FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER 1
Career Family: FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER
To land Forensic Photographer 1 in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
On pay it sits at the foot of the Forensic Photographer ladder. One promotion up is Forensic Photographer 2, whose band tops out about $6,730 higher. The one gate is 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $48,807 and $70,641.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Forensic Photographer series
- Forensic Photographer 1 — $48,807 – $70,641 (this title)
- Forensic Photographer 2 — $53,282 – $77,371
Promoting to Forensic Photographer 2 raises the top of the band by about $6,730. Its top salary lands around the 13th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under close supervision of a higher level Forensic Photographer or other supervisory official in the Forensic Photography program, State Police Law and Public Safety, provides photographic services for use in legal proceedings; determines techniques for photography; assists with implementing maintenance procedures for work areas; reviews photographic proofs; sets-up photographic equipment or apparatus; repairs minor malfunctions of photographic equipment; develops black-and-white or color film and operates still picture cameras and film processing equipment; work is closely-monitored and regular feedback is received; tasks are more basic, procedural, and uncomplicated; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Checks photographic equipment and accessories for working condition.
- Determines techniques for photography.
- Reviews photographic proofs.
- Records the use of materials, equipment, parts, or supplies.
- Copies negatives from flat art or photographs.
- Assists with the inventory of materials, equipment, parts, or supplies.
- Reads journals or other publications to keep current with developments in the field.
- Corrects flaws in prints or negatives.
- Maintains established security guidelines in performing their duties.
- Edits written material.
- Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials, or personnel for the accomplishment of assignments or goals.
- Implements maintenance procedures for work areas.
- Designs charts and graphs.
- Files records.
- Examines documents for adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
- Conducts research and study programs.
- Operates still picture, graphic reproduction cameras, and film processing equipment.
- Selects film type and camera lenses.
- Set-ups design arrangements for photography and photographic equipment.
- Mixes developing and fixing solutions for film processing.
- Develops black-and-white or color film.
- Makes black-and-white or color prints from negatives.
- Repairs minor malfunctions of photographic equipment.
- Makes internegatives.
- Arranges perishable stock by date received.
- Makes telephone calls for needed services, materials, or information.
- Answers basic questions about application of regulations or policies.
- Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording ad information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Completion of a vocational, technical, or specialized training program photography or photographic technology.
Experience
One (1) year of professional experience in work involving the taking, developing, and printing of photographs.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of photography and photographic lighting.
- Knowledge of poly-contrast and other filters.
- Knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various types of film.
- Knowledge of procedures for printing photographs.
- Knowledge of techniques for film processing.
- Knowledge of chemicals used in film processing.
- Knowledge of the procedures for operating enlarging equipment.
- Knowledge of the various grades and characteristics of photographic papers.
- Knowledge of principles of color theory.
- Ability to operate still picture cameras and film processing equipment.
- Ability to produce clear, sharp photographs.
- Ability to correct flaws in prints and negatives using airbrushing, retouching, or dodging techniques.
- Ability to follow oral and written orders, directions, or plans.
- Ability to perceive color differences.
- Ability to apply laws, rules, or regulations to given situations.
- Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, using decimals, percentages and fractions.
- Ability to compare numerical material for accuracy.
- Ability to troubleshoot media equipment.
- Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute one (1) year of additional experience.