DNA Forensic Scientist III - (Opportunity To Underfill As A Forensic Scientist I Or II)

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The mission of the Phoenix Police Department is to build and foster strong relationships with the community through our outreach and engagement, while adhering to the highest standards and traditions of the Phoenix Police Department. The Phoenix Police Department is committed to the Guiding Values of our P.R.I.D.E. Statement: Protection, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication and Employee Excellence.

We seek a qualified candidate for a Forensic Scientist III position at the Laboratory Services Bureau within the Phoenix Police Department's Evidence Screening Section. Forensic Scientists use physical sciences to investigate crimes by conducting advanced laboratory analyses on physical evidence from crime scenes. This position is a journey-level role in the Forensic Scientist Series, requiring current competence in Forensic DNA interpretation and analysis within an ISO 17025-accredited lab. Responsibilities include handling biological evidence¿such as blood, body fluids, hair, and other materials¿while meeting the educational qualifications for a DNA analyst as per the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories, Section 5.4.1. FBI Standards.

Key duties include:

• Performing DNA analysis on biological evidence.
• Preparing written scientific reports and providing expert testimony in court.
• Interpreting, comparing, and concluding based on DNA data.
• Reviewing DNA data from vendor labs to verify data-supported conclusions.
• Determining CODIS eligibility for forensic samples and known standards.
• Applying knowledge of forensic DNA lab principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Conducting technical and administrative reviews of scientific reports.
• Attaining and maintaining proficiency according to accreditation requirements and FBI Quality Assurance Standards.

Opportunity to Underfill at a Forensic Scientist I level or II.

Individuals who do not meet the minimum qualifications below for the Forensic Scientist III role may qualify for the opportunity to Underfill at the Forensic Scientist I level. Apply to this recruitment to be considered for a Forensic Scientist I or II.

Work Location:Phoenix Crime Laboratory: 621 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

SALARY

Forensic Scientist I:

Pay Range: $26.18 to $38.68 per hour.

Hiring Range: $26.18 to $31.82 per hour.

Forensic Scientist II:

Pay Range: $28.86 to $42.64 per hour.

Hiring Range: $28.86 to $35.08 per hour.

Forensic Scientist III:

Pay Range: $33.41 to $49.36 per hour.

Hiring Range: $33.41 to $44.77 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation:

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long-term disability
• Free Bus/light rail pass
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

Forensic Scientist I:

For more details, visit: Unit 003 Benefits.

Forensic Scientist II and III:

For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Forensic Scientist I Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural science, criminalistics, or a closely related field.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
• The City job description can be found here.

Forensic Scientist II Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field (must include a minimum of 24 credit hours in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework) from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of the minimum two-year formal training program or equivalent (2 years minimum) and demonstrated competence and authorization, per accreditation requirements and/or national standards.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
• The City job description can be found here.

Forensic Scientist III Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field (must include a minimum of 24 credit hours in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework) from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of 2 years of experience at the Forensic Scientist II level, or equivalent (4 years experience minimum), and has demonstrated competence, per accreditation requirements and/or national standards in assigned specialized forensic discipline(s)
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
• The City job description can be found here.

For all classifications:

• Upon request, documentation such as unofficial transcripts must be provided.
• FORENSIC DNA SPECIALTY REQUIRES min of 9 credit hours college coursework in biochem, genetics, and molecular biology. Statistics & population genetics required. Extensive casework in lab analysis/interpretation of biological specimens for DNA analysis.
• Positions in the Police Department must meet the background standards that are appropriate to non-sworn positions. The general factors for disqualification are listed here.
• Some positions require personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

• Experience with Leadership and training.
• Quality Assurance Standard audit experience.
• Completion of ANAB assessor training or ANAB assessor experience.
• Four years of experience performing laboratory analyses in Forensic DNA analysis.
• Working irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holiday, and evenings may be required.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes November 18, 2024. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

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• If you need assistance applying for this job, please contact our HR Connection Center at (602) 495-5700.

REFERENCE

Forensic Scientist III, JC:62930, ID# 56056, 11/04/2024, USM, initials, Benefits: 007

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.