Evidence Technician I

Join Missoula County in making a meaningful impact, where your work supports our vibrant community, promotes public service, and contributes to a better future for all. 

Job Description:

RATE OF PAY: $25.100 per hour

DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office

JOB STATUS: Regular, Full Time

BARGAINING UNIT: MFPE - Federation of Missoula County Employees

CLOSING DATE: Friday, December 4, 2026. You must apply before this date.

TO APPLY: Please complete the application with your education and work history. Please attach to your application A LETTER OF INTEREST AND A RESUME. Incomplete application submissions may be disqualified. Please reach out to the Department of Human Resources if you need assistance applying.

DEFINITION:  Performs a variety of work including but not limited to identifying, preserving, collecting, documenting, receiving, storing and disposing of physical criminal evidence and found property for the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:  Oversees the daily operations of the secure evidence warehouse.  Responsible for the organization of the warehouse and by ensuring that evidence is secured and stored properly. Reports regularly to division supervisors regarding warehouse operations and needs.  Catalogs, documents and stores evidence and other property related to crimes and criminal investigations. Ensures submitted evidence is properly packaged and documented. May assist the case deputy, detective or coroner with the identification, preservation, documentation and collection of property or evidence at major crimes scenes and death investigations upon request. Preserves the chain of custody. Testifies in court as to the chain of custody of evidence. Prepares reports, affidavits and other related legal documents related to evidence and the chain of custody of the evidence. Provides the disposition of items when no longer needed as evidence through court orders, registered letters, phone calls and newspaper advertisements according to state law.  Logs and documents proper information for received property items.  Annual property inventory and prepares unclaimed property for auction. Transports evidence to and from the Montana State Crime Lab for analysis. Also transports toxicology kits to and from funeral homes. Orders and maintains evidence and office packaging supplies for the evidence warehouse.  Maintains all warehouse supplies and the evidence van when necessary. Oversees and accompanies a wide variety of visitors and contractors at   the warehouse.  Calls for law enforcement assistance as needed.  Reports maintenance problems or unsafe working conditions to supervisors and or maintenance the maintenance division. Provides discovery of evidence to the Missoula County Attorney’s Office, Missoula City Attorney's Office and any other law enforcement agency upon official request. Disposes of biological waste, coroner medications and any dangerous drugs through appropriate and safe means. Provides the department with updates regarding the state of Montana evidentiary process and changes. Oversees vehicle’s that are stored and impounded at the warehouse. Works closely with local towing companies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree. Degrees best suited for this position are criminal justice, criminology, and forensic science. Requires three years of work experience working independently with a minimum of supervision. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Requires passing an extensive criminal history and background investigation.  Requires a valid driver's license. 

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:  The work is primarily performed in an office like setting at the county warehouse facility, remote from other Sheriff’s Department offices.  Employee must work independently with a minimum of supervision.  Work may be performed on the scene of major cases and may require special safety measures and exposure to potentially dangerous substances. (i.e. Fentanyl) and other hazardous drugs collected, as well as the handling of firearms and the occasional hazardous materials which includes biologicals. Requires lifting (up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally. Requires the ability to use ladders and stools and the ability to reach above shoulder height to store and retrieve property and or evidence. Requires serving in an on-call capacity subject to call out on weekends and after hours. Requires driving a vehicle to transport evidence and respond to scenes. Exposure to potentially hazardous items such as narcotics, biohazards and weapons.

Additional Job Description:

Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources

As a Missoula County employee, you will be a part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community.  

Missoula County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or military status