2 open positions available
Analyze physical evidence using chemical and microscopic techniques, prepare technical reports, provide expert court testimony, and train forensic scientists. | Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related science with extensive forensic lab experience, demonstrated competency in forensic disciplines, and court presentation experience. | Summary Statement The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Forensic Scientist III specializing in the TOXICOLOGY and BLOOD ALCOHOL disciplines. A Forensic Scientist utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. Prepares technical reports; provides expert testimony in court; provides technical advice and guidance to and trains other forensic scientists; recommends revisions to analytical methodology and purchase of scientific equipment; serves as an experienced casework analyst working complex cases within the discipline and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist. This recruitment will be used to establish an eighteen-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in the Tucson area. Recruitment may close without notice. Must successfully complete the examination process. Written Examination - Pass/Fail (Click here for additional information.) Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - 100% weight NOTE: Transcript copies (official or unofficial) are required with your application. If you have a disability which may require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources in writing prior to the test date Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive) 1. Examines, identifies, and evaluates 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. Utilizes 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. 2. Prepares technical written reports in order to document scientific analyses and results. 3. Attends pre-trial conferences, prepares exhibits for courtroom use, and provides expert testimony in courts throughout the state. 4. Discusses laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys. 5. Remains current on scientific advancements in the forensic field through technical publications, presentations and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies. 6. Responds to crime scene incidents in order to gather, preserve and move items of evidence to crime lab for further analysis. 7. Researches and evaluates new methods of analysis to update scientific methodology. 8. Provides general scientific information in response to questions from Department staff, other agencies and the public. 9. Provides technical advice and guidance to other forensic scientists with difficult analyses. 10. Trains new forensic scientists in laboratory methodology and in skills required to attain courtroom qualification. 11. Instructs law enforcement personnel in training schools throughout the state in laboratory procedures such as recognizing, handling and examining physical evidence. 12. Recommends purchase of scientific equipment and supplies. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Knowledge of: 1. principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, or related sciences. 2. basic uses and effects of controlled substances. 3. hazards and toxicity of chemicals. 4. statutes and case law applicable to assigned forensic discipline and use of physical evidence in court. 5. rules of criminal procedure concerning time limits, discovery, evidence and expert witnesses. 6. crime scene procedures. 7. techniques for processing items of evidence at crime scenes. 8. mathematics related to analyzing scientific data. 9. coaching and training techniques to provide technical advice, guidance and training. Skill in: 1. operating laboratory instruments, equipment and computer systems related to areas of responsibility. Ability to: 1. define problems, establish facts, interpret information and draw valid scientific conclusions. 2. recognize minute differences in shape and form. 3. chemically identify and quantitate compounds such as drugs, diluents and poisons. 4. interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin of biological and commercial products. 5. effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing. 6. testify and undergo intense examination in court. 7. perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy. 8. read and interpret scientific materials. 9. organize, conduct and evaluate scientific research 10. handle routine contact with criminal justice members and the public. Minimum Qualifications A 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 (30) semester hours in chemistry or a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours of chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry; a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory; demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline; and court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics. Additional forensic scientist experience, beyond the required seven (7) years, may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one (1) year additional forensic scientist experience equals ten (10) chemistry semester hours). WORKING CONDITIONS: May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), are corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive. May be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds. Must be able to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database. Progression to the next classification in the Forensic Scientist series requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months. Must successfully complete the examination process. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Patrol assigned roadways assisting motorists, performing collision investigations, operating emergency and technical equipment, and supporting law enforcement personnel. | High school diploma or equivalent, valid Arizona driver license, ability to obtain ACJIS certification within six months, physical ability to perform duties, and willingness to work irregular hours. | The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking motivated individuals for our Field Operations Technician positions in the Northern Highway Patrol Bureau in Flagstaff, Kingman, and Yavapai County. These positions work under direct supervision, performing and coordinating a variety of tasks and functions assisting law enforcement personnel and highway operations. Performs related duties as required. This position is designated as uncovered; the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Public Safety. Apply right away. Application period may close without notice. • Patrols assigned roadways to assist stranded motorists, eliminate roadway hazards, and assist with roadway closures, detours, and control. • Responds to calls of questionable situations to determine the specific nature of the situation and react appropriately by assisting, requesting additional help, etc. • Performs technical assignments and functions, such as collision investigations, operation of unmanned aerial systems, blood draws, towing of vehicles, and highway safety operations. • Records detailed information (e.g., Level 1 and 2 collision reports, Vehicle Action Removal Report, tow truck requests, vehicle work orders, supply requisitions, property control forms, supplemental offense reports, etc.) to provide a written account of activities associated with the position. • Assists the public with first-on-scene aid (e.g., traffic control, fire control, motorist assistance). • Testifies in court regarding situations encountered, using appropriate written records and files, in accordance with court procedures. • Assists troopers as directed with emergency and routine duties. • Performs special tasks or assignments as directed. Knowledge of: • police methods, practices, and procedures. • department policies, manuals, procedures, rules, and regulations. • department recruiting methods and programs. • knowledge of Arizona revised statutes. • police operations and specialty skill sets/certifications. • incident management protocols and procedures. • instructional methods and training practices. • report writing. • courtroom procedures. Skill in: • the use and maintenance of police and emergency equipment. • the use of personal protective equipment. • the use of criminal justice information systems. • the use of computer software programs. • writing detailed reports and written communication. • verbal communication and public presentations. Ability to: • work independently and as part of a team. • establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the assignment. • communicate orally and in writing to present information logically and clearly. • understand written and verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately. • exercise sound judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information. • read, comprehend, and interpret written materials of simple to moderate complexity. • work with interruptions. • adapt to changing priorities. • organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks. • work within stringent deadlines to complete work assignments. • effectively communicate orally and in writing. • evaluate information, make decisions, and take appropriate action. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: • May be required to work irregular work hours, nights and weekends, and respond to callouts. • Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 75 pounds). • Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. • Ability to travel extensively throughout the State. • Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, reach, and climb (stairs and ladders). • Drive for long periods of time. • May be exposed to dangerous/hazardous chemicals. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must obtain ACJIS Terminal Operator Certification within six months of hire or promotion and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment. Must have and maintain a valid Arizona driver license by employment date.
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