Job Description

Job description

POSITION DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Performs scientific analysis of physical evidence, prepares written reports and provides expert testimony. Other duties include quality assurance, maintenance and utilization of scientific instrumentation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:*

Position Specific Summary

The Forensic Scientist I position at the City of Tucson’s Police Department is an entry level position in an accredited Forensic Crime Laboratory, which specializes in the forensic biology deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) discipline. Under direct supervision, this position performs routine examinations of forensic evidence, prepares technical reports, and provides expert witness testimony in court and in pre-trial conferences.

This position works under the supervision of a Crime Lab Coordinator. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Examines physical evidence for the presence of possible biological fluids and performs serological testing and/or forensic human DNA analysis on items of evidence collected from a crime scene. Uses visual examination with various light sources, serological testing for presence of biological fluids; collections of cellular DNA material; differential staining and microscopic examination of evidence. Performs extraction of DNA from evidence by utilizing state of the art instrumentation and robotics for liquid handling. Quantifies DNA by utilizing real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques and critical evaluation of the quality of DNA. Utilizes PCR amplification for human DNA typing using various typing kits and performs genetic typing using Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Assists in performing portions of validation of new instrumentation or methods for DNA analysis.

• Performs interpretation of complex human genetic data using Probabilistic Genotyping software (STRmix) and performs comparisons to known DNA reference standards to provide statistical weight, in the form of Likelihood Ratios, for inclusions or exclusions from the evidence. Determines DNA profiles suitable for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database to provide possible investigative leads. Authors technical case reports summarizing findings regarding evidence examined, results of interpretations, comparisons, and statistical analysis. Performs standard maintenance and quality assurance procedures on critical equipment and reagents used in forensic DNA analysis.

• Completes extensive training and competency testing in screening of evidence, serological testing, and application of forensic human DNA analysis to items of evidence collected from a crime scene during a police investigation. Remains current on scientific advancements and discipline specific topics in the field of forensic biology through review of technical publications, presentations, and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies and procedures. Maintains compliance with the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) by participating in semi-annual external proficiency testing in each technology performed to the full extent in which they participate in casework, attending trainings, and continuing education relevant to forensic biology.

• Performs technical and administrative reviews of laboratory reports for quality assurance compliance for accreditation in accordance with ANAB (American Nation Standards Institute National Accreditation Board) Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125:2023 Standards and FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories. Participates in annual CODIS training. Participates in internal audits by providing materials and objective evidence to auditors and/or in a witnessing or interviewee capacity.

• Provides customer service to the Crime Laboratory’s criminal justice partners and community members. Responds to requests for information, to include data gathering from various information systems used by the department. Provides solutions to problems and corrects errors.

• Provides expert courtroom testimony, trial preparation interviews, defense interview, and prepares exhibits for courtroom use. Testifies in any of the following: Federal Court, Superior Court, City Court, Juvenile Court, civil trials, evidentiary hearings, and grand juries.

• Delivers Crime Laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public. Attends outside public relations and public speaking opportunities.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned. Conducts general laboratory housekeeping and other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This classification works in a full-service Crime Laboratory, accredited in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125:2023 Standards and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

• All duties, responsibilities, and percentage of time listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Work Experience:

No experience

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree: Biology, Bachelor's degree: Chemistry, Bachelor's degree: Forensic Science

or a related field.

Work Experience:

Skills:

License/Certifications:

Languages:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience as a Forensic Scientist in an internationally accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences and testifying in court as an expert witness.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Position Title:

Criminalist

Department Name:

Police Department

Department Link:

Recruiter Name:

Carolyn Cruse

Recruiter Email:

tpd_hr@tucsonaz.gov

FTE%:

100

FLSA:

Exempt

Position Type:

Regular

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Full Hourly Range: $26.57 - 45.84 USD

**In accordance with pay transparency, the salary reflected in this posting is the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Salary placement is typically between the minimum and mid-point of the salary range.

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions.The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings.

With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours.

You can learn more about our benefits at

POSTING INFORMATION

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-08-2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please see the special application instructions below and follow the directions for applying to this position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants are required to upload a resume AS WELL AS transcripts verifying the required coursework.


REQUIRED COURSEWORK: The Forensic Scientist I assigned to the DNA Unit must have successfully completed nine cumulative semester hours of coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics from an accredited college or university is also required.


Applicants who do not meet the coursework requirements will not move forward in this process.


The recruitment process will include a transcript review, an application and resume review, a screening panel interview (tentatively scheduled for the week of September 30, 2024), and a hiring interview (tentatively scheduled for mid-October 2024). You will be advised via email of your status in the process after each stage.


This position may be grant funded. In accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5 - Employment in Grant Funded Positions, any person employed by the City, who on initial entry into City employment under any type of appointment in a position specifically designated as funded in whole or in part through a grant from a public or private source, shall be informed in writing by the Director at the time of appointment, and the person shall acknowledge in writing, that the provisions have been read and understood that employment will cease at the termination of the grant regardless of the status of the employee and without regard to length of service. Persons so terminated are not entitled to any right of appeal. A grant funded employee may, subject to other provisions provided for by these rules, be transferred, promoted or demoted into a non-grant funded position and become subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations governing other city employment. Permanent classified employees who have previously completed a probationary period in a non-grant funded position and are serving in a grant funded position are exempt from the requirements of this section. Employees paid through an annually recurring funding source as defined in Rule I, Section 3, are covered by the layoff provisions found in Rule VIII, Section 2.


The candidate selected for hire must successfully pass the following:

• An extensive background investigation, including local, state, and national criminal fingerprint checks
• Basic Physical
• Blood Lead (ZPP)
• Hep B Vaccine/Titer
• Pre-employment Non-NIDA Drug Test

The candidate selected for hire must also provide a DNA sample for the staff database.


Driving Level: Incidental


Contact TPD Human Resources with questions at TPD_HR@tucsonaz.gov.

Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.

CITY OF TUCSON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at

EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov

or 520-791-2619.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Questions? If you need assistance applying for any position, please contact

recruitment@tucsonaz.gov

or 520-791-4241. tpd_hr@tucsonaz.gov

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Local area, Flexible hours,

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