EDUCATION ACCREDITATION: Applicant’s education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained out of the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.
ELIGIBILITY: Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to this position identified as positions of trust will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a Fingerprint check.
PROBATION: All persons, including current City employees, selected from this position will be on probation for 6 months.
Class Description
A Forensic Scientist I is the entry level of work in the chemical, biological, physical, or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Lab that conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests of unknown substances and evidence involved in crimes. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.
Incumbents receive close supervision from a Forensic Scientist Supervisor. Employees in this class work a rotating shift and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work is performed in a laboratory where there is exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals, unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.
SELECTION PROCESS
All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for this position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.
Minimum Qualifications
On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:
EDUCATION: Have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university.
OR
NOTES (EQUIVALENCIES): Have experience performing comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence to include experience in providing expert testimony may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES: Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit are required to obtain and maintain Certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances within eighteen months of date of employment.
Knowledges, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science.
Knowledge of the application of chemistry, physics, biology and computer science to forensic science.
Knowledge of laboratory procedures, practices, methods and instrumentation.
Ability to perform and interpret laboratory tests.
Ability to understand and follow crime lab procedures and policies.
Ability to learn law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence.
Ability to operation and maintain specialized laboratory equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law.
Ability to write technical laboratory reports.
Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
Ability to maintain records and files.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months.
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.
NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Katrina Bayton, Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Specialist II via email at katrina.bayton1@baltimorecity.gov.
BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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