Forensic Scientist

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $29 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Scientist collects, documents, analyzes, compares, and testifies regarding all types of evidence and crime scenes that occur within Maricopa County and occasionally outside of the county to aid in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases. This position requires separate unbiased analysis of crime scenes, evidence, comparative, and testimony in a court of law. The Division ensures that the mandates are adhered to that are set forth by the Constitution, Arizona Revised Statues (ARS), and Rule of Court Procedures. About the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Criminalistics, or related field.
• Combined education and experience qualifications
• Other combinations of education and experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year for year basis.
• Completion of 40-hour Fingerprint Classification School or a similar program through an accredited college or criminal justice agency/association.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of experience in crime scene processing, latent comparative analysis, and laboratory examinations.
• Completed 80 hours in specialized photography/forensic courses through an accredited college or a recognized criminal justice agency/association.
• AZAFIS Certified; IAI Certification (Crime Scene and/or Latent).
• Technical abilities in computer software and hardware, and digital media.

Responsibilities

• Responds to crime scenes for technical law enforcement support.
• Processes and investigates crime scenes including jail crimes to record, document, and collect physical evidence which may include latent print, biological, and trace evidence.
• Photographs and records crime scenes from the ground, air, watercraft, and other types of motorized equipment to show correlation between evidence and respective scene.
• Searches and recovers latent fingerprint evidence for personal identification.
• Performs presumptive chemical tests to determine the presence of blood and semen evidence.
• Completes proper collection, preservation, and packaging of all types of evidence.
• Writes descriptive narrative reports and completes all paperwork associated with crime scene investigations.
• Documents and collects print/impression evidence by casting, lifting, and/or photographing impressions for further comparative analysis.
• Performs comparative analysis in various forensics, including latent comparisons, shoe impressions, and physical matches.
• Enters and verifies latent prints, fingerprints, and palm prints into the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZFIS).
• Identifies unknown subjects including the deceased through fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, and various other forensic disciplines.
• Collects evidence and fingerprints at postmortem examinations, attends autopsies to photograph, obtain fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints of deceased individuals.
• Responds to all follow-up investigative procedures including court and physical orders, subpoenas, identification procedures, evidence processing, and analysis.
• Prepares all necessary documentation, charts, and evidence for court, transports evidence for court proceedings, and provides expert testimony relating to the work performed.
• Mixes and works with various chemical processes on a daily basis, ensures safety protocols are adhered to when handling evidence, chemicals (carcinogenic), hazardous, and bio-hazard, determines and applies precautions as needed, completes technical/chemical tests (e.g., gunshot, blood sampling).
• Communicates by phone or in person in a group setting or one-on-one.
• Follows proper chain of custody policy and procedures.
• Assists with maintenance of crime laboratory and evidence processing equipment, orders supplies as needed, and maintains inventory of forensic supplies for the Division.
• Provides in-service training of employees on collection of evidence at crime scenes, evidence processing, training new employees.
• Possesses ability to work under highly emotional and adverse conditions, which may include distressing sights, smells, and touch when dealing with dead bodies and victims of violent crimes.
• Communicates per MCSO radio protocol over law enforcement channels.
• Provides information to other law enforcement agencies including the FBI.
• Conducts lab tours and presentations for the public.
• Responds to public requests courteously and effectively.
• Maintains effective relationships with MCSO personnel, other law enforcement entities, and the public with varied racial, ethnic, or economic backgrounds.

Benefits

• Choice of three medical plans – starting as low as $70/month
• Holidays – 10/year + 1 personal day
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption)
• 10% discount at KinderCare facilities in the Valley and upcoming MCKids Club to serve County employees and their families exclusively
• MCSO Mentoring program to provide personal and professional growth opportunities for all employees
• Access to free County gyms

What This Job Offers

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