What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist II - Chemist position at The City of Fort Worth?
Pay Range: $57,677 - $74,980 annual compensation
Job Posting Closing on: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Benefits for this position include: 11 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, Professional Development Opportunities, and much more.
The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing large cities in the U.S. Our employees serve the needs of nearly 1,000,000 residents, promoting our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.
A Forensic Scientist II – Chemist position is available in the drug analysis section of the City of Fort Worth Police Department Crime Laboratory, performing qualitative analyses of controlled substances, pharmaceutical preparations, and plant materials utilizing analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. This individual will also perform toxicological analysis for the determination of blood alcohol concentration (non-interpretive) using headspace analysis, provide scientific consultation, interpret test results and form conclusions, write scientific reports and provide expert witness testimony in court. The Crime Laboratory is ANAB accredited.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in chemical, physical, biological science, chemical engineering, or forensic science from an accredited university.
- Three (3) years of relevant independent discipline-specific casework experience as a qualified Forensic Scientist I (or equivalent) is required.
- Ability to obtain a valid driver's license within six (6) months from hire date.
- Provide a buccal DNA sample after hire date.
- Must obtain a Texas Forensic Analyst License within one (1) year of hire date.
- Ability to comply with all Texas Forensic Science Commission requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive experience with GC-MS, FT-IR and LC/MS in analyzing illegal substances.
- Experience in performing blood alcohol level determinations utilizing headspace GC and GC/MS technology.
- Experience as an expert witness in court and have experience preparing scientific reports for law enforcement agencies.
- Familiarity of ANAB accreditation or previous ASCLD / LAB requirements and good knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles and procedures.
The Forensic Scientist II- Chemist job responsibilities include:
- Collects, preserves and maintains integrity of evidence in the laboratory; examines evidence; accurately documents description and condition of items; maintains chain of custody for evidence.
- Performs a series of complex analytical examinations utilizing chemistry.
- Performs chemical and physical analyses and/or microscopic examinations in the identification and comparison of evidence.
- Maintains, reviews and implements extensive quality assurance measures and ensures quality of laboratory data.
- Prepares detailed reports on laboratory test results and examinations performed; forms conclusions based on test results.
- Consults with detectives, outside agencies and prosecutors to provide scientific information relevant to the investigation and analysis of evidence.
- Testifies in court as an expert witness; explains laboratory procedures; presents and defends laboratory findings; refutes or corroborates other expert testimony.
Working Conditions
Final candidates selected for hire in the Police Department will be subject to a fingerprint/criminal history background check and polygraph examination. Applicants must not have used marijuana during the previous two (2) years, nor illegally used any controlled substances within the last ten (10) years.
Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions in the last 10 years, Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication in the last 10 years, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and ALL Family Violence Convictions regardless of class.
Salary : $57,677 - $74,980
