The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join its team as a Forensic Scientist II, specializing in the Firearms discipline. This role involves utilizing chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence, with a focus on firearms, and providing expert testimony in court.
Responsibilities
Examine, identify, and evaluate suspected evidence which may include blood, semen, hair, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, questioned documents, fire accelerants, soils, firearms, latent prints, drugs, poisons, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Utilize physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, comparative, classification, computer, molecular biology, chromatographic and visualization techniques and instrumentation which may include gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray, variable wavelength forensic light sources, spectrofluorimetry, and immunoassay
Prepare technical written reports in order to document scientific analyses and results
Attend pre-trial conferences
Prepare exhibits for courtroom use
Provide expert testimony in courts throughout the state
Discuss laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys
Remain current on scientific advancements in the forensic field through technical publications, presentations and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies
Respond to crime scene incidents in order to gather, preserve and move items of evidence to crime lab for further analysis
Research problems associated with routine methods of analyses
Provide general scientific information in response to questions from Department staff, other agencies and the public
Provide technical advice and guidance to other forensic scientists with difficult analyses
Train new forensic scientists in laboratory methodology and in skills required to attain courtroom qualification
Requirements
Four years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in biology, chemistry, or closely related physical or natural sciences with either a minimum of thirty semester hours in chemistry, or a minimum of twenty semester hours of chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
Demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline
Knowledge of principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, or related sciences
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Knowledge of basic uses and effects of controlled substances
Knowledge of hazards and toxicity of chemicals
Knowledge of statutes and case law applicable to assigned forensic discipline and use of physical evidence in court
Knowledge of rules of criminal procedure concerning time limits, discovery, evidence and expert witnesses
Knowledge of crime scene procedures
Knowledge of techniques for processing items of evidence at crime scenes
Knowledge of mathematics related to analyzing scientific data
Knowledge of coaching and training techniques to provide technical advice, guidance and training
Skill in operating laboratory instruments, equipment and computer systems related to areas of responsibility
Ability to define problems, establish facts, interpret information and draw valid scientific conclusions
Ability to recognize minute differences in shape and form
Ability to chemically identify and quantitate compounds such as drugs, diluents and poisons
Ability to interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin of biological and commercial products
Ability to effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing
Ability to testify and undergo intense examination in court
Ability to perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
Ability to read and interpret scientific materials
Ability to conduct and evaluate scientific research
Must be able to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed
Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database
Must successfully complete the examination process
Important Details
Schedule: May be required to move items up to twenty pounds
Contract: Progression to the next classification in the Forensic Scientist series requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months
Application Process
Written Examination (Pass/Fail)
Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) (100%)
Transcript copies (official or unofficial) are required with your application
About the Company
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join its team.
