What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist position at City of Glendale (AZ)?
Join a unique and interesting field helping Public Safety. Located on the western edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Glendale is a culturally diverse community with approximately 258,000 residents. Glendale is also an exciting sports, shopping, and entertainment destination, famous for its well-preserved charm.
The Glendale Police Department currently employs 459 sworn officers, 163 civilian employees and continues to grow rapidly. The Department is organized into three functional bureaus: the Operations Bureau, the Investigative and Administrative Services Bureau, and the Support Services Bureau.
* * * * * * * * * *
Reporting to the Forensic Supervisor in the Criminal Investigations Division of the Investigative and Administrative Services Bureau, the Forensic Scientist performs professional and complex work applying sciences to the investigation of crimes by performing laboratory and field examinations, documenting, identifying, and evaluating physical evidence.
In addition to the essential functions noted below, the Glendale Police Department is seeking an individual with a broad base of technical experience and will give preference to candidates with experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, and those who possess an IAI Latent Print Certification.
* * * * * * * * * *
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You will be asked to submit official college transcripts if your application is selected to move forward in the recruitment/testing process.
You will be asked to submit official college transcripts if your application is selected to move forward in the recruitment/testing process.
Applicants must successfully complete a visual acuity examination as part of the selection process.
All communication, including testing invitations, will be sent by email. Please be sure to use a valid email address on your application and check your email regularly.
* * * * * * * * * *
For recruiting updates, testing information, tips, and videos to help you through the process, follow us online:
* * * * * * * * * *
- Develops, collects, and preserves evidence which may include latent prints, drugs, DNA, trace evidence, footwear, firearms, and other physical evidence.
- Prepares and maintains records of technical and scientific findings in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.
- Photographically documents physical and biological evidence in the lab and at crime scenes.
- Responds to complex crime scenes to gather, preserve, and identify items of a probative nature for crime lab analysis.
- Performs microscopic, chemical, and/or comparative analyses on physical evidence.
- Enters and searches data in individual characteristic database systems.
- Provides expert witness testimony on prepared laboratory reports in local, state and federal court proceedings.
- Maintains working knowledge through education and training in relevant techniques and procedures in the field of forensic science.
- Works closely with large cross-functional teams to educate and train Department Staff in forensic related topics as requested.
- Performs in an environment that adheres to quality assurance procedures and maintenance of laboratory activities.
- Maintains external certification in the appropriate forensic discipline, when applicable.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
The basic principles involved in scientific examination of physical evidence;
The basic uses and effects of hazardous and toxic chemicals;
The operation, maintenance, care, and use of scientific instruments and apparatus used in a crime laboratory;
Principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, photography, and physiology as related to forensic science;
Laws of evidence and criminal procedure;
Modern criminal investigation and identification techniques and procedures;
Safety Data Sheets (SDS);
Crime scene procedures;
Interpret scientific data;
Assist in training and validation;
Microsoft Office products and other relevant technologies.
Ability to:
Learn and apply rules of evidence, forensic procedures, crime scene procedures, State and Federal statutes and case law covering drugs and use of physical evidence in court;
Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy;
Recover, preserve, and compare evidence;
Operate a wide variety of forensic laboratory equipment;
Follow prescribed procedures and policies; carefully follows verbal and written instructions; follows collection policies and procedures;
Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper grammar;
Effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing;
Visually distinguish the full range of the color spectrum to perform testing of drugs and bodily fluids;
Visually distinguish a full range of patterns and forms to perform analysis of evidence;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lecture and reading;
Complete required OSHA/safety training;
Instruct others in a classroom setting;
Testify in court.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Arizona Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
In certain assignments, applicant must obtain a Terminal Operator Certification within 6 months of hire and maintain this certification during employment.
Incumbents must obtain an AZAFIS Latent Print Operator certification within 1 year and must maintain this certification during employment.
Must be able to occasionally work irregular hours, long shifts, weekends, holidays, on-call basis and availability over the normal working hours.
Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy.Standing for long periods of time may be required and may involve hot or cold environments.
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, patterns, identify and evaluate evidence, conduct laboratory analysis, and review or prepare written documents and materials.
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in a laboratory or field setting. This would include heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, or flying in helicopters or airplanes may be required during investigations.
Applying in this recruitment does not preclude you from applying in other City of Glendale recruitments. If you are not selected for this position, you would need to reapply to receive consideration. Candidates will be notified by email of their standing in the recruitment process, including any limitations on reapplication.
Glendale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the workforce.
Applicants may obtain a copy of the City of Glendale's EEOP Utilization Report here or upon request from the City of Glendale's Human Resources & Risk Management Office.
Applicants may obtain a copy of the City of Glendale's EEOP Utilization Report here or upon request from the City of Glendale's Human Resources & Risk Management Office.
Salary : $69,576 - $104,364
