Forensic Scientist I, Operations Support Unit-Baltimore Police Department

Salary Range:  

$59,863 - $72,835 / Annually 

Hiring Salary Range:  

$59,863 – $59,863 /Annually 

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Job Summary:  

A Forensic Scientist I is the entry level of work in the chemical, biological, physical, or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Lab that conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests of unknown substances and evidence involved in crimes. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Incumbents receive close supervision from a Forensic Scientist Supervisor. Employees in this class work a rotating shift and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work is performed in a laboratory where there is exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals, unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Minimum Qualifications:                               

On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:  

Education: Have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university.

OR 

Equivalency Notes: Have experience performing comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence to include experience in providing expert testimony may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit are required to obtain and maintain Certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances within eighteen months of date of employment.

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your application no later than 12:00 AM on the closing date to be eligible for consideration. ** 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science.
• Knowledge of the application of chemistry, physics, biology and computer science to forensic science.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, practices, methods and instrumentation.
• Ability to perform and interpret laboratory tests.
• Ability to understand and follow crime lab procedures and policies.
• Ability to learn law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence.
• Ability to operation and maintain specialized laboratory equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law.
• Ability to write technical laboratory reports.
• Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
• Ability to maintain records and files.

Additional Information 

Background Check                                        

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed. 

Probation 

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory 1-year probation.

Eligibility 

Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualificat