Forensic Scientist II
2 weeks ago
Greeley, Colorado, United States
Weld County
Full time
Salary: See Position Description Location : Greeley, CO
Job Type: Regular, Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Weld County Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 04/16/2024
Description
The Forensic Scientist II is a civilian employee of the Weld County Sheriff's Office who functions as a scientist performing complex analyses on physical evidence in criminal cases submitted to the forensic laboratory in the scientific discipline of forensic biology. Incumbents interpret analytical results, prepare written opinion reports, and testify as experts in courts of law. Complex analysis involves casework where applied research, method modification, or a unique approach may be necessary; or a single definite conclusion is not possible, and a weighted conclusion is warranted; or casework requiring the reconstruction of an event or series of events based on the interpretation of physical evidence.
$ $52.74 per hour plus benefits (see benefits tab on the job posting). This position will normally start at $41.64 an hour.
As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.
This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following job duties are established to outline the basic duties and responsibilities of the above captioned position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
•Documents and protects evidence according to laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
•In an assigned forensic science discipline, examines and analyzes evidence in complex case requests where interpretations could lead to less definitive weighted conclusion, selecting appropriate methods, techniques, and instruments.
•Prepares detailed investigation and laboratory reports; assembles and organizes statements, evidence and exhibits for presentation in court and before grand jury; and attends court and grand jury proceedings and presents evidence and provides testimony effectively based on expert opinion of findings.
•Provides peer review and participates in proficiency testing to maintain expertise.
•Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various word processing, spreadsheet and/or file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary and summarizes data in preparation of standardized reports. May utilize a specialized computer database for evidence comparisons.
•Trains law enforcement personnel and community groups in proper techniques and procedures of recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence and general Criminalistics. Prepares and conducts classroom and field instruction and demonstrations.
•Assists the District Attorney's office in preparation of specialized diagrams or other displays for use in trials resulting from activities at major crime scenes or in the course of analysis of casework.
•May assist with the identification, collection, and acquisition of evidence at crime scenes, as assigned.
•May perform scientific research.
•May be assigned to supervise lower-level staff in setting up workload schedules or "rush" case assignments.
•Must successfully complete all laboratory training requirements for assigned discipline.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
•A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminalistics, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Physics, Forensic Science, Computer Science, or a field related to the work assignment. Examples of related fields, including but not limited to, are pharmacology, medical technology, genetics, analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or toxicology.
o Must have successfully completed either undergraduate or graduate level coursework totaling at least nine cumulative semester credit hours (or equivalent) in the following subjects: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; and statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
•Three years of technical experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
•Must have the ability to read, write, and speak English.
•Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; and the ability to count, sort, and categorize inventory items.
•Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables, in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
•Ability to operate telephones, computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, printer/scanning instrumentation, and specialized equipment specific to the assigned discipline.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
•Familiarity with ABI Life Tech instrumentation, software, and kits
•STRmix experience
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES REQUIRED:
•Valid state-issued driver's license
Other Necessary Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee must have the ability to stand, sit, and walk.
Specific vision abilities, and/or corrected vision abilities, are required, including dual vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Hearing sufficient to converse via telephone or in person.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office and laboratory environment with extended periods of sitting and standing. Some duties may occasionally be performed outdoors.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The following benefit information is for regular, full time employees. This summary is furnished as general information only and is not intended to be a full description of the benefits offered to Weld County Employees. Specific information on benefits available may be obtained from the Weld County Human Resource office at
Click to go to a Benefits information webpage.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plans
Weld County offers two medical plans through Aetna. Employees who enroll in one of the health plans must enroll in dental and vision. There are two vision plans and three dental plans to choose from. Dependents may also be enrolled. Questions regarding eligibility and premiums should be directed to Human Resources.
Life Insurance
Weld County offers employees a Basic Term Life Insurance policy in the amount of 3 times their annual salary. Eligible employees must regularly work at least 20 hours per week. The plan is provided at no cost to the employee. Employees also have the option to enroll in supplemental term policies for themselves and their dependents. Rates for those supplemental plans are based on age.
Long Term Disability Insurance
Weld County pays the premium for Long Term Disability Insurance for any regular employee that works at least 20 hours per week. The policy provides a monthly benefit of 60% of monthly base salary (maximum benefit of $8,000/month) after a 6 month waiting period.
