What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist (DNA) position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). 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 primarily responsible for routine administrative casework functions and forensic biology laboratory work, which includes: laboratory aspects of casework, accreditation, quality assurance and control programs within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Duties And Responsibilities
Utilizes experience and/or training to perform a variety of operations in a forensic laboratory setting, e.g., laboratory testing for casework and accreditation; prepares and maintains detailed records in accordance with laboratory, accreditation and statutory requirements; demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations; works cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service; conducts routine functions for the forensic biology unit to include but not limited to maintenance and evaluation of data sets, case/evidence tracking, monitoring laboratory inventory, professional communication with customer agencies and monitoring of testing requests.
Utilizes experience and/or training to perform forensic biology laboratory functions within the Forensic Science Laboratory; utilizes computer software to analyze results of laboratory testing results including casework and quality/performance checks in order to perform quality control measures and laboratory functions; as needed, assists with audit preparation and administration; as needed, assists with documentation and maintenance of detailed logs and records of materials, reagents, equipment and instruments to include but not limited to: inventory, location, maintenance schedule and last/next maintenance/QC date.
Qualifications And Education
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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licensure and Certifications
None
Work Conditions/Environment
This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. 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: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401-09
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Type of Appointment: Career Service - Term Appointment, Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 13-months. This is a grant funded position; continued employment will be contingent upon available funding.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-09, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.
Position Suitability: 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.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency 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.
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). 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 primarily responsible for routine administrative casework functions and forensic biology laboratory work, which includes: laboratory aspects of casework, accreditation, quality assurance and control programs within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Duties And Responsibilities
Utilizes experience and/or training to perform a variety of operations in a forensic laboratory setting, e.g., laboratory testing for casework and accreditation; prepares and maintains detailed records in accordance with laboratory, accreditation and statutory requirements; demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations; works cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service; conducts routine functions for the forensic biology unit to include but not limited to maintenance and evaluation of data sets, case/evidence tracking, monitoring laboratory inventory, professional communication with customer agencies and monitoring of testing requests.
Utilizes experience and/or training to perform forensic biology laboratory functions within the Forensic Science Laboratory; utilizes computer software to analyze results of laboratory testing results including casework and quality/performance checks in order to perform quality control measures and laboratory functions; as needed, assists with audit preparation and administration; as needed, assists with documentation and maintenance of detailed logs and records of materials, reagents, equipment and instruments to include but not limited to: inventory, location, maintenance schedule and last/next maintenance/QC date.
Qualifications And Education
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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licensure and Certifications
None
Work Conditions/Environment
This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. 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: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401-09
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Type of Appointment: Career Service - Term Appointment, Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 13-months. This is a grant funded position; continued employment will be contingent upon available funding.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-09, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.
Position Suitability: 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.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency 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.