Forensic Scientist II

The City and County of Denver is currently seeking a Forensic Scientist Associate (Forensic Scientist II) to work within the Latent Print Unit of the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory. This is the second level in the Forensic Scientist classification series.

This class performs specialized, professional level forensic work including applying the physical sciences to the investigation of crimes, conducting scientific laboratory analysis on physical evidence, providing scientific consultation, and testifying as expert witness in courts of law.

• Conducts independent analysis and chemical processing of evidence and interprets results for use in criminal investigations.
• Maintains chain-of-custody for evidence by recording description of evidence, laboratory identification numbers, dates, times, tests performed, techniques used, and other pertinent information.
• Prepares a detailed, technical report for each case which records findings and interpretation of results and consults with colleagues, investigators, and attorneys about findings and interpretation of results.
• Performs all work in conformance with ISO 17025: 2017 standards in addition to ANAB AR 3125 standards.
• Prepares court testimony that links findings with conclusions to withstand scrutiny by adversarial experts, assists with the establishment the scientific soundness of analytical methods, and communicates cases effectively to jurors.
• Under the guidance of a Forensic Scientist III or Forensic Supervisor provides training to law enforcement personnel, subordinates, colleagues, medical personnel and interns in the collection, handling and examination of evidence, the theory of laboratory instrumentation, techniques to link evidence with other findings, and the principles of effective courtroom presentations.
• Operates and performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs on state-of-the-art laboratory and analytical instruments and equipment.
• Performs research or supports validation projects under the direction of a Forensic Scientist III or Forensic Supervisor, to develop and implement new techniques and recommends acquisition of state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• By position, visits crime scenes to independently identify, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
• By position provides input to, work plans, methods, procedures, and work priorities.
• Resolves problems encountered during daily operations and determines appropriate solutions with escalation to Supervisor when needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other City agencies to support core functions of the City during a City-wide emergency declared by the Mayor.
• Any one position may not include all duties listed. However, the allocation of positions will be determined by the amount of time spent in performing the essential duties listed above.

• Demonstrated experience and technical competence in the following areas:
• Latent print chemical processing.
• Latent print analysis, comparison, and evaluation.
• Footwear and tire analysis, comparison, and evaluation.
• Use of AFIS and/or NGI database systems.
• Use of Adobe Photoshop or other similar image processing software.
• Use of a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Use of a digital information management system (DIMS).
• Ability to recognize appropriate workflow of evidence examination in a full-service laboratory.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills that demonstrate collaboration with customers, peers, and employees.
• Values quality work products and will encourage team members to do the same.
• Problem solving skills to use sound reasoning, to find alternative solutions to complex problems, and to make logical judgments.
• Ability to work extended hours with minimal notice as public safety needs arise.
• Qualified applicants must pass background which includes polygraph, drug test, and criminal background check.

• International Association for Identification Certified Latent Print Examiner, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• International Association for Identification Certified Footwear Examiner, or ability to obtain certification within three years of hire.