Forensic Scientist I
Tucson Talent - Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85701
Work at Tucson Talent
Overview
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Overview
Applicants must submit their completed application by 08-17-2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a rsum and provide transcripts at the time of the application. Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment. Candidates must have a bachelor's or advanced degree in biology, chemistry, other physical science, or forensic science. Forensic Scientist I assigned to the toxicology unit must have successfully completed 15 credit hours of Chemistry, 3 of which must be organic chemistry. Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database. Must obtain Laboratory Analyst's Permit for Blood Alcohol Analysis from Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) within twelve (12) months of hire and must maintain permit throughout employment of this position. Must obtain Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) level C within six (6) months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment of this position. SAVE THE DATES: Screening Panel Interviews will be held the week of September 8th, 2025, and in-person Hiring Interviews will be held September 24th, 2025. The Forensic Scientist I position at the City of Tucsons Police Department is an entry level position in an accredited forensic crime laboratory, which specializes in the forensic toxicology (blood and breath alcohol) discipline. This position performs routine examinations of forensic evidence, prepares technical reports, and may provide expert witness testimony in court and in pre-trial conferences. Work is performed under the supervision of the Crime Laboratory Coordinator. This position does not supervise. Duties and Responsibilities Performs forensic analysis of blood samples for the presence of alcohol and other volatiles. Utilizes methodologies such as preparing reagents and standard solutions using volumetric glassware, forensic sample preparation using Piston-Operated Volumetric Apparatus (POVA), and sample analysis using Headspace-Gas Chromatography (HS-GC). Interpretates instrument results and authors technical case reports, summarizing findings regarding evidence examined.
Performs technical and administrative reviews of toxicology unit laboratory reports for quality assurance compliance for accreditation in accordance with American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and AR 3125:2023 Standards. Participates in internal audits by providing materials and objective evidence to auditors in a witnessing or interviewee capacity.
Provides customer service to the crime laboratorys criminal justice partners and community members. Responds to requests for information to include data gathering from various information systems used by the department, such as disclosure requests from prosecutors and defense attorneys. Attends crime laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public with an experienced scientist. Attends outside public relations and public speaking opportunities with an experienced scientist from the crime laboratory.
Participates in trial preparation, assists with evidentiary hearings and grand juries, and provides testimony in various courts such as Federal, Superior, City, and Juvenile.
Performs routine maintenance and quality assurance checks on critical equipment and reagents used in blood alcohol analysis. Assists with supply inventory monitoring and performs general laboratory housekeeping.
Completes extensive training and competency testing in blood alcohol analysis and the effects of alcohol on the human body. Remains current on scientific advancements and discipline specific topics in the field of forensic toxicology through the review of technical publications, presentations, and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies and procedures. Maintains compliance with the ANAB requirements for participating in external proficiency testing.
Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.
Working Conditions Indoor and outdoor work with some exposure to physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment. Examiners may be subject to callout/field response for time-sensitive or priority investigations. This classification works in a full-service Crime Laboratory, accredited in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125:2023 Standards and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS). Minimum Qualifications Education
Bachelor's degree Experience
No experience Equivalency
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.