Demo

Forensic Scientist

City of Glendale AZ
Glendale, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/14/2025
Description

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.

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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.

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Important Note

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.

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For recruiting updates, testing information, tips, and videos to help you through the process, follow us online:

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Essential Functions

  • 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.

Minimum Qualifications/Special Requirements/Success Factors

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Natural Science, or a closely related major with a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours of science coursework, and a minimum of four (4) years crime laboratory analysis experience with a working expertise in a forensic science discipline. Successful completion of a formal forensic training program and a level of expertise necessary to provide expert testimony. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

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.

Benefit information is outlined here: https://www.glendaleaz.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=15209085&pageId=15331883

01

AA) By indicating yes to this question, I understand and acknowledge the following information: If disqualified, or otherwise not selected for employment, I am NOT entitled to disclosure of the reason for the hiring decision. Any omission, misrepresentation, or falsification when answering these supplemental questions, or in any subsequent interview or hiring document, may permanently disqualify me from any employment with the Glendale Police Department. I also affirm that the information and answers provided by me to all items in this supplemental questionnaire are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and accurate. I understand that any false statements, including written, can be prosecuted under ARS 13-2704, Unsworn Falsification, a Class-2 Misdemeanor.

  • Yes
  • No

02

AB) Do you understand that ANY omission, misrepresentation, or falsification on this or any other interview or hiring document could result in your permanent disqualification from employment or termination from the Glendale Police Department?

  • Yes
  • No

03

AC) A polygraph examination WILL BE administered as part of this hiring process. For the positions of Police Officer, Police Detention Officer, Traffic Services Specialist, and Security Officer, a psychological examination WILL BE administered in addition to the polygraph examination. Do you understand this information?

  • Yes
  • No

04

AH) Have you ever served in the Armed Forces of the United States? Note: You will be required to provide proof of military service and discharge status (Form DD-214) at a later stage in the hiring process.

  • Yes
  • No

05

AI) If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, please indicate which branch.

06

AJ) If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, please indicate your discharge date.

07

AK) If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, please indicate your type of discharge.

08

AL) Have you EVER committed, been convicted of, plead guilty to, or plead no contest to misdemeanor charges?

  • Yes
  • No

09

AM) If YES, please provide details on each incident. Include the date of the incident, location (city/state), police agency involved, the offense alleged, and the disposition and punishment. Remember to include offenses while you were a juvenile. If NO, type "N/A".

10

AN) Have you EVER committed, been convicted of, plead guilty to, or plead no contest to felony charges?

  • Yes
  • No

11

AO) If YES, please provide details on each incident. Include the date of the incident, location (city/state), police agency involved, the offense alleged, and the disposition and punishment. Remember to include offenses while you were a juvenile. If NO, type "N/A".

12

AP) Have you EVER been physically arrested or cited and released for ANY criminal offense in any state, including as a juvenile? This would include violations such as DUI's, Reckless Driving, Cancelled, Refused, Suspended, or Revoked License, Fictitious Plates, etc. This includes any offenses that were expunged or sealed upon becoming an adult. Include ANY charges, which might have been later dismissed, reduced or expunged by the courts, prosecutor or pursuant to any plea agreement.

  • Yes
  • No

13

AQ) If YES, please provide details on each incident. Include the date of the incident, location (city/state), police agency involved, the offense alleged, and the disposition and punishment. Remember to include offenses while you were a juvenile. If NO, type "N/A".

14

AR) List ALL traffic citations that you have received as an adult OR a juvenile, regardless of the disposition. Include the city and state in which it occurred, the date, the offense alleged and the disposition of the offense. Do not include parking tickets. Type "N/A" if none.

15

AS) List below ALL drivers' license suspensions and/or revocations that you have received. Include the reason for the suspension/revocation, the city and state in which it occurred, the date and the disposition of the offense. Type "N/A" if none.

16

AT) Have you EVER been questioned by a law enforcement official (including court officials) for ANY reason? Include any incident as a juvenile or as an adult.

  • Yes
  • No

17

AU) If YES, please provide details on each incident. Include the date of the incident, location (city/state), police agency involved, the offense alleged, and the disposition and punishment. Remember to include offenses while you were a juvenile. If NO, type "N/A".

18

AV) Have you EVER attended ANY court proceeding or counseling regarding school discipline or criminal matters? Include any incident while attending school as a juvenile or as an adult.

  • Yes
  • No

19

AW) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

20

AX) Have you EVER stolen, illegally acquired, misappropriated, or shoplifted ANYTHING as an adult OR as a juvenile (whether detected or not)?

  • Yes
  • No

21

AY) If YES, please provide details. Include what was taken, the approximate value, if you were an adult or juvenile, and the circumstances that led to you taking the item(s). If NO, type "N/A".

22

AZ) Have you EVER knowingly or inadvertently been in possession of ANY stolen property?

  • Yes
  • No

23

BA) If YES, please provide details. Include what you were in possession of, the approximate value, if you were an adult or juvenile, and the circumstances that led to you taking the item(s). If NO, type "N/A".

