Forensic Scientist I (Blood/Alcohol)

Arizona Department of Administration • Lake Havasu City, AZ

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join our Western Regional Crime Laboratory team as a Forensic Scientist I specializing in the Blood Alcohol discipline. 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; and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist.

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies at our Western Regional Crime Laboratory in the Lake Havasu City area.

Requirements

• 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 one (1) year of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory.
• Demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline or sub-discipline.
• Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.
• Must successfully complete the examination process.
• A polygraph and background investigation are required for successful applicants.
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Additional forensic scientist experience, beyond the required one (1) year, may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one (1) year additional forensic scientist experience equals ten (10) chemistry semester hours).
• Progression to this classification may be attained after one (1) year of Standard performance as an Associate Forensic Scientist with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
• Progression to the next classification in the Forensic Scientist series requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence.
• Prepares technical reports.
• Provides expert testimony in court.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to and trains other forensic scientists.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Benefits

• Accrued vacation pay and sick days
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Top-ranked retirement plans
• Affordable medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance plans
• Employee Assistance, Peer and Family Support Programs
• Bus Cards (Subsidized partially by the State)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level