Forensic Scientist IV - Latent Prints Technical Leader - Baltimore Police Department

OPENING DATE: 06/26/2024

CLOSING DATE: 07/10/2024 AT 12:00AM MIDNIGHT

SALARY RANGE: $83,165.00 - $132,947.00

EDUCATION ACCREDITATION: Applicant's education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained out of the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

ELIGIBILITY: Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to this position identified as positions of trust will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a Fingerprint check.

PROBATION: All persons, including current City employees, selected from this position will be on probation for 6 months.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

A Forensic Scientist IV plans, develops and implements a forensic laboratory quality assurance and occupational safety program and performs advanced/complex level work in the chemical, biological, physical or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Laboratory of Police Department. Work of this class involves leading lower level Forensic Scientist by assigning, reviewing and coordinating the work of Forensic Scientists, but does not involve full supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Incumbents receive general supervision from an administrative supervisor. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek, subject to callback in event of emergency. Work is performed in a laboratory where there may be exposure to unknown controlled dangerous substances, toxic fumes and contaminated blood or other body fluids. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

SELECTION PROCESS

All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for this position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:

EDUCATION: Have a bachelor's degree in forensics, biology, chemistry, physics or a related science from an accredited college or university.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Have six years of experience in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; controlled dangerous substances, toxicology, serology, DNA, trace evidence, firearms and toolmark, questioned documents or latent print examination, including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.

OR

NOTES (EQUIVALENCIES): A master's degree in biology, chemistry or physics from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES: Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit require certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances. Certification from a National Certifying Board in Latent Print Examination may be required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and technical protocols of criminalistics and forensic science.

• Knowledge of Forensic Lab procedures and practices, research methods, analytical instrumentation and equipment as applied to the work of a Forensic Lab.

• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in a court of law and chain of custody.

• Knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations regarding forensic laboratory operations.

• Knowledge of the theory and operation of laboratory chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a Forensic Lab.

• Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data and drawing accurate conclusions.

• Skill in the application of standard precautions in handling potentially infectious biological materials or hazardous chemicals.

• Ability to analyze facts, identify patterns, draw conclusions and devise procedures to correct occupational health and safety hazards.

• Ability to evaluate scientific tests, protocols and results for accuracy, precision and compliance with technical standards.

• Ability to develop scientific protocols.

• Ability to conduct investigations with independence and integrity.

• Ability to train others and gain their cooperation and compliance.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Administrative ability.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Katrina Bayton, Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Specialist II via email at Katrina.Bayton1@baltimorecity.gov.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER