City of Chandler, Arizona
Criminalist II
Job Description
An employee in this class performs professional work by examining, identifying and evaluating physical evidence for the Police Department. A Criminalist II is recognized as an expert in at least one area of forensic science, which may include: blood alcohol analysis, controlled substance identification, latent print examination, toxicology, serology/DNA, arson or trace evidence analysis. An employee in this position may conduct field investigations at crime scenes to search for, collect and preserve evidence for laboratory analysis, and reconstruct situations and physical evidence of a crime.
Essential Functions (not exhaustive)
- Examines, identifies, analyzes and evaluates suspected evidence which may include blood, semen, hair, skin, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, questioned documents, fire accelerants, soils, ink, paper, fabrics, bullets and casings, firearms, latent print, drugs, poisons, alcoholic beverages and other physical evidence;
- Performs microscopic, chemical, spectrophotometric, and/or comparative analyses;
- Makes serological analyses;
- Compares silicone casts and photographs of impressions and marks from shoes, tires, instruments, and other objects;
- Prepares and maintains records of work performed and technical/scientific written reports on findings in order to document scientific analyses and results; presents detailed reports;
- Prepares findings for court presentations, depositions and interviews and testifies in court as an expert concerning scientific facts as established in the analysis of evidence;
- Conducts analyses with gas chromatographs and other analytical equipment;
- Trains Criminalist I's in work techniques and the operation and maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment;
- Reviews the work of Criminalist I's to assure the work quality, compliance with standards, and timely completion of assigned duties and responsibilities;
- Provides and interprets scientific information in response to questions from Department staff, other agencies, and the public;
- Compares analytical findings with known standards; interprets scientific data;
- May conduct field investigations at scenes of crimes and other pertinent locations to obtain relevant physical evidence;
- Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
- Assists and gives input on hiring selection and employee performance regarding Criminalist I's to the section manager.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree with major courses of study in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or closely related physical or natural sciences with a minimum of 20 semester hours of chemistry; and
- If certified as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification with at least two years of documented AFIS/IAFIS and latent print experience may substitute for one year of education (20 hours of chemistry will still be required); and
- Four (4) years crime laboratory analysis experience with proficiency in at least one forensic science discipline and acceptance as an expert witness in court in at least one forensic science discipline; and
- Valid Arizona Driver's License.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in an ASCLD/LAB accredited forensic laboratory.
- Current authorization to perform latent print casework; or
- Current authorization to perform drug chemistry /controlled substance casework; or
- Current authorization to perform toxicology /alcohol casework.
Application Process
- Oral Board Interview
- Police Background Check
- Command Board Interview
- Polygraph Exam Interview
- Polygraph Exam
- Police Chief Interview
This process is subject to change without notification. A register of qualified candidates will be active for six (6) months should another position become available. Any applicant not permanently disqualified may reapply at the next open recruitment.
To Apply
In order to be considered for this position, you must go to http://www.chandleraz.gov/hr/jobs/ and submit an application. You may attach your resume to your application, however please be sure to fully complete the application otherwise you may be disqualified.
The City of Chandler is an Equal Opportunity Employer.