Forensic Scientist III

Forensic Scientist III Public Safety-Police SALARY: $66,788.80 - $96,824.00 Annually CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified STATUS: Full-Time Regular OPENING DATE: 12/06/14 CLOSING DATE: 12/21/14 11:59 PM INTRODUCTION: Performs highly specialized professional forensic science evaluations in connection with the identification and comparison of physical evidence submitted to the Crime Laboratory for forensic analysis. Forensic Scientist III Forensic Biology Unit Duties will include analyzing evidence for the presence of biological fluids, and performing subsequent DNA analysis, writing detailed reports, assisting in the development and implementation of forensic methods and programs. Conduct the interpretation, evaluation, and quality review of analytical results and reports. Ideal candidate will have: Worked in an accredited Forensic Laboratory Experience validating instruments and methods Court testimony experience Strong communication skills Strong writing skills Auditing experience Selection Process: Applicants whose experience and skills most closely meet the needs of this position may be invited to participate in a testing and/or interview process. Final selection is contingent upon a background check, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Determined by position, final selection may also be contingent upon a pre-employment medical examination. The timeframe for reapplication with the Police Department varies based

on the position and the needs of the organization. The Public Safety Personnel Unit reserves the right to change this process. For information on eligibility, please contact the Public Safety Personnel Unit at spspstaff@scottsdaleaz.gov. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS WILL BE DONE VIA EMAIL. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience A Bachelor s degree in a physical or natural science from an accredited institution, with a minimum of 20 semester hours of chemistry related coursework. Must have eight (8) years of experience as a forensics examiner in a recognized crime laboratory. Must have a working expertise in three (3) forensic disciplines or combination of working expertise in one (1) forensic discipline and completion of two (2) of the following or working expertise in two (2) forensic discipline and completion of one (1) of the following: publication in recognized scientific journal; presentation at recognized scientific meeting; certification by recognized forensic organization; or participation in validation or method development. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge and experience in DNA analysis to include operation of a genetic analyzers, and use of commercially available STR kit chemistries. Knowledge of data interpretation, including mixed DNA samples and low level/quality DNA samples, and statistical analysis of DNA results. Knowledge of ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation requirements (ISO 17025 and the ASCLD/LAB Supplemental Requirements) including the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS). Knowledge of chemical and immunological testing used to identify biological fluids. Successful completion of the required coursework in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Statistics required by the FBI QAS. Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements A valid driver license with no major driving citations in the last 39 months may be required. Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on department/section assignment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: The basic principles involved in scientific examination of physical evidence. The principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, comparison techniques, and photography as related to forensic science. The operation, maintenance, care and use of scientific instruments. The basic uses and effects of hazardous and toxic chemicals. 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. Follow prescribed procedures and policies; carefully follows verbal and written instructions; follows collection policies and procedures. Chemically identify and quantify compounds. Recover, preserve, and compare evidence. Testify in court. Interpret scientific data. Comprehend and make inferences from written material. Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar. Learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lecture and reading. Work safely for protection of self and others. Listens, communicates, and deals effectively and professionally in writing and verbally with peers, management, public officials, attorneys, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, city employees and the general public. Adhere to quality assurance and discipline specific procedures. Prioritize own case workload. Research, recommend and validate new techniques, procedures, methods and equipment used in the laboratory. Train others in the disciplines of forensics. Prepare and conduct training programs for officers and other police employees. Gain experience in accreditation procedures through attendance of appropriate training. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks: All Assignments May serve as the discipline technical leader. Technical leader duties include development and maintenance of discipline procedure and training manuals, oversight of training of new personnel, quality assurance, validation and development of new procedures and technical troubleshooting. The technical leader must regularly review their assigned laboratory discipline specific work product and must be available for consultation. The

