Description

About the Position:
A Forensic Scientist directly impacts the mission of the CLD by performing independent, timely, and accurate analysis of routine and complex casework, writing opinion reports, testifying to conclusions in courts of law, and providing training to criminal justice agencies.

The Forensic Scientist interacts with various staff to include but not limited to forensic scientists, the laboratory managers, administrative staff, representatives of criminal justice agencies, and the general public. Work priorities are established through interactions with management, criminal justice agencies, prosecutors, and the capabilities and workload of the scientist.

This position has been designated as “in-training”; as such WSP will consider filling this position at the Forensic Scientist 3, Forensic Scientist 2, or Forensic Scientist 1 level. The salary range will depend upon which level the position is filled and the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Forensic Scientist 1 Salary Range: $4,541- $5,960
Forensic Scientist 2 Salary Range: $5,013 - $6,575
Forensic Scientist 3 Salary Range: $6,105 - $8,013

This position would help to support the Washington State Patrol Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) in the following way:

Priority 1 – Crime scene response to violent crime and other major events.
Priority 2 – Vital examination of evidence in violent criminal cases aimed at the identification and apprehension of dangerous suspects likely to re-offend.
Priority 3 – Evidence preservation and maintenance of chain of custody.
Priority 4 – Secure Crime Laboratory Division casework files and move them to a secure location.

Duties

Primary Responsibilities:

• Scientifically analyzes evidence in routine, 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 evidence in accordance with current laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
• Records and organizes 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 analyses of high quality, performed using forensically accepted scientific methods, and in accordance with the current CLD Operations and Quality manuals and applicable technical procedures.
• Provide technical review and administrative review of casework.
• Abides by accreditation criteria.
• Be able to stay focused over a prolonged period of time.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Follow the mandated criteria established by the national accreditation board for forensics (ANAB).
• Participate in the proficiency testing program by successfully completing all assigned proficiencies and competencies.
• Provide training as needed.
• Assure all assigned instruments have undergone the appropriate performance checks and maintenance.
• Participate in assessment preparation and the internal audit program.
• Receives continuing education as it relates to their discipline, including functional area meetings, conferences, seminars, and associated training.
• Participates in training events where forensic topics are presented to customer agencies.
• Learns and applies laws, policies, and procedures, as specified in the RCW, the WAC and federal regulations as they relate to scientific examination of evidence.
• Performs administrative tasks as mandated by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the Crime Laboratory Division and the individual laboratories.
• Testify in a court of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
• Maintaining competency in casework analyses. (Note: Issues with competency can lead to Quality Variances, Job Performance Improvement Plans and Internal Investigation Reports.
• These issues are disclosable under Brady and could impact your ability to testify which is an essential function of the job. This could impact your employment.)
• Respond to discovery requests, providing all appropriate material in a timely manner.
• Participate in interviews in regard to analysis if requested.
• Provide tours to the public.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field. Chemistry coursework (20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours) desired. Physics coursework (5 semester hours or 88 quarter hours) desired.
• Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.

Equivalent education/ experience at or above a Forensic Scientist level may substitute, year for year, for education.

Forensic Scientist 3: Three years of technical experience in a forensic laboratory performing analysis of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
Forensic Scientist 2: One year of technical experience in a forensic laboratory performing analysis of physical evidence.
Forensic Scientist 1: No technical experience in a forensic laboratory is required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with basic computer systems, word processing, data management, and image processing and storage.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry concepts to include: handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and preparation of chemical reagents.
• Knowledge of analytical instrument software and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of the science of latent fingerprints.
• Knowledge of proper evidence handling procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Effectively identifies, collects, organizes, and documents data and information such that it is easily peer reviewed.
• Formulates sound conclusions from data without exceeding the boundaries of the data.
• Forms opinions and prepares clear, concise written reports based on test results, observations, and knowledge in the subject area.
• Reviews, edits, proofreads own work and the work of others.
• Effectively coordinates events, activities, services, and schedules with necessary and available resources to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work unit.
• Effectively expresses ideas and information verbally using scientific terminology that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic, and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
• Ability to solve problems by adapting scientific approach and methods in complex cases where routine analysis fails to provide sufficient data to draw conclusions, while remaining within the boundaries of accepted forensic practice outlined in the technical procedure manual, CLD Quality Operations Manual.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting, and to effectively interact with other individuals both internal and external to the laboratory. Ability to act professionally, and treat others with courtesy and respect. Ability to give and accept constructive criticism, and receive direction from supervisors, trainers, and management.
• Ability to coach, teach, and mentor forensic scientists.
• Ability to testify in court about results obtained in routine and complex casework.
• Ability to follow proper evidence handling procedures. Ability to follow technical procedures.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment around hazardous chemicals, drugs, bio-hazardous materials, and other potentially hazardous materials.
• Ability to focus and complete assigned tasks with attention to fine details.
• Ability to travel in order to testify in court or attend meetings and training. Ability for extensive travel in support of crime scenes.
• Demonstrates productive work ethic, evidenced by reliable attendance, efficient use of time, staying focused, taking initiative, and critically evaluating work processes. Demonstrates personal accountability and credibility through all work practices. Reliable attendance is evidenced by arriving at work for the assigned shift, and remaining productive for the duration of the assigned shift, less approved breaks.
• Leads by example, demonstrates honesty and fairness, and models positive professional behavior with a focus on personal ethics and good moral character.
• Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of the work of the supervised unit.
• Responds to sensitive personnel issues in the workplace. Responds to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways which reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintain good working relationships among internal personnel and customer agencies.
• Follows the chain of command, and written and verbal instructions. Accepts appropriate direction. Keeps subordinates and manager informed by sharing information.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in all interactions with co-workers, supervisors, management, and CLD customers.
• Demonstrates self-motivation in assigned duties and in personal career development. Continually upgrades knowledge and skills.
• Establishes, maintains, and enforces a safe work environment as mandated by applicable federal, state, agency, and CLD regulations.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 and Supplemental certification requirements.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the theory and working knowledge of analytical instrumentation and techniques as they relate to latent print examination.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Must provide a COVID vaccination card.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
• Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.

Supplemental Information