This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) project-funded (at-will) Forensic Scientist II or III position (Biology Unit Assignment). This recruitment will also establish an eligible list which may be used to fill future Forensic Scientist II or III (Biology Unit Assignment) vacancies for budgeted (classified), grant-funded (at-will) and/or project-funded (at-will) positions.
**For initial application purposes, you must attach either an official or unofficial transcript so your college coursework can be verified. Applications without transcripts attached will be deemed ineligible.**
Forensic Scientist II ($74,017.01 - $107,644.37 annually)
A Forensic Scientist II performs specialized forensic evaluations and/or complex forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to Mesa Public Safety Support (MPSS) Department Forensic Services. A Forensic Scientist II is recognized as an expert in at least one area of forensic science, which may include blood alcohol analysis, controlled substance identification, latent print comparison, toxicology, serology/DNA, fire debris, firearms/toolmark examination, or trace evidence analyses. A Forensic Scientist II writes scientific examination reports, prepares findings for court presentation, testifies in court, and discusses laboratory results with officers and attorneys. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
This class is considered a journey-level position in the MPSS Department Forensic Services Forensic Scientist series. Incumbents in this class have progressed by non-competitive criteria-based promotion through successful completion of all stipulated requirements or meet the education and experience requirements prior to being hired by the City of Mesa MPSS Department. Employees in this class may receive further training in order to progress by non-competitive promotion to the classification of Forensic Scientist III upon successful completion of requirements stipulated in the criteria-based promotion plan and the requirements of the class. A Forensic Scientist II may conduct field investigations at crime scenes to search for, collect, and preserve evidence for laboratory analysis; and reconstruct situations and physical evidence of a crime in the demonstration of proof of the connection of persons, instruments, or materials with the crime. The Forensic Scientist II class is distinguished from Forensic Scientist III class by the latter's state of the art expertise and years of laboratory experience. A Forensic Scientist II is supervised by a Forensic Scientist Supervisor through on-the-job observations, reports, meetings, and results achieved. All work is performed in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures, federal/state guidelines, and accreditation standards. A Forensic Scientist II works with chemicals and other hazardous materials. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.
Forensic Scientist III ($89,956.05 - $130,824.93 annually)
A Forensic Scientist III performs highly specialized forensic evaluations and/or complex forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to Mesa Public Safety Support (MPSS) Department Forensic Services. A Forensic Scientist III is recognized as an expert in at least one area of forensic science, which may include blood alcohol analysis, controlled substances identification, latent print comparison, toxicology, serology/DNA, fire debris, firearms/toolmark examination, or trace evidence analyses. A Forensic Scientist III operates, maintains, programs, and interprets data from highly technical and/or computerized instrumentation such as an automated blood alcohol analysis system, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, or DNA-related equipment, depending on assignment. Further responsibilities include: preparing and conducting officer training; assisting with the development and monitoring of a quality assurance program; conducting field investigations at crime scenes; troubleshooting; maintenance and validation of instrumentation; method development and validation; consulting and coordinating with experts, police officers, and attorneys; writing technical, scientific reports; and providing expert testimony in court. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
Forensic Scientist III is a professional class in the Forensic Scientist series which involves work in specialized areas of forensic science such as fire debris, drug identification, toxicology, blood alcohol, breath alcohol, serology, DNA testing, trace evidence analyses, and/or firearm, tool mark, and impression examination. This position is the highest level in the Forensic Scientist series and may be responsible for the technical work direction and training of subordinate Forensic Scientists in all operations and in evidence processing. An employee in this class provides guidance, training, and technical assistance to less experienced personnel. Incumbents in this class have progressed by non-competitive promotion through successful completion of all stipulated requirements in the criteria-based promotion plan or meet the education and experience requirements prior to being hired by the City of Mesa MPSS Department. An employee in this class may conduct field investigations at crime scenes to search for, collect, and preserve evidence for laboratory analysis; and reconstruct situations and physical evidence of a crime in the demonstration of proof of the connection of persons, instruments, or materials with the crime. Supervision is received from a Forensic Scientist Supervisor and work is reviewed through meetings, reports, and results achieved. All work is performed in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures, federal/state guidelines, and accreditation standards. This position involves working with chemicals and other hazardous materials. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.
Biology Unit Assignment: A Forensic Scientist assigned to the Biology Unit performs serological and/or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis on items of evidence related to police investigations. Duties include: visual examination, microscopic examination, and/or serological testing on a variety of evidence items to examine for the presence of blood, semen, saliva, hair, and other potential biological material; and preparation of samples for DNA analysis, DNA extraction using manual or robotic techniques, quantitation using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, PCR for the amplification of DNA extracts using a variety of DNA typing kits, and DNA typing using Capillary Electrophoresis. The incumbent will interpret DNA typing results to include making comparisons to known profiles, making determinations about the inclusion or exclusion of contributors, and making determinations about profiles to be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Additionally, the incumbent will utilize statistical databases to make determinations about the frequency of occurrence of profiles developed in the laboratory. The incumbent must use significant judgment in determining tests performed and items tested. Incumbents may also design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues. This class performs related duties as required.
Please refer to the links below for the full job descriptions and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Forensic Scientist II
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science. Job related experience may substitute for the degree requirements on a year-for-year basis. At least four years’ experience in a crime laboratory as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent; and acceptance as an expert witness in court in at least one forensic discipline. In addition, the following disciplines have specific minimum educational requirements. Biology Unit Assignment: Successful completion of at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology-or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis and successful completion of coursework covering statistics or population genetics.
Forensic Scientist III
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science. Job related experience may substitute for the degree requirements on a year-for-year basis. At least seven years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent in a recognized laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences; experience testifying in court as an expert witness; and state-of-the-art expertise in a specialized area of forensic science. In addition, the following disciplines have specific minimum educational requirements. Biology Unit Assignment: Successful completion of at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology-or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis and successful completion of coursework covering statistics or population genetics.
Special Requirements (Forensic Scientist I, II and III). Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.
Substance Abuse Testing (Forensic Scientist I, II and III). Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications (Forensic Scientist I, II and III). Experience as a Criminalist/Forensic Scientist in an internationally accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences.
