution images to standard.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years’ full-time experience in the class of Photographic Laboratory Technician in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of three years’ full-time experience as a professional photographer.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Photographic principles and techniques.
• The operation of various types of photographic equipment.
• Clerical skills necessary to set up and maintain files.
• Principles and techniques necessary to instruct others in
photography, 35 mm, 120, and 2¼ format cameras.
• Digital imaging cameras.

Ability to:
• Photograph under various circumstances and conditions.
• Perform laboratory work.
• Develop, print and enlarge photographs.
• Perform simple maintenance on photographic equipment.
• Work independently.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Keep abreast of modern photographic processes.
• Instruct others on various photographic techniques.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

FW:nw
9/27/73
RE:jc
Revised: 9/2/98
Old document: 9295h
New document: Jobspecs/9295
ys/10/01
CSC Date: 9/30/98

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.