Topic: Senior Forensic Scientist, Orange County, CA

[msebastian]

 
Job Title: Senior Forensic Scientist/Forensic Scientist III 
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Location: Santa Ana, California 
 
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Description  Benefits  Supplemental Questions
 
RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open/Promotional Eligible List for Senior Forensic Scientist/Forensic Scientist III in the District Attorney's Office.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office will accept applications beginning Monday, July 23rd, 2007 on a continuous basis until the needs of the department are met. Please be advised that this recruitment may close at any time without notice.
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POSITION INFORMATION

THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY is seeking a Senior Forensic Scientist/Forensic Scientist III for a highly specialized position to work under general supervision and possess the ability to perform scientific applications in the following areas: crime scene investigation, serology, trace analysis, forensic biology, and administrative functions. Requires exceptional expertise in forensic DNA analysis and to do other work as required.

Senior Forensic Scientist as a specialist in DNA forensic analysis perform the most complex forensic lab work; research and develop new scientific methods; function as project manager and peer review leader; and perform other work as required.

Forensic Scientist III is the journey level in the series wherein incumbents must have exceptional expertise in forensic DNA analysis and qualified to testify as an expert witness in forensic DNA analysis.


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RECORDS/TRANSCRIPTS
All applicants must submit copies of their college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) to the address below immediately following the submission of application. Failure to immediately submit copies of college transcripts may result in an incomplete application which may not be accepted. Note that official (sealed) college transcripts will be required as part of the background investigation process.

Please mail transcripts to:

Maurice S. Sebastian, MAHRLR
Human Resources Department
401 Civic Center West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:
Possess an earned Master’s Degree from an accredited academic institution; or the equivalent in a biological, chemical or forensic science with earned credits in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology or other subjects which 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.


Have four years of experience performing forensic casework analysis (non-paternity) or performing duties similar to Forensic Scientist with the County of Orange in an ASCLD/LAB and/or ISO accredited forensic science laboratory.


Meet all state and federal requirements to be eligible to perform CODIS/LDIS duties.


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SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the District Attorney.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

FORENSIC SCIENTIST III

EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific field.

EXPERIENCE
Two years as a Forensic Scientist II with the County of Orange.
OR


Four years of experience in a science or crime lab performing duties similar to Forensic Scientist with the County of Orange.


Successful completion of graduate level classes in forensic sciences or other related disciplines may substitute for up to one year of required experience on the basis of three semester units for one month of experience.

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in forensic sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific field.

EXPERIENCE
Two years as a Forensic Scientist III with the County of Orange.


OR



Six years’ experience in an accredited crime lab performing duties similar to a Forensic Scientist with the County of Orange.


Successful completion of graduate level classes in forensic sciences may substitute for up to one year of the required experience on the basis of three semester units for one month of the required experience.



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POSITION DUTIES:

TracKRS Expansion DNA Database: Establish and maintain a quality assurance program for database samples; research and validate expert systems that screen samples for database inclusion; assist with drafting of database methods and procedures; monitor and ensure that database procedures and protocols are followed.

Case Evaluations: Assist in review of criminal cases, including potential cold hit cases, to determine if additional forensic testing can be performed. Assist in the review of crime lab reports and data. Consult and advise Deputy District Attorney's regarding case forensic evidence. Attend courtroom proceedings to monitor the testimony of defense expert witnesses and provide rebuttal testimony if needed.

Training: Provide regular and ongoing DNA training to Deputy District Attorney's and other appropriate individuals or groups; participate in continuing education programs; provide regular training to police agency personnel with a focus on prioritizing crime scene processing and sample collection.

Knowledge of: Principles, methods, materials and techniques of chemistry, physics, biochemistry and photography as related to forensic science; principles; methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in the scientific examination, analysis and comparison of a variety of materials such as blood, biological specimens, hair, fibers, glass, paint, documents, flammable, drugs, and firearms; forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques and technology; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis methods; biological evidence collection and preservation techniques; forensic serology, basic human anatomy/physiology and laboratory safety; current trends in forensic sciences; rules of evidence, criminal trial and court testimony procedures.

Ability to: Conduct evidence screening; operate instruments and scientific apparatus carefully and skillfully; follow highly technical oral and written instructions; conduct various types of scientific analyses; make accurate observations; perform DNA extraction, quantification, Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification of Short Tandem Repeat fragments preferably using Applied Biosystems 310 and/or 3100 Genetic Analyzer; prepare clear, concise, comprehensive reports and records of observations; explain technical findings to law enforcement officers and attorneys, and testify in court; establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement officers, co-workers and the public. The successful candidate may be required to perform the duties of a DNA Lab Technical Leader as defined by the DAB Guidelines and may be responsible for creating and maintaining required ASCLD/LAB and/or ISO accreditations, as well as Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Laboratories and may be required to review the work of other analysts.


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PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed below for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.

Physical Requirements:Incumbent must have vision sufficient to read standard text and distinguish between colors; speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the telephone; independent body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop and bend; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Environmental Requirements:
Will be required to work in an office environment, laboratory setting, testify in court, and field assignments.

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COMPENSATION: Forensic Scientist III from $5,684 with potential of up to $7,630 monthly; Senior Forensic Scientist from $6,152 with potential of up to $8,287 monthly.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The County offers a standard suite of benefits such as:
A choice of health plans, dental and vision insurance
Annual leave
Retirement Plan
457 Defined Compensation Plan


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ORANGE COUNTY: Orange County is a desirable place to live – and is one of the premier employers in the region, as well as the second largest populated county in California. At the County you will find variety, individual opportunity, job satisfaction, and the pleasure of working with colleagues who are dedicated to making a positive difference.

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SELECTION PROCEDURE

The District Attorney Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental information forms to identify the more qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening only the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.

Oral Panel Interview: (Refer/Non-Refer) Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate’s rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate’s qualifications for the job.

ELIGIBLE LIST

After all the test procedures have been completed, the District Attorney Human Resources Department will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.


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HOW TO APPLY:
Online applications and resumes required.
You may attach your resume or paste your resume by clicking on "Edit Resume" in the application site.
Your resume should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.
E-mail is the primary form of notification so please include your correct e-mail address on your application.

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QUESTIONS:
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Elizabeth Ottenwalder at (714) 347-8445 or HR@da.ocgov.com.
 
 EEO Information: 
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.