FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, III
$47,424.00 to $90,979.20
ABOUT US
City of Mesa Mission
We are dedicated to providing superior services to our customers in order to improve the quality of life for Mesa residents, businesses and visitors.
Police Department Mission
Your Police Department, dedicated to working with you, fighting crime, defending human rights, and protecting life and property, to make our community safe for all.
The City of Mesa respects, values, and welcomes diversity in our workforce. To this end, we encourage all interested people to apply.
ABOUT THE POSITION
THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE TOXICOLOGY UNIT. The first review of applications will be Thursday, February 3, 2011. You may be requested to submit your unofficial college transcripts during the interview process.
A Forensic Scientist I at Pay Range 46 ($47,424.00 – $64,043.20 annually) is responsible for applying the physical sciences to the investigation of crimes by learning to perform laboratory examinations of physical evidence submitted to the Police Department Forensic Services Section. An employee in this class receives extensive training under direct supervision for the duties listed under the common duties section.
A Forensic Scientist II at Pay Range 49 ($55,161.60 – $74,464.00 annually) performs specialized forensic evaluations utilizing chemical, microscopic, and chromatographic techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence. A Forensic Scientist II is recognized as an expert in at least one area of forensic science, which may include blood alcohol analysis, controlled substance identification, toxicology, serology/DNA, arson, or trace evidence analyses. A Forensic Scientist II may conduct field investigations at crime scenes to search for, collect, and preserve evidence for laboratory analysis, and reconstruct situations and physical evidence of a crime in the demonstration of proof of the connection of persons, instruments or materials with the crime. This class is considered a journey-level position in the Police Department Forensic Services Section.
Forensic Scientist III at Pay Range 53 ($67,371.20 – $90,979.20 annually) performs highly specialized forensic evaluations in connection with the identification and comparison of physical evidence submitted to the Forensic Services Section. The scientific analyses performed involve utilizing chemical, microscopic, and chromatographic techniques and instrumentations to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence. A Forensic Scientist III operates, maintains, programs, and interprets data from highly technical and/or computerized instrumentation such as an automated blood alcohol analysis system, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, or DNA related equipment. Further responsibilities include preparing and conducting officer training; assisting with the development and monitoring of a quality assurance program; conducting field investigations at crime scenes; troubleshooting; maintenance and validation of instrumentation; method development and validation; consulting and coordinating with experts, police officers, and attorneys.
Common duties for the three classifications include: utilizing chemical, microscopic, chromatographic and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: hair, fibers, fabrics, suspected drug-containing substances, fire debris, paint, glass, soil, blood, urine, other biological substances. Additional duties include: performing serological examinations in order to identify bloodstains according to origin; interpret comparative data from highly technical DNA examinations to determine the source of submitted specimens; perform immunoassay techniques for screening of blood or urine samples for presence of drugs and utilizing GC/MS and LC/MSMSMS for confirmation of detected drugs; entering data into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); preparing technical reports, preparing findings for court presentation, and testifying concerning scientific facts. A Forensic Scientist I may progress by noncompetitive promotion to the classification of Forensic Scientist II and, Forensic Scientist II may progress to Forensic Scientist III after successful completion of all requirements stipulated in the criteria-based promotion plan, which include four years of forensics experience for Forensic Scientist II and seven years of forensics experience for Forensic Scientist III. All classes are FLSA exempt-professional.
ABOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualification(s) Required. Forensic Scientist I – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related natural science, and 24 semester hours of college coursework in chemistry and/or toxicology.
Minimum Qualification(s) Required. Forensic Scientist II – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related natural science, and 24 semester hours of college coursework in chemistry and/or toxicology. At least four years experience in a crime laboratory as a Forensic Scientist I or equivalent; and acceptance as an expert witness in court in at least one forensic discipline.
Minimum Qualification(s) Required. Forensic Scientist III – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related natural science, and 24 semester hours of college coursework in chemistry and toxicology. At least seven years experience as a Forensic Scientist in a recognized laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences; experience testifying in court as an expert witness; and state-of-the-art expertise in a specialized area of criminalistics.
Special Requirement(s). Forensic Scientist I, Forensic Scientist II, and Forensic Scientist III – Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required. Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.
Substance Abuse Testing. Forensic Scientist I, Forensic Scientist II, and Forensic Scientist III – Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualification(s). Forensic Scientist I, Forensic Scientist II, and Forensic Scientist III – Experience as a Criminalist/Forensic Scientist in an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences and testifying in court as an expert witness. Analytical experience conducting blood alcohol analysis, urine and blood drug screening and confirmation analyses and related court testimony. Experience with method development and validation procedures for GC/MS and LC/MSMSMS.
