Forensic Scientist

Duties:

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.

Requirements:

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 heat 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.

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