technical leader will propose new or modified methods and document their approval of all validation and current methods utilized by their assigned discipline. The technical leader is responsible for the technical problem solving and oversees training and quality assurance for the discipline. With consultation from the section manager, quality assurance manager / laboratory director, the technical leader has the authority to suspend and resume analytical operations for that discipline and recommend suspension of work for an individual working within that discipline. The technical leader will be involved in implementing corrective actions to ensure findings resulting from an audit have been appropriately resolved. May serve in acting supervisor role in absence of Forensic Scientist Supervisor. Examines, identifies, interprets and evaluates suspected evidence. Provides general scientific information as requested. Enters and searches for information on the computerized individual characteristic database systems. Compares analytical findings with known standards. Discusses laboratory test results with other lab professionals, officers and attorneys. Provides expert testimony in court. Comprehends and follows detailed, highly technical, oral and written instructions to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive reports and records. Prepares and presents detailed reports. Provides technical assistance and expertise at crime scenes. Prioritizes own casework load. Inspects and evaluates equipment, objects, information, and work-related conditions to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards, regulations, and guidelines including manufacturer s specifications on computerized scientific equipment and national laboratory accreditation standards. Conducts research and analyzes data to perform scientific examinations. Develops training programs and manuals to train other forensic scientists. Performs other duties as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Use specialized protective equipment to perform laboratory analyses. May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B) are corrosive, carcinogenic or explosive. Respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed. Safely work with various chemicals and powders. Visually distinguishes the full range of the color spectrum to perform forensic examinations. Work is performed in a normal City office environment, laboratory, and in the field. Lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Visual and muscular dexterity to operate equipment.

Travel to/from meetings and various locations. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or marital status. When advised reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. FILE APPLICATIONS ONLINE AT: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: 9191 E. San Salvador Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (480) 312-2491 rcastanon@scottsdaleaz.gov Position #14-00175-C FORENSIC SCIENTIST III SS Forensic Scientist III Supplemental Questionnaire * 1. The information in the application is used to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, or answering a question with "see resume" will result in disqualification from the selection process. Did you review your application to make sure that every section is complete? * 2. Which best describes your experience in participating in the selection process for a position with the Scottsdale Police Department? Experience Submitted Application

Tested and/or Interviewed Submitted Background Packet * 3. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona? * 4. Have you ever been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces? * 5. Have you ever been previously denied certified status, have certified status revoked or have current certified status suspended? * 6. Have you ever illegally sold, produced, cultivated, or transported for sale marijuana or dangerous drugs/narcotics? * 7. Have you ever illegally used marijuana for any purpose within the past 3 years? * 8. Have you ever illegally used marijuana more than 20 times lifetime or more than 5 times after the age of 21? * 9. Have you ever illegally used marijuana, dangerous drugs / narcotics while employed or appointed as a peace officer?

* 10. Have you ever illegally used a dangerous drug or illegal narcotic, other than marijuana, for any purpose within the past 7 years? This includes, but is not limited to, cocaine/crack, heroin, opium, morphine, LSD/Acid, Methamphetamine/speed, Peyote, Mescaline or derivatives thereof. * 11. Have you ever illegally used a dangerous drug or narcotic more than 5 times lifetime or exceeding 1 time after the age of 21? This includes, but is not limited to, cocaine/crack, heroin, opium, morphine, LSD/Acid, Methamphetamine/speed, Peyote, Mescaline or derivatives thereof. * 12. Have you ever had a pattern of abusing prescription medication? * 13. Have you ever had excessive traffic violations within the past 3 years? * 14. Have you ever committed or violated federal, state, or city laws pertaining to criminal activity while employed by a law enforcement agency? * 15. Have you ever been previously employed with a law enforcement agency and since have committed or violated federal, state, or city laws pertaining to criminal activity? * 16. Have you ever lied during any stage of Scottsdale Police Department's hiring process, falsified any information on the application or background questionnaire?

* 17. Have you ever used non-prescribed steroids within the past 7 years or used more than a total of 5 times lifetime or more than 1 time, since the age of 21? * 18. Have you ever been convicted of a domestic violence crime, misdemeanor or felony or conviction of a lesser charge, which at the time of occurrence was a domestic violence crime? * 19. DISCRETIONARY DISQUALIFIERS The following disqualifiers may, upon review by the Scottsdale Police Department, make you ineligible to work for the department: 1. An inability to perform the essential functions of the position. 2. Unlawful sexual conduct. 3. Commission of a felony. 4. Any discharge from the U.S. armed forces other than an honorable discharge. 5. Debts demonstrated an unwillingness to honor fiscal contracts or just debts. 6. Any other conduct or pattern of conduct that would tend to disrupt, diminish, or otherwise jeopardize public trust in the law enforcement profession. 7. Lied during any stage of any law enforcement's hiring process, falsified any information on the application or background questionnaire. 8. Unresolved responses to relevant issues when administered a polygraph examination. I have read and understand the above disqualifiers: * Required Question