Internship-Forensic Science

City of Austin

3d

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. 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 general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government. 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. Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest. Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs. Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses. Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving. Assists with special projects. 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. Austin Forensic Science dedicates its resources to the implementation and delivery of exemplary forensic science education and training not only for those professionals presently within the criminal justice arena, but for those individuals pursuing a career in forensic science. Goals Earn a reputation within the academic and forensic arenas of providing a prestigious forensic science intern program that is acclaimed, recognized, and solicited by institutions and students. Provide a solid, predictable personnel resource bank of forensic scientists from which the Austin Forensic Science or any forensic science laboratory could select credible, proven scientists. Contribute to the advancement of forensic disciplines through scientific research conducted by Austin Forensic Science interns. Establish a solid foundation of student participation and exchange between Austin Forensic Science and accredited higher educational institutions. Internship Applicant Standards & Qualifications Austin Forensic Science internship applicants must meet the following criteria for consideration: Current enrollment in a university or college which has entered into or will enter into, an Internship Agreement with the Austin Forensic Science. A junior, senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a course of study related to forensic science. A student in good standing with the university or college and holding an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. The internship must be an assignment from the college/university, by which the applicant will receive credit toward a degree. Students whose degree programs do not require an internship may still participate if a professor within their academic department is willing to serve as the internship sponsor. Have no criminal involvement in any of the following: 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. Intern Requirements Students accepted and entering into an Internship Agreement with Austin Forensic Science will be required to: Successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check (via Identogo) and maintain this CJIS eligibility throughout the internship. Adhere to the guidelines of the Austin Forensic Science internship program. Enter into an agreement with Austin Forensic Science relating to confidentiality of case information acquired while enrolled in the internship program. Enter into an agreement with Austin Forensic Science relating to personal health and safety while on the premises of any City of Austin facility. Maintain enrollment, academic standard, and good standing with their university/college. Adhere to the policies and procedures of Austin Forensic Science and the City. University/College Requirements Universities or colleges entering into an Internship Agreement with Austin Forensic Science will be required to: Enter into an agreement with the Austin Forensic Science internship program. Maintain contact/liaison with the Austin Forensic Science Internship Coordinator to coordinate and institute the individual internship program. Provide any forms/documents required by the applicant's school for authorization/ documentation of the internship. Austin Forensic Science Requirements In providing an internship program, Austin Forensic Science will: Enter into an agreement with the intern and the applicable university/college. Provide a structured program, a project or research relative to forensic science. Maintain contact/liaison with the university/college instructor who will be issuing credits for the enrolled intern. Assure that the intern is provided instruction/directives pertaining to proper laboratory health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.
• Current enrollment in a university or college which has entered into or will enter into, an Internship Agreement with the Austin Forensic Science.
• A junior, senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a course of study related to forensic science.
• A student in good standing with the university or college and holding an average GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• The internship must be an assignment from the college/university, by which the applicant will receive credit toward a degree.
• Students whose degree programs do not require an internship may still participate if a professor within their academic department is willing to serve as the internship sponsor.
• Have no criminal involvement in any of the following: 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.
• Successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check (via Identogo) and maintain this CJIS eligibility throughout the internship.
• Adhere to the guidelines of the Austin Forensic Science internship program.
• Enter into an agreement with Austin Forensic Science relating to confidentiality of case information acquired while enrolled in the internship program.
• Enter into an agreement with Austin Forensic Science relating to personal health and safety while on the premises of any City of Austin facility.
• Maintain enrollment, academic standard, and good standing with their university/college.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of Austin Forensic Science and the City.

Responsibilities

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED