Currently this position is located in Vancouver, WA.
Depending on who is selected, the position will be relocated to the new incumbent's location.
In addition to the salary below, you will also receive 3% Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) pay.
About the Division: The Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) provides high quality forensic science services and training for Washington's criminal justice agencies that enhances public safety for the people of Washington.
About the Position: A Forensic Scientist 4 directly impacts the mission of the CLD by performing independent, timely and accurate analyses of routine and complex casework, responding to crime scenes of varying complexity, writing opinion reports, testifying to conclusions in courts of law, and providing training to criminal justice agencies.
This position is responsible for overseeing the quality aspects of the CSRT as well.
This is a lead position where you are responsible for assigning, planning, instructing work.
You will also assist in evaluating performance, check work of others and have the authority to recommend corrective actions.
This position is considered critical in the event of Washington State Patrol's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Designation – For Disaster or Emergency Recovery: Priority 1 – Crime scene response to violent crime and other major events.
Priority 2 – Vital examination of evidence in violent criminal cases aimed at the identification and apprehension of dangerous suspects likely to re-offend.
Priority 3 – Evidence preservation and maintenance of chain of custody.
Priority 4 – Secure Crime Laboratory Division casework files and move them to a secure location.
The Forensic Scientist interacts with various staff including, but not limited to, forensic scientists, the laboratory managers, administrative staff, representatives of criminal justice agencies, and the general public.
Work priorities are established through interactions with management, criminal justice agencies, prosecutors, and the capabilities and workload of the scientist.
About the Agency: The WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous.
The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions.
Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.
Responsibilities: Perform laboratory analysis of physical evidence in complex casework using accepted scientific methods.
Scientifically analyzes evidence in routine, and in increasingly non-routine and complex casework in an area(s) in which they have been validated proficiently and in accordance with established productivity standards.
Documents and protects evidence in accordance with current laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
Records and organizes observations and data to create a record that explains their analytical work and the conclusions reached in the laboratory report in a legible manner and that allows for technical and administrative review.
Respond to requests for assistance at crime scenes.
Focuses on maintaining the crime laboratory's quality processes within their functional area and ensuring operational compliance with all certifications, accreditation, and legal standards and requirements.
Provides technical expertise and assistance with respect to the functional area to all CLD personnel.
Follow the mandated criteria established by the national accreditation board for forensics (ANAB).
Participate in the proficiency testing program by successfully completing all assigned proficiencies and competencies.
Provide training as needed.
Assure that all assigned instruments have undergone the appropriate performance checks and maintenance.
Participate in assessment preparation and the internal audit program.
Is accountable for advice and oversight concerning the quality of the casework product, for compliance with all applicable accreditation and audit criteria, compliance documentation, validation of new technology and methods, validation of new personnel beginning casework, and investigation of casework errors.
Provide training to agencies.
Receives continuing education as it relates to their discipline, including functional area meetings, conferences, seminars, and associated training.
Participates in training events where forensic topics are presented to customer agencies.
Testify in a court of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
Maintaining competency in casework analyses.
Work Setting/ Hazards: The primary setting is an office, but the position may require presence in a forensic laboratory where chemical and biological hazards, drugs, firearms, and other hazards may be present.
Work settings will include crime scenes in varying locations and environments.
Schedule: 40-hour work week, generally 5 days per week Monday through Friday.
Hours may be flexible upon approval of the supervisor/laboratory manager.
Laboratory business hours are Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
May be required to work overtime on rush requests or for court testimony.
Scene response may require extensive time off-site with a varying schedule and overtime for scene responses.
Job duties will require the employee to be on standby status during assigned on-call weeks.
Travel Requirements: Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.
Extensive in-state travel will be required for crime scene response.
Tools and Equipment: Standard crime scene investigation equipment including chemicals, chemical reagents, alternate light sources, photography equipment, and forensic laboratory equipment.
Operation of power tools is also expected.
Other: Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
Required Qualifications: Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
A baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science from an accredited institution.
A minimum of four years of technical experience in crime scene response as a forensic scientist.
Conditions of Employment: Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
You must submit a current cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
For more information regarding how to apply for this position, please click here .
Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out).
If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded.
Please click here to determine your eligibility.
WSP Policy 1.04.020 - WSP does not engage in, or assist with, civil immigration enforcement, therefore; In no stage of the hiring process will the immigration status of family members of the candidate be investigated by the Washington State Patrol.
Questions?Please contact Monica Simpson at .
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