Forensic Scientist I, Digital Forensics Unit - Baltimore Police Department

Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

3d•$59,863 - $72,835•Onsite

About The Position

A Forensic Scientist I is the entry level of work in the chemical, biological, physical, or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Lab that conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests of unknown substances and evidence involved in crimes. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities. Incumbents receive close supervision from a Forensic Scientist Supervisor. Employees in this class work a rotating shift and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work is performed in a laboratory where there is exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals, unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university.
Experience performing comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence to include experience in providing expert testimony may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.
Ability to perform and interpret laboratory tests.
Ability to understand and follow crime lab procedures and policies.
Ability to learn law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence.
Ability to operation and maintain specialized laboratory equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law.
Ability to write technical laboratory reports.
Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
Ability to maintain records and files.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances within eighteen months of date of employment (for positions in the Drug Analysis Unit).

Responsibilities

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests of unknown substances and evidence involved in crimes.
Perform and interpret laboratory tests.
Understand and follow crime lab procedures and policies.
Learn law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence.
Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment.
Maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law.
Write technical laboratory reports.
Testify effectively in a court of law.
Maintain records and files.