What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Examination) position at City of Henderson?
*This is an open and continuous recruitment which will remain open for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days and close without notice once a sufficient pool of highly-qualified candidates has been created.
The City of Henderson announces an examination to create an eligibility list and to fill one (1) vacancy for the classification of Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Examination) in the Police Department. The eligibility list may be utilized to fill vacancies for this classification for up to one (1) year.
Under general supervision, performs a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in a discipline of the Forensic Laboratory, (including Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Latent Print Examination, Trace Chemistry-Flammables, Firearms and Toolmarks, Questioned Documents, and Biology/DNA); interprets test results, formulates conclusions, and prepare reports; provides scientific assistance to external parties and testifies in court as an expert witness; and performs related duties as assigned.
Impression Evidence (Latent Print, Footwear, Tire Track) Examination discipline:
- Determines evidentiary value of submitted and developed prints; conducts examinations and comparisons, draws conclusions using scientific methodology including ACE-V; utilizes specialized photographic and digital imaging techniques to assist in the analysis and comparison of question impressions to known/exemplar prints.
- Encodes latent prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
- Searches footwear impressions in SICAR/FPX database.
Ideal Candidates for Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Examination) will possess the following:
- Experience working in an ISO/IEC17025 Accredited Laboratory
- Latent Print certification with the International Association for Identification (IAI)
- Experience performing automated latent print searches in various biometric databases
- Ability to conduct complex latent print comparisons with independent decision-making
- Experience digital enhancing latent impressions
- Footwear certification with the International Association for Identification (IAI)
- Experience providing expert testimony
Why come work for the City of Henderson Police Department?
- Henderson Forensic Laboratory is an ISO/ICE 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory
- A new state-of-the-art Forensic Laboratory Facility opened in summer 2024
- Scientists in our Laboratory are Board Certified in their respective disciplines
- Henderson is ranked the 2nd safest large City in the United States
Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive Salary Range; salary placement for non-represented positions is based on a comprehensive compensation review and takes into consideration the candidate's qualifications as well as internal equity. The successful candidate may start above the bottom of the salary range.
- Base Wage increase upon successful completion of Initial Probationary or Qualifying Period**
- **Contingent upon the City’s financial performance and subject to available funding as determined by the City
- Work-Life Balance
- Four (4)-Day, 38 hour workweek (Monday to Thursday)
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Leave and Holidays Policy
- Family and Medical Leave and Extended Leave Policy
- Comprehensive benefits package*** for all full-time, regular non-represented employees including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy
- Retirement Benefits
- Nevada PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System)
- Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Account
- Deferred Compensation - 457(b) and 401(a) Plans
- Voluntary Benefits: Pet Insurance, Auto/Home Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, SSgA Upromise 529 College Savings Plan
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal Government
- Tuition and Certification Reimbursement Program, and much more!
- ***Click here to review all City Employee Benefits
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ):
The final step in the selection process is the police background investigation. If you are among the group of candidates moving forward to the final steps, you will be required to go through a thorough police background process and complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Please note: the background process does not influence the selection process. Click here to view the PHQ successful candidates will be required to complete.
Click here to view a complete copy of the job description and physical requirements for the Forensic Scientist II.
Click here to learn more about the Henderson Police Department.Click here to learn what it's like to live in Henderson.
Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with science courses
- Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses
- If initially hired as a Forensic Scientist Trainee, successful completion of probation and two (2) additional years of satisfactory, continuous service with the Henderson Police Department (HPD) followed by three (3) additional years as a Forensic Scientist I with the HPD. If initially hired as a Forensic Scientist I, successful completion of probation plus two (2) additional years of satisfactory, continuous service as a Forensic Scientist I with the Henderson Police Department
- Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or “border state” driver’s license, as defined by NRS 483
- Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
- Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment
- Latent Print/Footwear Discipline: Must possess the Latent Print Examiner certification or Footwear Examiner certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) prior to the end of the third year of employment or promotion to this position. Current certification is highly desired. If not currently proficient in both latent prints and footwear disciplines, applicant must be willing to cross-train towards competency and certification. Other certification organizations recognized by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Commission on Forensic Science may also be considered
- Desirable: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or physical science or a forensic science-related field
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Supplemental Questionnaire *Your responses to these questions will be read and scored by Subject Matter Experts and will determine your placement on the eligibility list for this classification.ASSESSMENT DATES:
Scored Supplemental Question Assessment* (Weighted 100%)(Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this classification)
*The Scored Supplemental Question Assessment will be the only scored examination and is weighed 100% for placement on an eligibility list. Candidates must receive at least 70% (or higher) on their Scored Supplemental Question Assessment in order to be considered for either position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date.
Selection Interview with Performance Component - Date to be Determined
(Best Qualified Candidates)
All applicants will be notified by email or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are invited to participate in the assessment process, you will be required to self-schedule through the City of Henderson online application system. Please check your email and/or text messages on a regular basis after submitting your application for complete instructions, which include where and when to report.
The assessment and selection process for this position will take place on the dates listed above. All candidates who wish to be considered for this position will need to be in Henderson, Nevada, and make themselves available to participate in the testing process at any time on any of the dates listed above.The selection process will entail Subject Matter Experts reading and scoring your responses to supplemental questions 11-15 and your answers will be the sole determining factor for placement on the eligibility list for this classification.
Subject Matter Experts will NOT have access to any information besides the answers to questions 11-15. This means that they will not have access to applications, resumes or any other identifying information when scoring. Candidates who have been placed on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview.
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best-qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the candidate requiring accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department (preferably in writing) at the time of application.
IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to the successful and timely completion of a post-offer pre-employment background investigation, polygraph examination, medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol test. Please see the job description to view the physical requirements of the job. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. The selection process should be completed within four (4) months of the closing date. Candidates may reapply when there is a vacancy and a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.
Salary : $41 - $61