Short Term Disability Insurance
Weld County offers a Short Term Disability plan through Cigna to any regular employee that works at least 20 hours per week. The premium is paid 100% by Weld County and the plan pays a monthly benefit of 60% of monthly base salary after the employee has been off work for 30 days and exhausted all of their own sick and vacation time.
Paid Leave
Weld County offers paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Specific information regarding these benefits can be obtained from Human Resources.
Retirement
All full time regular employees at Weld County (except Health Department employees) participate in a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan. The employees contribute 9% of their base salary on a before tax basis to the fund. Weld County matches that amount starting with the employee's first paycheck. Weld County employees also pay Social Security/Medicare (7.65%). In addition to the mandatory plan, employees have two optional deferred compensation plans to choose from. The 401K and the 457 plans are administered by Principal Financial.
Employees at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment do not participate in the Weld County Retirement plan. Instead they contribute 9.0% to the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) and only contribute to Medicare (1.45%). Health Department employees also have the option to contribute to a PERA 401K plan.
Section 125 and Flexible Spending Accounts
The Section 125 program allows employees to pay the premiums for the county's medical, dental and vision plans with pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts are also available for unreimbursed medical expenses and day care expenses.
Mental Health Counseling & Well-being Resources
As a Weld County Employee, you and your immediate family members, now have access to join IOME for FREE. IOME is proud to be partnered with Weld County to offer you free counseling and coaching support, a self care central, and discounted self care.
Voluntary Benefits
Employees at Weld County have the following Voluntary Benefit plans available to them through AFLAC. Aflac offers an Accident plan, Critical Illness plan and a Hospital Indemnity plan.
Recreation Center Discounts
As part of the Weld County Wellness Program, employees are given discounts at the Greeley Recreation Center, the Family Fun Plex, Johnstown Family YMCA and the Ft. Lupton Recreation Center. Active and Fit Memberships also available.
Tuition Assistance
Regular employees who work at least 20 hours per week and have been employed with Weld for 6 months may be eligible to receive tuition assistance for qualified college courses.
Benefits effective date is the first of the month after you have worked one full pay period.
Additional information on all of these benefits can be obtained through the Weld County Human Resources office.
Weld County Human Resources
P O Box 758
Greeley CO 80632
01
Have you ever falsified a written report?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever given perjured sworn testimony at any time as an adult or a juvenile?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been offered or paid a bribe?
- Yes
- No
Are you now, or have you been a member or supporter of any group that seeks to alter the form of government of the United States of America by unconstitutional means?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever falsified documentation of Law Enforcment Certification?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever falsified a verbal or written report to a law enforcement or legal official?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever falsified requested information during a selection process?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States of America under less than honorable conditions?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been questioned, charged or convicted of a domestic violence related offense?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been Questioned, Charged or convicted of a Felony Offense?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been Questioned, Charged or convicted of a Misdemeanor?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been Questioned, Charged or convicted of a Petty Offense or Municipal code violation?
- Yes
- No
Have you been or are you currently subject to a restraining order?
- Yes
- No
Have you personally sold, given or furnished illegal drugs to another person?
- Yes
- No
Have transported or assisted in the transportation of illegal drugs?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever forged a doctor's prescription for drugs?
- Yes
- No
If you answered YES to any of the previous questions, please provide and explaination for each positive answer. If you answered NO to all of the questions, please type N/A.
18
What is your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Higher Degree
Please list all degrees and the field of study in which they were received.
20
Do you have a valid Colorado Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
Are you authorized for independent casework in the following areas?Forensic Serology (blood, semen, saliva and trace DNA collections) DNA extraction DNA quantification DNA amplification to include autosomal STR and YSTR analysis DNA capillary electrophoresisDNA interpretation DNA statistics to include probabilistic genotypingDNA report writing
- Yes
- No
Have you received formal training with ABI Life Tech instrumentation?
- Yes
- No
Have you received formal training using STRmix?
- Yes
- No
Have you testified as an expert in court?
- Yes
- No
If you do have experience, please explain your experience in testifying as an expert in court.
26
If you answered NO to the above question, are you able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver'sLicense upon hire?
- Yes
- No
Have you worked in an ISO 17025 laboratory?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever made an erroneous identification in casework?
- Yes
- No
