Forensic Scientist I (Crime Scene)

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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of independent judgment, this position performs entry-level forensic science work in one of the following disciplines within the Austin Forensic Science Department: Crime Scene, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Prints, Seized Drugs, or Toxicology.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Performs and successfully completes (entry-level) training on evidence collection/control, laboratory processing, laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and/or identifications/associations of all types of physical crime scene evidence applicable and specific to the forensic discipline.
  
• Demonstrates competency in areas trained, successfully completes supervised casework.
  
• Creates and maintains accurate and contemporaneous training records, forensic reports, records, and documents.
  
• Learns how to effectively represent the discipline, associated results of analyses/examinations and other forensic work products in testimony. May serve as an expert witness in court.
  
• Learns the requirements of and adheres to the Quality Management System, including adherence to forensic practitioner professional standards as defined by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Performs entry-level forensic work in the discipline and areas authorized; such as evidence collection, documentation, processing, analysis, and associated reporting.
  
• Responds to crime scenes and participates in 24/7 on-call rotations if required (applicable only to Crime Scene and Firearms and Toolmarks disciplines).
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Color vision acuity for select disciplines.
  
• Knowledge of basic theory, principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of proper evidence handling procedures.
  
• Skill in use of laboratory instruments, equipment, and materials.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Ability to work in hazardous working conditions, including situations where there is a danger to life, body, and/or health, exposure to hazardous/toxic chemicals, exposure to biological fluids and blood-borne diseases, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a field related to the job.
  
• A current Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License may be substituted for the education requirements.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Texas Forensic Science Commission License as a Crime Scene Investigation Analyst.
  
• Experience working as a Crime Scene Investigator in an accredited laboratory/department.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
  
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Location: East Substation, 812 Springdale Rd.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am -4:00am

Payrate: $28.76 - $35.59

Purpose:

Support our mission in the pursuit of Truth Through Science and outstanding service to the Austin community. Join the Austin Forensic Science’s Crime Scene team as we implement cutting-edge technologies, including the latest in 3D scene scanning and imagery, and advanced latent print development using vacuum metal deposition processes.

As a key member of the Austin Forensic Science Department’s Crime Scene Section, this position applies comprehensive knowledge and modern forensic principles, practices, and procedures to document and process crime scenes and involved subjects, collect and preserve evidence used in criminal investigations, develop latent fingerprints and DNA samples from evidence, and testify as an expert witness in court proceedings.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities of a Crime Scene Specialist:
The Crime Scene Specialist applies comprehensive knowledge and standardized principles, practices, and procedures in the identification, documentation, collection, preservation, processing, and handling of evidence at or from crime scenes. This role involves assignments that are moderately complex in nature, requiring considerable judgment, responsibility, and initiative. Responsibilities include:

• Investigating crime scenes of all offense types to include assaults, burglaries, homicides, officer-involved shootings, and robberies.
  
• Documenting, collecting, and preserving a variety of evidence types such as firearms, clothing, bedding, and blood samples.
  
• Processing crime scenes for latent fingerprints.
  
• Photographing crime scenes to including general scene overviews, detailed evidence photography, and specialized photography for latent fingerprints and impressions.
  
• Documenting involved subjects to include collecting evidentiary samples from them.
  
• Applying blood search reagents and conducting presumptive testing
  
• Processing evidence for latent fingerprints, DNA samples, and various forms of trace evidence utilizing alternate light sources, chemical, and physical methods while a laboratory setting.
  
• Collecting and submitting evidence seized during autopsies.
  
• Testifying as an expert witness in court regarding scene response, evidence analysis and processing, and general forensic procedures.
  
• Authoring reports for scene investigations to include a chronological account of observations, findings, and documentation and processing activities.
  
• Authoring reports for laboratory analysis of evidence to include the outcomes of processing activities.
  
• Responding to crime scene locations in all weather conditions
  
• Working extended periods, including mandatory overtime as needed, various shifts (days, evenings, nights), weekends, and holidays. The Crime Scene Section operates with personnel staffed 24/7/365.
  
• Participating in a rotating weekly on-call assignment
  
• Maintaining relevant certifications and licenses, attending continuing education and training, and operating city vehicles in accordance with departmental policy
  

Note to Applicant:

Depending on experience and qualifications, position may be filled at a higher level. Please see City of Austin Job Titles, Descriptions and Pay Scales | AustinTexas.gov for position information.

City of Austin Application:

A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.

A resume and cover letter must be submitted to be considered for this position but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.

CBI:

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

The top candidate must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation that will be comprised of:

• Drug Screen
  
• Criminal Background Check
  
• Background History Check (comprehensive record check).
  

Secondary Employment:

All Forensics employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Forensics must review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current Forensics employees considering Secondary employment.
  

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a Valid Drivers License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Forensics Science provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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• City of Austin

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