Forensic Scientist 3 (in training) CODIS

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Scientifically analyzes CODIS lab samples in routine evidence, and in increasingly non-routine and complex casework in an area(s) in which they have been validated proficiently and in accordance with established productivity standards.
• Documents and protects CODIS lab samples in accordance with current laboratory procedures.
• Record and organize observations and data to create a record that explains their analytical work and the conclusions reached in the laboratory report in a legible manner and that allows for technical and administrative review.
• Interprets and reaches scientific conclusions, supported by their data and observations.
• Reports scientific findings in the form of a written forensic laboratory report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results.
• Completes high quality analyses, performed using forensically accepted scientific methods, and in accordance with the current CLD Quality Operations Manual (QOM) and applicable technical procedures.
• Provide technical review and administrative review of casework.
• Abides by accreditation criteria.
• Participates in the proficiency testing program by successfully completing all assigned proficiencies and competencies.
• Learns and applies laws, policies, and procedures, as specified in the RCW, the WAC, federal regulations, and court rulings as they relate to scientific examination of evidence.
• Testifies in courts of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
• Maintains competency in casework analyses.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting/ Hazards

• The setting is a forensic laboratory where chemical and biological hazards, drugs, firearms, and other hazards may be present.
• Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.

Schedule

• 40-hour work week, generally 5 days per week Monday through Friday. Hours may be flexible upon approval of the supervisor/laboratory manager. Laboratory business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. May be required to work overtime on rush requests or for court testimony.

Travel Requirements

• Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.

Tools and Equipment

• Various scientific instrumentation as needed to conduct evidence examination. Instruments may include, but are not limited to CE, GC-MSD, IR, XRF, analytical balances, computers, digital cameras, and various types of microscopes.

Customer Interactions

• Interact with representatives of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and defense attorneys on a regular basis. These interactions may be in person, via telephone, or electronic systems.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
• A baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science from an accredited institution.
• Equivalent education/experience at or above the minimum required for the Forensic Scientist level being hired may substitute for the education requirement, on a case by case basis.
• Coursework in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (9 semester hours or 14 quarters hours combined).
• Coursework in statistics or population genetics.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.

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