Forensic Scientist 3 - (Biology) (Chemistry) (Genealogy) (Pattern Evidence) (Crime Scene)

About the Role

The Philadelphia Police Department's Office of Forensic Science is hiring qualified Forensic Examiners in Forensic DNA Analysis and DNA Sequencing, Chemistry, Genealogy, Crime Scene and Pattern Evidence assignments. This is forensic science work at the advanced performance level in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations.

Positions in this class are allocated to one of five specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, Genealogy or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence specialty are assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints.

An important aspect of the work is serving on interdisciplinary committees within the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work in this class differs from the next lower level in that the employee is expected to provide basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assist in the development of training materials while maintaining an active forensic caseload. As experience is gained, employees oversee small projects within the area of specialty.

Responsibilities

• Examine evidence associated with crimes for presentation of laboratory findings in written reports
• Provide expert testimony in criminal trials
• Work independently in the performance of these tasks
• Provide basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees
• Assist in the development of training materials
• Maintain an active forensic caseload
• Oversee small projects within the area of specialty as experience is gained

Special Experience Substitutions

Biology Assignment: Experience in DNA sequencing, whole genome amplification, or genetic genealogy laboratory methods may substitute year-for-year for traditional forensic biology examiner or Forensic Scientist experience.

Genealogy Assignment: Experience in advanced genetic genealogy techniques gained through criminal investigations, law enforcement, academia, private industry, or equivalent forensic science service may substitute year-for-year for accredited laboratory examiner or Forensic Scientist experience.

Qualifications

All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards in the accredited Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level forensic scientist or technical superior.

This examination is Open-Competitive. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.

Residency Requirement: The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.

Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person's gross pay for such period, without the person's consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied. Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW. Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification.

Preference Points

Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.

• U.S. Veteran's Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 to your application. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty. Documentation is required.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA. For Peace Corps, such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service. For AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America), points are awarded based on hours completed: 1 point for 450 hours, 2 points for 675 hours, 3 points for 900 hours, and 5 points for 1700 hours.
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate's passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.

Examination Information

Approved applicants will receive a score of 70 and any additional preference points and be ranked on the eligible list. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination. An Eligible List will be established the week of August 24, 2026.

This exam will be used to establish separate eligible lists for each specialty. Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on the eligible list for the specialties they qualify for. Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. For Training and Experience evaluations, the residency preference eligibility date is the planned eligible list date listed on this announcement. To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

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