24

BB) Have you EVER committed or been present during the commission of any computer crimes, whether as an adult or a juvenile? This includes, but is not limited to computer hacking, illegally downloading of music or videos, or any other types of computer fraud.

  • Yes
  • No

25

BC) If YES, please provide details. Include the date of each incident, location (city/state) and the circumstances involved. If NO, type "N/A".

26

BD) Have you EVER viewed, downloaded, shared, or distributed ANY form of known child pornography or photographs depicting known children in a sexual manner, whether as an adult or juvenile?

  • Yes
  • No

27

BE) If YES, please describe the circumstances in full, including websites. Include the date of each incident, how you got it, how many times, etc. If NO, type "N/A".

28

BF) Have you EVER committed any sex offenses with a minor? This would include any acts as an adult or juvenile.

  • Yes
  • No

29

BG) If YES, please provide details. Include the date of each incident, location (city/state), ages, and the circumstances involved. If NO, type "N/A".

30

BH) Have you EVER committed ANY act of domestic violence, against a spouse, significant other, or family member, whether as an adult OR juvenile?

  • Yes
  • No

31

BI) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

32

BJ) Have you EVER committed any other sexual offenses, other than those previously disclosed, that would be a violation of the law? Do not include in your response consensual sexual conduct between adults, unless it involved the payment of money or other gratuities. This would include any acts as an adult or a juvenile.

  • Yes
  • No

33

BK) If YES, please provide details. Include the date of each incident, location (city/state) and the circumstances involved. If NO, type "N/A".

34

BL) Have you EVER committed or been present during the commission of ANY criminal offense other than those disclosed in response to prior questions, whether or not detected or reported? This includes conduct or acts occurring while you were a juvenile. It includes such things as criminal damage, assault, fraud, trespassing, credit card fraud, weapons violations, under age purchase/consumption of alcohol, etc.

  • Yes
  • No

35

BM) If YES, please provide details. Include the date of each incident, location (city/state) and the circumstances involved. If NO, type "N/A".

36

BN) Are you NOW or have you EVER been on parole or probation for any offense, criminal or civil, whether as an adult OR juvenile?

  • Yes
  • No

37

BO) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

38

BP) Have you EVER had a warrant issued for your arrest for any criminal or traffic violations, whether as an adult OR a juvenile?

  • Yes
  • No

39

BQ) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

40

BR) Do you CURRENTLY have ANY outstanding criminal or traffic warrants?

  • Yes
  • No

41

BS) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

42

BT) Have you EVER used a prescription drug that was not prescribed to you?

  • Yes
  • No

43

BU) If YES, please provide details. If NO, type "N/A".

44

BV) Have you EVER been involved in the illegal production, growing, sale, transportation, possession, distribution or purchase of marijuana, narcotics, and/or hallucinogenic drugs or any related controlled substances? This includes drugs purchased for personal use, sharing with friends, or joint purchases with others. This includes conduct whether as an adult OR a juvenile.

  • Yes
  • No

45

BW) If YES, please provide details. Include dates of ALL transactions. If NO, type "N/A".

46

BX) Have you EVER used or experimented with ANY illegal drugs, whether as an adult OR a juvenile?

  • Yes
  • No

47

BY) If you have EVER used or experimented with MARIJUANA, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

48

BZ) If you have EVER used or experimented with HASHISH, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

49

CA) If you have EVER used or experimented with COCAINE, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

50

CB) If you have EVER used or experimented with CRACK COCAINE, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

51

CC) If you have EVER used or experimented with METHAMPHETAMINE, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

52

CD) If you have EVER used or experimented with SPEED, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

53

CE) If you have EVER used or experimented with HEROIN, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

54

CF) If you have EVER used or experimented with MORPHINE, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

55

CG) If you have EVER used or experimented with OPIUM, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

56

CH) If you have EVER used or experimented with LSD/ACID, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

57

CI) If you have EVER used or experimented with ECSTASY, GHB, KETAMINE, or ROHYPNOL (specify all that apply), please provide the following information for all that apply: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

58

CJ) If you have EVER used or experimented with OTHER HALLUCINOGENS (specify all that apply), please provide the following information for all that apply: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

59

CK) If you have EVER used or experimented with INHALANTS (such as glue, paint, etc.) (specify all that apply), please provide the following information for all that apply: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

60

CL) If you have EVER used or experimented with STEROIDS, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

61

CM) If you have EVER used or experimented with PEYOTE, please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

62

CN) If you have EVER used or experimented with OTHER ILLEGAL DRUG OR SUBSTANCE (describe), please provide the following information: Month/Year last used, total number of times drug used BEFORE age 21, total number of times drug used AT age 21 and AFTER, method of drug use (i.e. injection, smoking, etc.), amount used (i.e., one joint, two injections, four pills, etc.). Type "N/A" if none.

63

CO) Have you received any disciplinary actions while at work, or, do you have any active investigations which may or may not result in discipline? If YES, please provide details on each incident. Include the date, violation or alleged violation, and the type of discipline received or expected discipline if known. If NO, type "N/A".

64

ZH) If you were referred by a current City of Glendale employee for this position, please list their name below.

65

Please explain some of the reasons that you chose to apply for a position with the City of Glendale

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