Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science* or a related area, AND successful completion of at least nine (9) upper level credit hours covering an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis AND successful completion of at least one college course in statistics or population genetics**.
- Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
**Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted.
Substitution Note: A Forensic Biology/DNA Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission may be substituted for the education requirements.
Substitution Note: Written documentation of prior approval as a DNA analyst in Appendix D of the FBI Quality Assurance Standards audit document may be substituted for the education requirements.
Experience:
Forensic Scientist I: None
Forensic Scientist II: A minimum of one (1) year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist III: A minimum of three (3) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist IV: A minimum of eight (8) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of a promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist V: A minimum of sixteen (16) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of the Forensic Scientist IV promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist VI: A minimum of twenty (20) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of the Forensic Scientist IV promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must have a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure
Regulatory Knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Forensic Science - Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:
. Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;
. Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;
. Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;
. Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant;
. Conduct testing used in examination of evidence
. Testify in court as an expert witness.
Interpersonal Skills - Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) - Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.
Travel and/or Schedule - Availability for after-hour and weekend work, on occasion, may be required.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environment: Office, Laboratory;
Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
Ability to exercise visual acuity, e.g., stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work, perceive minute differences and details, and ability to withstand the strain of continued close work;
Ability to accurately identify colors and discern differences in color, applicable only to Seized Drugs (6057LU), Trace Evidence (6057LV), and Forensic Document Examination (6057LT);
Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work. Stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work;
Ability to transfer weights of twenty-five (25) pounds anticipated for this position;
Driving requirements: Moderate frequency (10%).
State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/
Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.
Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.
DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.
