Forensic Scientist

About The Role

The Forensic Scientist collects, documents, analyzes, compares, and testifies regarding all types of evidence and crime scenes that occur within Maricopa County and occasionally outside of the county to aid in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases. This position requires separate unbiased analysis of crime scenes, evidence, comparative, and testimony in a court of law. The Division ensures that the mandates are adhered to that are set forth by the Constitution, Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), and Rule of Court Procedures.

Responsibilities

• Responds to crime scenes for technical law enforcement support.
• Processes and investigates crime scenes including jail crimes to record, document, and collect physical evidence which may include latent print, biological, and trace evidence.
• Photographs and records crime scenes from the ground, air, watercraft, and other types of motorized equipment to show correlation between evidence and respective scene.
• Searches and recovers latent fingerprint evidence for personal identification.
• Completes proper collection, preservation, and packaging of all types of evidence.
• Writes descriptive narrative reports and completes all paperwork associated with crime scene investigations.
• Documents and collects print/impression evidence by casting, lifting, and/or photographing impressions for further comparative analysis.
• Enters and verifies latent prints, fingerprints, and palm prints into the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZFIS).
• Identifies unknown subjects including the deceased through fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, and various other forensic disciplines.
• Collects evidence and fingerprints at postmortem examinations, attends autopsies to photograph, obtain fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints of deceased individuals.
• Responds to all follow-up investigative procedures including court and physical orders, subpoenas, identification procedures, evidence processing, and analysis.
• Premixes and works with various chemical processes on a daily basis, ensures safety protocols are adhered to when handling evidence, chemicals (carcinogenic), hazardous, and bio-hazard, determines and applies precautions as needed, completes technical/chemical tests (e.g., gunshot, blood sampling).
• Communicates by phone or in person in a group setting or one-on-one.
• Fulfills the essential job tasks as outlined in the Essential Job Tasks section.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Forensic Science, Criminalistics, or related field.
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in crime scene processing, latent comparative analysis, and laboratory examinations.
• Other Requirements: AZAFIS Certified; IAI Certification (Crime Scene and/or Latent); Completed 80 hours in specialized photography/forensic courses through an accredited college or a recognized criminal justice agency/association.

Qualifications

• Completion of 40-hour Fingerprint Classification School or a similar program through an accredited college or criminal justice agency/association.
• A valid Arizona driver’s license or the ability to obtain by the time of hire.
• Training that may be provided on-the-job: Safety; Payroll; PREA.

Skills

• Knowledge of the law of evidence and techniques used to collect and preserve evidence.
• Principles and techniques used in identifying the deceased.
• Microsoft 365 applications, intermediate to advanced proficiency.
• Skill in using latent fingerprint processing and recovery methods.
• Operating equipment and protocols used to collect trace evidence, tire and shoe impressions.
• Operating and maintaining scientific instruments and apparatus used in a crime laboratory.
• Applying chemical safety protocols.

Benefits

Compensation Is More Than a Salary With MCSO Growth and stability since 1871 Exceptional work-life balance: 4/10 schedule based on business needs Manageable workload Opportunity for criminal polygraph examinations Training opportunities with AZ Polygraph Association, American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists Network with other case agencies Choice of three medical plans – starting as low as $70/month Holidays – 10/year + 1 personal day Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System (Pension) Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption) 30% discount at KinderCare daycare facilities in the Valley MCKids Club daycare next to headquarters. Access to free County gyms Learn more at Benefits Overview

Pay

Pay Range MIN - MID - MAX $28.80 - $36.90 - $45.00

Schedule

4/10 schedule based on business needs