Forensic Scientist III
PUBLIC SAFETY - POLICE
SALARY:
$66,788.80 - $96,824.00 Annually
CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified
STATUS: Full-Time Regular
OPENING DATE: 02/07/15
CLOSING DATE: 02/22/15 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. The Department is looking for the ideal candidate to fill a position either in the
Toxicology Unit or in the Latent Print Unit.
Forensic Scientist III – Toxicology Unit
Duties will include analyzing blood samples for the presence of alcohol, 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. Will serve as
the toxicology technical leader. Will assist in the training of blood alcohol examiners, maintain
instrumentation, validate new methods, and establish and write policies and procedures.
Ideal candidate will have:
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Knowledge and experience in toxicology discipline of blood alcohol analysis by the
method of headspace gas chromatography.
Knowledge of the effects of blood alcohol and interpretation of those effects as they apply
to driving.
Knowledge of ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation requirements (ISO 17025 and the
ASCLD/LAB Supplemental Requirements) including the calculation and application of
Measurement Uncertainty.
Experience as a Technical Leader of a Blood alcohol unit
Worked in an accredited Forensic Laboratory
Experience validating instruments and methods
Experience as a Technical Assessor for a Laboratory Accreditation Body
Experience in training blood alcohol analysis
Knowledge of Toxicology blood drug analysis
Strong communication skills
Strong writing skills
Forensic Scientist III - Latent Print Unit
Duties will include analyzing and comparing of latent print evidence, 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. Will assist in
the training of latent print examiners and establish, write, and provide training programs and
policies.
Ideal candidate will have:
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Knowledge and experience in both the latent print comparative and latent print
development/photography disciplines.
Knowledge and experience with an Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Currently an International Association for Identification Certified Latent Print Examiner
Experience as a Technical Leader of a Latent Print Unit
Has worked in an accredited Forensic Laboratory
Knowledge of the ISO 17025 Accreditation Standards and Supplemental Requirements
Experience as a Technical Assessor for a Laboratory Accreditation Body
Experience in training latent print comparative and latent print development/photography
techniques
Strong communication skills
Strong writing skills
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.
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:
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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:
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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
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May serve as the discipline technical leader. Technical leader duties include development
and maintenance of discipline procedure and training manuals, oversight of training of
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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.
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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.
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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-D
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?
No
Yes
*
2. Which best describes your experience in participating in the selection process for a
position with the Scottsdale Police Department?
No Experience
Submitted Application
Tested and/or Interviewed
Submitted Background Packet
*
3. The following supplemental questions will be used as part of the application screening and
selection process and will assist in determining your eligibility for further consideration.
Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, or answering a
question with "see resume/application" will result in disqualification from the selection
process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your
responses can be verified from information included within the application?
No
Yes
*
4. Are you an IAI certified latent print examiner?
No
Yes
*
5. If you answered yes, how long have you been certified?
*
6. Have you ever served as the technical leader of a latent print unit?
No
Yes
*
7. If you answered yes, for how long and for which laboratory?
*
8. Do you have experience in latent print comparative examinations?
No
Yes
*
9. If yes, describe your experience in latent print comparative examinations.
* 10. Do you have experience in latent print development?
No
Yes
* 11. If yes, describe your experience in latent print development.
* 12. Do you have experience in training others in the latent print discipline?
No
Yes
* 13. If yes, describe your experience in training others in the latent print discipline.
* 14. Have you been qualified as an expert in latent prints?
No
Yes
* 15. If yes, list what courts and in which specific area of latent prints.
* 16. Do you have experience in blood drug toxicology?
No
Yes
* 17. If yes, describe your experience in blood drug toxicology?
* 18. Have you been qualified as an expert in human performance toxicology?
No
Yes
* 19. If yes, list what courts and for which substances.
* 20. Have you ever served as the technical leader of a blood alcohol or toxicology unit?
No
Yes
* 21. If yes, for how long and for which laboratory?
* 22. Do you have experience calculating uncertainty budgets in toxicology?
No
Yes
* 23. If yes, list your experience calculating uncertainty budgets in toxicology.
* 24. Do you have experience training inexperienced scientists in blood alcohol analysis?
No
Yes
* 25. If yes, list your experience training inexperienced scientists in blood alcohol analysis.
* 26. Describe the last time you were involved in instrument/method validation. Included a
brief description of your role in the validation process.
* 27. Which Forensic Unit are you interested in being considered for?
Latent Print Unit
Toxicology Unit
Both Units
* Required Question