What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) – Drug Chemistry position at Oregon State Department of Police?
Initial Posting Date:
12/03/2024
Application Deadline:
01/01/2025
Agency:
Oregon State Department of Police
Salary Range:
$7,112 -$9,641
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) – Drug Chemistry
Job Description:
The Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory in Bend, Oregon is hiring for one (1) Full-Time, Permanent Forensic Scientist position.
Studies have shown that people from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all the qualifications and preferred skills described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you meet key qualifications for the job and believe you would be a good fit, we encourage you to apply; please use your resume and cover letter to address your qualifications and the preferred skills for this position.
If you are a current OSP OSPOA employee and you wish to receive preference as an internal applicant, you must apply in Workday by END OF DAY on 12/18/2024. If you apply after this time, you will not receive internal preference and your interview materials will be reviewed along with external applicants.
If you require an alternate format to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact
osp.recruiting@osp.oregon.gov
and reference REQ-170429.
The salary listed is the non-PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) qualifying salary range. Prior to applying you should ensure all sections of your Workday Job History page is accurate and complete. This information is utilized during the pay equity analysis phase. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the following Classification and Compensation links for more details:
- Forensic Scientist Entry
- Forensic Scientist 1
Summary of Job Duties:
You will be performing technical and scientific functions as they relate to the Criminal Justice System and in accordance with the policies of the Department of State Police, Forensic Services Division, accreditation procedures, and laws of the State of Oregon.
The forensic scientist in this position will:
- Apply objective, scientific, and critical thinking skills to independently plan and problem solve challenges related to casework in the Drug Chemistry discipline which meets the quality standards of the Division.
- Perform accurate and timely analysis of evidence according to Division policies and procedures.
- Prepare and maintain accurate records, laboratory notes, and analytical reports to conform to accreditation standards, Division policies and procedures, and court proceedings.
- Manage assigned caseload while maintaining timely communications with law enforcement partners, District Attorneys’ offices, defense counsel, and Forensic Services Division employees.
- Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.
- Prepare necessary reagents, standards, and controls to ensure quality results and act as a resource to support Forensic Services Division analysts.
- Receive and provide training related to assigned duties and perform other duties as needed or requested by the Laboratory Director or other supervisors of the Oregon State Police.
- Perform independent casework in the Drug Chemistry discipline which meets the quality standards of the Division.
- Complete at least one proficiency test per year for each forensic discipline performed.
- Assume added responsibilities as authorized.
To learn more about the Forensic Services Division,
click here.
Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist 1 ($7,112.00 - $9,641.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for consideration) :
Five years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited Forensic Laboratory AND A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
Please note: A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.
If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.
For applicants that are not yet at the full performance level, we are offering an underfill opportunity as follows:
Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist Entry ($6,036.00 - $7,471.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for consideration):
A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
Please note: A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.
If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.
Preferred Skills (you must provide a specific example of how you meet each skill in your cover letter for consideration):
- Demonstrated experience performing laboratory procedures or other tasks, to include creating and modifying documentation, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to self-initiate tasks, effectively manage time, and prioritize competing demands to meet both scheduled and unexpected deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze information objectively and critically, sometimes in time-sensitive situations, and make reasoned, unbiased decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with a diverse audience in a clear, effective, and professional manner.
- Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback in a professional manner.
This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
Special Qualifications:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services Division’s laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.
- Must pass a urine analysis drug screen.
- Must pass all applicable background, credit, and criminal history checks.
- Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.
Prior to being hired as a Forensic Scientist with the Oregon State Police, you will be required to participate in a full background investigation process which will include a Criminal History Check and a Credit History Check. These positions, in the course of regular business activities, are responsible for the handling, management and/or analysis of several types of sensitive evidence, including bank statements, checks, debit and credit card information, and other financial records that contain financial information not customarily provided in a retail transaction. Forensic Scientists also handle, manage and/or analyze large amounts of cash, firearms, jewelry, controlled substances, and other valuable property collected as evidence during on-going criminal investigations.
Selection Process:
The process will be comprised of the following evaluation assessment (subject to change).
- Interview
How to Apply:
Apply in Workday by the deadline listed above, failure to submit your application by 11:59PM of the above listed date will result in automatic disqualification of your application. You must submit a resume demonstrating your experience as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. In addition to a resume, you must submit a cover letter – no more than two pages in length – addressing how you meet the preferred skills for this position. Failure to attach a resume addressing the minimum qualifications and a cover letter addressing the preferred skills will result in disqualification of your application. Please submit these documents in either MS Word or PDF format.
This position is covered by an OSPOA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Current OSPOA employees who meet the minimum qualifications of this position will be given preference in the selection process. Current OSP employees should refer to the Filling of Vacancies policy for additional information.
The Oregon State Police does not offer visa sponsorships.
Additional Information:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OSP
Background Hiring Information
Employee Benefits
Veterans Employment in State Government
Pay Equity Information & Resources
What You Need to Know to Get the Job
