Forensic Scientist

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Performs duties not requiring a commissioned officer and that pose no threat to physical safety. Work is performed under supervision and direction yet requires independent judgment and initiative.  

SHIFT INFORMATION
Generally Monday - Friday, day shift hours, with option for 5 8-hour shifts or 4 10-hour shifts per week.  Shares a rotational on-call status.

BENEFITS
Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances
Idaho PERSI retirement plan
Deferred Compensation plan 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%
Flexible Spending Accounts – Health and Dependent Care
Post-Employment Health Plan – 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
No cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances
Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave
No cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities
Wellness Program
Optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA

Visit adacounty.id.gov/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits to view details regarding our full benefits package. Forensic Scientist I

• Collects, secures, and maintains evidence and keeps accurate records of all evidence activities;
• Maintains safe chemical handling practices to handle and mix chemical reagents safely and properly;
• Administers physical and chemical processes to identify and evaluate evidence;
• Analyzes scientific data to form opinions or interpretations;
• Photographs crime scenes, evidence, and victims as needed;
• Responds to major crime scenes to obtain all possible physical evidence;
• Prepares specialized and technical displays, graphs, charts, photographs, and related documentation as needed for court presentations; 
• Testifies in depositions and court proceedings regarding evidence and chain of custody; 
• Prepares reports;
• Participates in annual proficiency testing, inventories, and internal audits.

 Forensic Scientist II

• In addition to Forensic Scientist I functions:
• Provide testimony consultation for attorneys;
• Train Forensic Scientists I;
• Provide review of technical and quality procedures.

Forensic Scientist III

• In addition to Forensic Scientist II functions: 
• Acts as a technical leader over a forensic discipline;
• Creates scientist analytical methods;
• Validates new procedures used in the lab;
• Creates training plans;
• Ensures that newly emerging scientific information is incorporated into the forensic discipline.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS 

• Assists with estimating budgetary requirements to operate the crime lab;
• Performs related functions as required.

Forensic Scientist I

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or a related field;
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and County laws, rules, and ordinances, and knowledge of the criminal justice system;
• Knowledge of the scientific laboratory methods, equipment, processes, and procedures specific to crime scene and evidence analysis; 
• Knowledge of hazards and safety practices associated with chemicals and infectious diseases; 
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; 
• Skill in using modern office equipment;
• Ability to effectively respond to law enforcement officials, court officials, victims, and other members of the general public; 
• Ability to perform duties independently and in a self-directed manner; 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; 
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions; 
• Ability to work accurately with attention to detail;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the assigned supervisor and others;
• Ability to understand directions and communicate verbally and in writing; 
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Forensic Scientist II

• Meets requirements and performs functions of a Forensic Scientist I:
• Have at least two years of experience as a Forensic Scientist;
• Have successfully completed and is competency tested in at least one forensic discipline.

Forensic Scientist III

• Meet requirement and performs functions of a Forensic Scientist II:
• Have at least five years of experience working as a Forensic Scientist;
• Holds certification in at least one forensic specialty;
• Perform duties as a technical lead for at least one forensic specialty.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license;
• Must wear the uniform of a non-commissioned deputy sheriff;
• Must pass an oral examination, polygraph examination, credit check, and background check prior to hire;
• This position is required to be on-call in order to perform the primary job responsibilities;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• This position requires the incumbent to work in an office environment, laboratory, and in the field;
• Incumbent may be subjected to a variety of chemicals and infectious diseases;
• Incumbent is required to visit crime scenes and be exposed to unpleasant images;
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

DISCLAIMER
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

Salary : $30 - $39