Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) - Drug Chemistry

Initial Posting Date:

09/10/2024

Application Deadline:

10/02/2024

Agency:

Oregon State Department of Police

Salary Range:

$7,112 - $9,641

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) - Drug Chemistry

Job Description:

If you are a current OSP OSPOA employee and you wish to receive preference as an internal applicant, you must apply in Workday by END OF DAY on 09/25/2024. If you apply after this time, you will not receive internal preference and your interview materials will be reviewed along with external applicants.

Do you have a desire to work both independently and as part of a high-performance team in an accredited forensic laboratory where you will work evidence related to drug chemistry? Do you have keen attention to detail and possess excellent organizational, technical, and scientific skills? Do you enjoy working in the field of chemistry processing evidence in a lab? If so, please consider joining our Forensics team and apply today!

The Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory is hiring for four (4) Full-Time, Permanent Forensic Scientist positions.

If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact osp.recruiting@osp.oregon.gov and reference REQ-165041.

Locations available:

Bend Forensic Laboratory

Central Point Forensic Laboratory

Portland Forensic Laboratory

Springfield Forensic Laboratory

What will you do?

You will be performing technical and scientific functions as they relate to the Criminal Justice System and in accordance with the policies of the Department of State Police, Forensic Services Division, accreditation procedures, and laws of the State of Oregon.

The forensic scientist in this position will:

• Apply objective, scientific, and critical thinking skills to independently plan and problem solve challenges related to casework in the chemistry discipline which meets the quality standards of the Division.

• Perform accurate and timely analysis of evidence according to Division policies and procedures.

• Prepare and maintain accurate records, laboratory notes, and analytical reports to conform to accreditation standards, Division policies and procedures, and court proceedings.

• Manage assigned caseload while maintaining timely communications with law enforcement partners, District Attorneys' offices, defense counsel, and Forensic Services Division employees.

• Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.

• Prepare necessary reagents, standards, and controls to ensure quality results and act as a resource to support Forensic Services Division analysts.

• Receive and provide training related to assigned duties and perform other duties as needed or requested by the Laboratory Director or other supervisors of the Oregon State Police.

• Complete at least one proficiency test per year for each forensic discipline performed.

• Assume added responsibilities as authorized.

To learn more about the Forensic Services Division, click here.

What's in it for you?

• Work/life balance.

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and up to 24 hours of personal business leave a year.

• Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.

• Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.

• Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carries your seniority and benefits with you.

• Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.

• Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.

• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

The Oregon State Police is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and affording all persons an opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their knowledge, skills, and abilities. At Oregon State Police, our Mission is to serve all people with a priority of safeguarding life, property, and natural resources by building upon a diverse, professional, and trustworthy workforce. Our core values are Compassion, Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, and Dedication.

Studies have shown that people from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all the qualifications and preferred skills described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you meet key qualifications for the job and believe you would be a good fit, we encourage you to apply; please use your resume and cover letter to address your qualifications and the preferred skills for this position.

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist 1 ($7,112.00 - $9,641.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration):

Five years' experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited Forensic Laboratory AND A Bachelor's degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.

Please note: A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.

If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

For applicants that are not yet at the full performance level, we are offering an underfill opportunity as follows:

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist Entry ($6,036.00 - $7,471.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration):

A Bachelor's degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.

Please note: A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.

If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

Preferred Skills (you must provide a specific example of how you meet each skill in your cover letter for full consideration):

• Demonstrated experience performing laboratory procedures or other tasks, to include creating and modifying documentation, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to self-initiate tasks, effectively manage time, and prioritize competing demands to meet both scheduled and unexpected deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze information objectively and critically, sometimes in time-sensitive situations, and make reasoned, unbiased decisions.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with a diverse audience in a clear, effective, and professional manner.

• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback in a professional manner.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

• As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.

• Must pass a urine analysis drug screen.

• Must pass all applicable background, credit, and criminal history checks.

Prior to being hired as a Forensic Scientist with the Oregon State Police, you will be required to participate in a full background investigation process which will include a Criminal History Check and a Credit History Check. These positions, in the course of regular business activities, are responsible for the handling, management and/or analysis of several types of sensitive evidence, including bank statements, checks, debit and credit card information, and other financial records that contain financial information not customarily provided in a retail transaction. Forensic Scientists also handle, manage and/or analyze large amounts of cash, firearms, jewelry, controlled substances, and other valuable property collected as evidence during on-going criminal investigations.

Selection Process:

The process will be comprised of the following evaluation assessment (subject to change).

• Interview

How to Apply:

• Apply in Workday by the deadline listed above, failure to submit your application by 11:59PM of the above listed date will result in automatic disqualification of your application.

• You must submit a resume demonstrating your experience as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position.

• In addition to a resume, you must submit a cover letter addressing how you meet each preferred skill for this position - (no more than two pages in length).

• Failure to attach a resume addressing the minimum qualifications will result in disqualification of your application.

• Failure to attach a cover letter addressing the preferred skills will result in disqualification of your application.

• Please submit these documents in either MS Word or PDF format.

• Documents submitted in formats other than MS Word or PDF will not be reviewed and will result in disqualification of your application.

• Please only attach documents that are requested in this posting. Any additional documents that are submitted at this stage will not be reviewed.

• After applying be sure that you answer the questionnaires related to citizenship and Veterans' Preference points. In order to receive Veterans' Preference points, this is a required questionnaire.

Additional Information & Benefits:

The salary listed is the non-PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the following Classification and Compensation links for more details:

• Forensic Scientist Entry

• Forensic Scientist 1

Prior to applying you should ensure all sections of your Workday Job History page is accurate and complete. This information is utilized during the pay equity analysis phase. Please monitor your Workday account, as communications will be sent to your Workday account. You may be asked to submit additional information after the initial application. If you would like to retain a copy of the job announcement, please print this page for your records. Once your application has been processed, you will no longer be able to review the announcement. Additionally, Workday will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Prior to being offered a position, finalists must pass a thorough background check and a test for the use of prohibited drugs. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude appointment. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. All applicants and current employees in this classification/position shall be subject to testing for the use of prohibited drugs.

Eligible Veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources, or call Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666 NOTE: If claiming Veterans' preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your "My Applications" section.

OSP does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet DAS employment eligibility standards.

This position is covered by an OSPOA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Current OSPOA employees who meet the minimum qualifications of this position will be given preference in the selection process. Current OSP employees should refer to the Filling of Vacancies policy for additional information.

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Helpful Links & Resources:

Learn more about OSP here.

View our competitive benefits package.

Background screening information can be found here.

OSP does not offer Visa Sponsorship. To view information on work authorization and find out about acceptable documents, click here.

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