Firearm Examiner (Forensic Scientist II) - Phoenix Police Department (Opportunity To Underfill As A Forensic Scientist I)

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Are you ready to make a difference in your community and Rise to Serve? Join us in making a positive impact to ensure safety, uphold justice, and become a proud member of the Phoenix Police Department family! 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.

Opportunity to Underfill at a Forensic Scientist I level.

Individuals that do not meet the minimum qualifications below for the Firearm Examiner (Forensic Scientist II) may qualify for the opportunity to Underfill at the Forensic Scientist I level. We are seeking a qualified candidate to fill a Firearm Examiner (Forensic Scientist II) position at the Laboratory Services Bureau within the Phoenix Police Department.The Firearm Examiner position involves the examination, comparison, and evaluation of various forensic evidence, such as firearms, ammunition, clothing, tools, and objects with tool marks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Comfortable handling and shooting firearms.

• Utilizing microscopes for extended periods.

• Maintaining safety when exposed to biological materials.

• Using various hand tools and safely handling hazardous chemicals to create chemical solutions.

• Disassembling and reassembling mechanical components, including firearms.

• Assisting in training and directing laboratory staff, police employees, and criminal justice partners.

• Preparing findings for court presentations, depositions, and interviews, interpreting complex scientific-legal questions, and providing expert testimony.

• Providing firearm safety and handling technique training to personnel.

• Working consistently in indoor conditions, specifically laboratory environments with exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, flammable liquids, unfavorable fumes, vapors, odors, bio-hazardous materials, and radiation.

• Recognizing physical patterns.

• Effectively communicating findings.

Work location: Phoenix Police Crime Laboratory. 621 W. Washington St, Phoenix.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Ability to occasionally moves items weighing up to 20-30 pounds.

• Knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.

• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing, when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.

SALARY

Forensic Scientist I:

Pay Range: $26.18 to $38.68 per hour.

Hiring Range: $26.18 to $30.31 per hour.

Forensic Scientist II:

Pay Range: $28.86 to $42.64 per hour.

Hiring Range: $28.86 to $35.08 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

For more details, visit:

Forensic Scientist I: Unit 003 Benefits

Forensic Scientist II: Unit 007 Benefits

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Forensic Scientist I Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science, criminalistics, or a closely related field.

• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

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.

• In addition to the specified Bachelor's degree, FIREARMS SPECIALTY REQUIRES casework experience in firearm examination and comparison.

• 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.

• Upon request, must provide documentation such as unofficial transcripts.

• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

For both classifications:

• 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.

• The City job description can be found here.

• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.

• Some positions require the use of 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:

• Basic knowledge of firearms and ammunition.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment.

• Experience in performing mechanical adjustments to equipment.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes May 1, 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.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

• Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.

• If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.

• Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.

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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 II, JC:62920, ID# 53742, 4/17/2024, USM, HG, Benefits:FSI 003/ FSII 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.