Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)
Location: Washington, DC
Job ID: 21765
Salary: $70,592.00 - $91,007.00
Closing Date: May 8, 2023
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Crime Scene Sciences Department. The mission of DFS is to provide high quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.
The position is responsible for recognizing and recovering evidence in criminal investigations at the scene(s) of crime(s) by analyzing, photographing, collecting, preserving, and presenting physical evidence. Crime scenes include person crimes, such as homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies, as well as property crimes and traffic accidents, etc.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene)/Crime Scene Analyst investigates crime scenes in various locations in the city; assists with sealing the crime scene to protect and preserve important and critical evidence. Collects fingerprints/palm prints, tire and shoe prints, tool mark impressions, firearms, wound imprints of the deceased person(s), hair, clothing, fibers, and biological evidence or any other physical evidence deemed necessary to facilitate positive identification and/or elimination analyzes and records crime scenes showing correlation between evidence and the scene. Performs various chemical and photographic processes in the field or laboratory. Attends autopsies to photograph injuries and fingerprint the deceased for identification purposes and collect relevant physical evidence. Photographs evidence at the crime scene that specifically correlates with collected data and other evidence deemed appropriate for the case. Processes evidence in the laboratory using latent print powders, chemical solutions, forensic light sources, and various cameras, lenses, and filters in order to develop and preserve evidence. Ensures that all persons who enter/visit the crime scene do not tamper with any evidence to avoid "evidence tampering" which might become an issue in court proceedings.
Additionally, the incumbent assists with improving operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly with other scientists/staff members or the public to provide seamless customer service. Observes/complies with the established and/or standard evidence control procedures to maintain the proper chain-of-custody of evidence, collected evidence, proper packaging, and storage to maintain integrity, and ensures evidence is locked securely in a designated location before and after analysis. Utilizes computer software to analyze results of tests in order to perform calculations and keeps up to date on current studies, best industry practices, pamphlet, journals, and books for use in devising established methods in testing and evaluations; develops charts, graphs, and tables as aids to conduct tests; evaluates laboratory test results in the area of concern; prepares technical reports on findings and project results. Testifies in court in connection with the evidence processed, developed, and preserved as well as any examinations or analyses performed. Prepares detailed reports and supplements; accepts documents, and bar-codes evidence associated with each crime scene case.
Qualifications and Education
This is an interdisciplinary position that involves work in two different occupational series and may be filled under the Forensic Scientist (Crime Scene), 0401 series or the Crime Scene Analyst, 0301 series, relative to the qualifications of the candidate selected.
Basic Requirements
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Or
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Licensure and Certifications
None – However, incumbent must be able to successfully complete the DFS Crime Scene Sciences Competency Testing. Certification from the International Association for Identification is preferred.
Work Environment
This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position are designated as safety-sensitive and shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.
The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Shift, weekend, and holiday work is required. Overtime before or after the daily tour may be required. Mandatory overtime (scheduled or unscheduled) may be required.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401-11
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Type of Appointment: Career Service - Regular Appointment
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-05, and subject to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.
Position Designation: This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, you must successfully pass a criminal background and drug and alcohol screening as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks, background investigations, and drug tests for the duration of your tenure.
Essential Designation: This position has been designated as Essential and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
