Police Forensic Scientist I​/II​/III - Latent Prints

Overview

Introduction:
This is a position in the latent print unit of the laboratory, for a Forensic Scientist I-III based on the years of experience in the discipline of friction ridge. This position involves the development and preservation of latent prints on a variety of evidentiary items using chemicals and photography; analysis of developed prints; comparison of prints to known subjects and/or searching prints in ABIS.

This recruitment will be utilized to fill any Forensic Scientist position that has been designated as a Latent Prints specialty position in the Police Department. Candidates will be identified for the specific level of Forensic Scientist based upon the qualifications listed on the application. Transcripts must be submitted with the application.

• Forensic Scientist I: $39.23/hour or $81,577.60 annually
• Forensic Scientist II: $43.27/hour or $89,939.20 annually
• Forensic Scientist III: $49.88/hour or $ annually

Anticipated starting salary may be up to the mid‑point depending on experience and internal equity.

• Forensic Scientist I
  • Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, or related physical science or natural science with a minimum of 20 semester hours in chemistry related subjects.
• Forensic Scientist II
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related physical or natural science with at least 20 semester hours in chemistry related coursework.
  • Four years of experience as a forensics examiner in a crime laboratory.
  • Must have working expertise in one forensic discipline.
• Forensic Scientist III
  • Bachelor's Degree in a physical or natural science with at least 20 semester hours in chemistry related coursework.
  • Eight years of experience as a forensics examiner in a crime laboratory.
  • Must have working expertise in one forensic discipline.

• Valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 36 months.
• Must reside in Arizona during active employment.
• Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required depending on assignment.

• Forensic Scientist I
  • Make chemical or physical analysis and microscopic examination in the examination, identification, evaluation and comparison of physical evidence.
  • Examine, identify, interpret, and evaluate suspected evidence including narcotics, dangerous drugs, toxicology, serology, DNA, trace, firearms, and latent print processing information.
  • Enter and search information in AFIS, CODIS, or NIBIN systems.
  • Compare analytical findings with known standards; discuss laboratory test results with lab professionals, officers, and attorneys.
  • Provide expert testimony in court.
  • Prepare detailed, concise, comprehensive reports and records.
  • Distinguish full range of color spectrum to perform forensic examinations.
• Forensic Scientist II
  • Examine, identify, interpret and evaluate suspected evidence including narcotics, dangerous drugs, toxicology, serology, DNA, trace, firearms, latent print processing and comparison, AFIS entry and searches, and arson samples.
  • Compare analytical findings with known standards.
  • Discuss laboratory test results with lab professionals, officers, and attorneys.
  • Provide expert testimony in court.
  • Prepare detailed reports.
  • Prioritize own casework load.
  • Distinguish visually the full range of the color spectrum.
• Forensic Scientist III
  • Examine, identify, interpret and evaluate suspected evidence.
  • Compare analytical findings with known standards.
  • Discuss laboratory test results with lab professionals, officers, and attorneys.
  • Provide expert testimony in court.
  • Prepare detailed reports.
  • Prioritize own casework load.
  • Conduct research and analyze data to perform scientific examinations.
  • Distinguish visually the full range of the color spectrum.

• Work with hazardous chemicals and required protective equipment.
• May be exposed to fumes, dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, and infectious disease agents.
• Safely work with various chemicals and powders; lift and move materials up to 30 pounds.
• Operate laboratory equipment, microscope, computer, two‑way radio, and common hand tools.
• Operate city vehicle for field examinations.