Dfs: Forensic Scientist (Chemist)

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

This position's duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is Intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks Is required as Is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.The incumbent works under the supervision of a Supervisory Chemist of the Forensic Science Laboratory, who defines objectives to be achieved, and coordinates resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Performs a variety of operations in a laboratory setting, e.g., basic testing and troubleshooting for non-casework and/or casework samples and instrument maintenance. Supports quality assurance and quality control programs; prepares and maintains detailed records in accordance with laboratory, accreditation, and statutory requirements where applicable; assists with audit preparation and administration; and demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations.

Utilizes experience and/or training to assist with the day-to-day processes within the FCU, and receives comprehensive training in reagent preparation, laboratory decontamination, instrument operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, materials and evidence handling and storage, documentation, and report writing. Works with supervisor or team leader and other personnel to ensure casework and/or surveillance programs goals are met. Evaluates program workflow to identify areas of improvement.

Qualifications and Education

A bachelor's degree (chemistry physical sciences, life sciences, biology, or forensic science, that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR combination of education and experience:

Coursework equivalent to a major, as shown, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Operational knowledge of at least one of the following: gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography flame ionization detection (GC-FID), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS), or Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions.

Licensures and Certifications

N/A

Work Environment

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease. Required safety precautions including, but not limited to, protective clothing (e.g., laboratory coats and gloves) and eye protection (e.g., safety goggles).

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1320-09

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment: Career Service (CS), Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-05, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Essential and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees.

As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference" will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.