Forensic Scientist III, Quality Assurance Unit- Baltimore Police Department

Salary Range: $81,097.00 - $129,584.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range: $81,097.00 - $129,584.00

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CLASS DEFINITION

A Forensic Scientist III performs complex chemical, biological, physical or comparative analysis of criminal evident in the Forensic Lab of the Police Department. Employees perform laboratory tests or comparative analyses in one of the specialized forensic discipline: Firearms and toolmarking; Controlled Dangerous Substances; Toxicology, Serology, DNA, Trace Evidence or Latent Print Examination. Work of this class may involve leading lower level Forensic Scientists, but does not involve full supervisor duties or responsibilities.

Incumbents receive general supervision from a technical 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, biohazards and unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the agency. This list is not inclusive. A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the agency.)

In the Forensic Laboratory, assigns and reviews the work of subordinate Forensic Scientists performing chemical, physical laboratory and statistical analyses of evidence including minute quantities of blood, semen and other biological materials for trial cases; prioritizes cases to ensure that those with the most probative DNA evidence and/or awaiting trial are tested in a timely manner.

Establishes and maintains a documented quality assurance system appropriate to the DNA testing activities; reviews subordinate analysts' laboratory procedures, reports and notes to ensure compliance with validated methods and quality control and quality assurance of tests and findings; and assigns individual analysts proficiency tests twice a year.

Conducts regular audits of scientific instruments suitable for DNA analysis to ensure they are properly calibrated and accurate in results; maintains CODIS (Combined DNA Information System), serology and DNA laboratory records, equipment, supplies and materials; assists in the investigation, development and modification of new laboratory techniques and equipment suitable to DNA analysis laboratory specifications and needs; sets up and applies computer software to laboratory specifications.

Performs difficult and complex laboratory DNA analyses of evidence to make scientific determinations; identifies DNA in biological evidence using related computerized scientific equipment; prepares complex reports and technical papers based on scientific analyses; and recommends, initiates and oversees serology and DNA research projects.

Prepares and offers expert testimony in courts of law on laboratory examinations and findings.

Monitors technical developments and trends in the DNA analysis and serology field; advises superior on and trains subordinate analysts in new laboratory methods and techniques.

FIREARMS AND TOOLMARKING:

Examines bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge clips and firearms to identify make and caliber of weapons.

Repairs and test-fires weapons.

Performs microscopic comparisons of bullets from test weapons with those discovered at the scene of the crime.

Conducts tests to determine probable distance from which crime weapon was fired.

Writes reports of findings and testifies at inquests, trials and other hearings as an expert.

Examines and identifies other objects which have been used as weapons in a crime or have a relationships to possible weapons.

Performs standardized identification and analysis tests such as toolmark identification tests.

LATENT PRINT EXAMINATION:

Examines latent fingerprint evidence by chemical reproduction to identify criminal suspects.

Examines physical evidence through use of modern photographic, laser and chemical techniques; treats latent prints with chemicals; photographs prints for court presentation.

Enters latent fingerprints into the computerized latent finger- print identification system in order to identify criminal suspects in the automated fingerprint file.

Compares latent fingerprints with filed record prints of all pending unsolved cases.

Testifies in court as an expert witness on fingerprint identification.

Writes reports on latent print findings; compiles and maintains the latent fingerprint files.

May prepare and conduct lectures on latent print analysis for departmental personnel and interested public and private organizations.

Writes correspondence on latent print findings.

Performs related work as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science including a minimum of 12 semester or credit hours some of which may be undergraduate level in courses of molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology), biochemistry, genetics or related subjects that provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis as well as statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Have four years of experience in in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.

OR

EQUIVALENCIES: A master’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university and three years of experience comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES:

Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit require certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances. Certification from a National Certifying Board in Latent Print Examination may be required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science, biochemistry, genetics, statistics and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court.
• Knowledge of the application of scientific methods of serology and DNA analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of firearms classification and identification.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in court.
• Knowledge of fingerprint classification technique.
• Knowledge of the techniques and equipment used in identifying latent fingerprints.
• Knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of latent print evident in court.
• Skill in the application of computer software technology to laboratory specifications and needs and database requirements.
• Skill in making correct determinations regarding technical procedures, use of laboratory equipment and analytical results for the technical review of DNA case findings and reports.
• Ability to implement procedures and protocols to be followed for joint analysis of evidence samples between CODIS (Combined DNA Information System), serology (body fluid screening) and DNA laboratories.
• Ability to write complex technical laboratory reports.
• Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
• Ability to perform and evaluate complex qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests and research in the area of DNA analysis and identification.
• Ability to write and/or assist in writing grants to further the technological advancement of the laboratory unit.
• Ability to perform and evaluate research projects.
• Ability to assign, review and correct the work of subordinate DNA analyst staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Background Check                                        

NOTE: Those eligible who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

Probation 

All people, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation. 

Eligibility 

Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.                   

Education Accreditation 

Applicants’ education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained out of the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

Selection Process 

All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for this position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.

Examination Process

Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented in your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. 

Your Recruiter: Dayvon Smith

If you have any questions please contact Dayvon Smith, Recruitment & Talent Specialist III via email at Dayvon.Smith@baltimorecity.gov.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application. 

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER