Salary Range: $78,507.00 - $127,043.00 ANNUALLY
Our Benefits
The city offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits
Get to Know Us
Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits plans. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team!
CLASS DEFINITION
A Forensic Scientist III performs complex chemical, biological, physical or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Lab of the Police Department. Employees perform laboratory tests or comparative analyses in one of the specialized forensic discipline: Firearms and tool marking; Controlled Dangerous Substances; Toxicology, Serology, DNA, Trace Evidence or Latent Print Examination. Work of this class may involve leading lower level Forensic Scientists but does not involve full supervisor duties or responsibilities. Additionally, a Forensic Scientist III in this position will oversee the Laboratory's Casework Management Unit to include review of incoming case requests, determining case eligibility, and may coordinate case assignments. The work of this class involves leading the work of subordinate personnel in the Forensic Laboratory.
Employees in this class may work a rotating shift and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work may be performed in a laboratory where there is exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals, biohazards and unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:
EDUCATION: Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science including a minimum of 12 semester or credit hours some of which may be undergraduate level in courses of molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology), biochemistry, genetics or related subjects that provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis as well as statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
AND
EXPERIENCE: Have four years of experience in in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.
OR
NOTES (EQUIVALENCIES): Have a master’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university and three years of experience comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES: Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit require certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances. Certification from a National Certifying Board in Latent Print Examination may be required.
**APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your application no later than 12:00 AM on the closing date to be eligible for consideration.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science, biochemistry, genetics, statistics and molecular biology.
Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court.
Knowledge of the application of scientific methods of serology and DNA analysis.
Knowledge of the methods and procedures of firearms classification and identification.
Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in court.
Knowledge of fingerprint classification technique.
Knowledge of the techniques and equipment used in identifying latent fingerprints.
Knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of latent print evident in court.
Skill in the application of computer software technology to laboratory specifications and needs and database requirements.
Skill in making correct determinations regarding technical procedures, use of laboratory equipment and analytical results for the technical review of DNA case findings and reports.
Ability to implement procedures and protocols to be followed for joint analysis of evidence samples between CODIS (Combined DNA Information System), serology (body fluid screening) and DNA laboratories.
Ability to write complex technical laboratory reports.
Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
Ability to perform and evaluate complex qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests and research in the area of DNA analysis and identification.
Ability to write and/or assist in writing grants to further the technological advancement of the laboratory unit.
Ability to perform and evaluate research projects.
Ability to assign, review and correct the work of subordinate DNA analyst staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Background Check
NOTE: Those eligibles who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.
Probation
All people, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory 1-year probation.
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.
Education Accreditation
Applicants’ 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.
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.
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 in 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.
Your Recruiter: Katrina Bayton
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dayvon Smith, HR Specialist III via email at Katrina.Bayton1@baltimorecity.gov
Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.
BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER