Job Description

Salary : $82,492.80 - $123,697.60 Annually

Location : Englewood, CO

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2024 - ForensicScientistBio

Department: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office

Division: Investigation Services

Opening Date: 09/13/2024

Closing Date: 9/29/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

Description

**While the full salary range for the Forensic Scientist, Biology position is $39.66 - $59.47 hourly / $82,492.80 - $123,697.60 annually, the anticipated hiring range is $39.66 - $49.56 hourly / $82,492.80 - $103,084.80 annually. **

2024 Benefits Summary

This position performs Forensic Biology/DNA technical work for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and associated agencies in the Unified Forensic Laboratory (UFL). The UFL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory providing forensic services to the communities of Arapahoe County, Douglas County, City of Aurora and the 18th Judicial District.


GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Under limited administrative direction, this position performs technical criminalistics work for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and associated agencies in the Unified Forensic Laboratory (UFL). The work involves performing various tests and analyses on evidence to develop facts pertinent to criminal investigations, including the analysis of biological material from submitted evidence items; generating written technical reports of all examinations or analyses performed, court preparation and giving expert testimony in court proceedings.

Duties


The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required:

• Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
• Examines evidence items to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, and identify samples for analysis.
• Performs presumptive testing, confirmatory testing and DNA analysis on evidence items.
• Collects trace evidence.
• Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
• Prepares, processes and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
• Documents, handles, packages, and receives evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with established forensic practices under state and federal laws.
• Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
• Instructs others in forensics, DNA evidence collection, and provides training seminars, to include outside law enforcement agencies under mutual aid requests.
• May be assigned to train new employees and or act as a trainer to coworkers in specific specialty areas.
• May be asked to evaluate, apply for and/or monitor potential grant related programs and opportunities.
• Operates computers and standard office equipment, including commonly used computer software programs, as required by the position.
• Maintains regular and acceptable attendance.
• Is available and willing to work overtime such as weekends and holidays as the Sheriff's Office or UFL Management determines is necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
• May perform duties both in the office and in the field.
• Interacts effectively with others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of the workflow of a forensic crime lab.
• Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence.
• Must meet the education requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
• Knowledge of DNA QAS documents and ISO 17025:2017 standards.
• Knowledge and use of the CODIS database systems.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA statistical calculations.
• Knowledge of computers and commonly used computer software programs.
• Ability to operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment, as required by the position.
• Ability to give professional expert testimony in courts of law.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and other law enforcement/judicial personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written English, to include public speaking.
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff.
• Ability to get along well with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience in performing laboratory duties associated with the processing of biological and DNA evidence in a law enforcement agency.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfies the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff's Office.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: None


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Master's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) to five (5) years of experience performing DNA Analyses in an accredited forensic laboratory. Experience with grant research, writing, and application.


NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the initial probationary period.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License.
• This position is subject to call for assignments that require working nights, weekends and holidays as deemed necessary by the Sheriff's Office and/or the management of the UFL.
• Must successfully complete the initial probationary period and training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position. They are included for informational purposes and are not all inclusive.


Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

• Spends 60% of the time sitting and 40% of the time either standing or walking while in the field or office.
• Must possess sufficient strength to lift and carry equipment and/or evidence up to 50 lbs.
• Frequently pushes, pulls, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, reaches, handles and feels while in the field and office.
• Constantly uses oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the two way radio, intercom system and telephone.
• Constantly uses visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the use of office and field equipment.
• Occasionally uses visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the safe operation of a vehicle during normal, and hazardous weather situations.
• Frequently uses visual capacity, including color vision in order to distinguish color/descriptions of evidence items.
• Frequently uses olfactory sensory capabilities to detect hazardous situations.

JOB-RELATED CONTACTS:
Personal contacts with individuals occur on a daily basis. Contacts include interaction with supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, other law enforcement/judicial personnel and the public.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work environment includes primarily indoor locations but may also include outdoor locations. Exposure to inclement weather and the elements may exist during crime scene examinations and analyses. Other hazards may include exposure to harmful chemicals, carcinogenic substances and fumes, although safeguards are provided.


401(a) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN:
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office employees participate in a mandatory defined benefit program designed to help employees establish a source of income for retirement years. Through the Plan, eligible employees must set aside 9.00 percent, which is subject to change in the coming years, on a pretax basis of which the County matches at 9.25%. The County also contributes 6.2% to Social Security.

BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:
This position has been determined to be an EXTREME exposure risk to "biohazards" including, but not limited to, viruses, toxins, and blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), HBV (hepatitis B virus), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis). Members are advised that exposure to a "biohazard" may result in severe illness and/or death. Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing. Inoculation may be required to prevent and/or treat exposures to "biohazards".

YOU MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT VALID EMAIL ADDRESS FOR APPLICATION STATUS NOTIFICATIONS (only one email address is accepted by the system).
APPLICANT DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS:
Applicants are advised that areas for disqualification from further consideration include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Illegal Drug Use - Applicants who have recent illegal drug usage will be disqualified. Recent drug use includes marijuana within one (1) year and all other illegal drug use within the past five (5) years. All other illegal drug use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  
• Any felony conviction
  
• Driving Record - This includes receiving a DUI within the past five (5) years, having your driver's license suspended for any reason within the past five (5) years, and having five (5) or more tickets within the past five (5) years.
  
• Outside activities which may be deemed a conflict of interest
  
• Revelation or discovery of assaultive behavior
  
• Documented record of prior work performance
  
• Unsuccessful completion of any basic requirement
  
• Inability to perform the essential functions of the position
  
• Police history - type, frequency and nature of contacts(s)
  
• Providing false or misleading information during the application/selection process

It is the policy of the Sheriff's Office to not discuss the reasons why applicants were not selected for hire. There is no flexibility to this policy. Applicants may be notified of their disqualification at any point in the selection process. If you receive such a notice, it simply means that you do not meet our standards at this time. Receiving this notice does not indicate that you are ineligible to apply with other agencies.

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:
The screening process for any position within the Sheriff's Office may include written test(s), an oral interview, skills test(s), and/or other selection methods designed to measure applicants' ability to perform the essential functions of the job they are seeking.
Additional required tests/examinations also include:

• Phase I Suitability Exam
• Polygraph Examination

Additional screening may include:

• Psychological Evaluation
• Medical Examination, including a drug screen
• Background Investigation - This will include, but is not limited to, contact with the applicant's former employers, associates, neighbors and other pertinent sources. Applicant's military history, school records, police records and driving record will also be investigated. All examinations are conducted by qualified/licensed individuals designated by the Sheriff's Office at the Sheriff's Office expense.

EXPECTED DURATION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Due to the nature of the application and selection process for the Sheriff's Office, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately eight (8) to twelve (12) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

WORK SCHEDULES:
Employees are required to work the time periods and/or shifts, rotational and/or stationary, and location assignment, consistent with the needs of the Sheriff's Office.

DUTY ASSIGNMENTS:
All applicants hired by the Sheriff serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff of Arapahoe County and may be assigned to any of the agency's bureaus, sections or units at the discretion of the Sheriff or his duly appointed representative. Employment is at the will and pleasure of the Sheriff, per Colorado State Statute: 30-10-506. Written policies and other manuals do not alter the at will status of employment.

COMMUNITY POLICING:
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is committed to the implementation of the community-policing concept. Community policing is an organizational strategy and philosophy which emphasizes problem solving partnerships between the Sheriff's Office, neighborhoods, and businesses working together to create a better quality of life within the community.

INITIAL STATUS PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful applicants are subject to an initial status period of employment. This initial status period is twelve (12) months for all positions. The initial status period is regarded as part of the applicant's examination process and will be utilized for purposes of employee evaluation, training and adjustment to the demands of the profession. New employees, who fail to perform satisfactorily during the period, may be separated from the Sheriff's Office, depending on the circumstance of each case.

POLICY ON REAPPLICATION:
Applicants who failed a written test may reapply and retest no sooner than three (3) months from the date they took the written test. All other applicants who are disqualified can reapply with the Sheriff's Office no sooner than one (1) year from the date of notification of non-selection.

This job announcement does not constitute a contract of employment. Should there be any discrepancy or error in this job announcement, the applicable policy or pay rate will apply. The Sheriff's Office retains the right to amend this job announcement at any time without notice.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer, who fully supports and complies with ADA, EOE M/F/D/V/SO.

Should you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact Human Resources.

Connect With Us!

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.

As a Regular Full-Time employee at Arapahoe County Government, you are eligible for benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Mandatory Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Pre-paid Legal Services
• Vacation and Sick Leaves
• Holiday pay
• Training and Educational Reimbursement Opportunities

For a more detailed listing of our benefit programs, click on the MENU link on the left and then Benefits Summary.

01


If required, do you consent to the following: polygraph, background investigation, drug test, psychological evaluation, and medical exam?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a current employee of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office?

• Yes
• No

03


Have you ever applied with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office before?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you willing to work different shifts including days, swings, nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

05


Which best describes your level of education?

• High School or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a closely related field.
• Master's Degree
• Master's Degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field.

06


Do you possess the required two (2) years of experience in performing laboratory duties associated with the processing of biological and DNA evidence in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory or law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

07


Have you had coursework that meets the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for a DNA Analyst?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you testified as an expert witness in Serology or DNA?

• Yes
• No

09


How many years of Serology/DNA experience do you have in an accredited laboratory?

• 0-1 year
• 2-5 years
• 6-10 years
• More than 10 years

10


Which of the following likelihood ratio statistical calculation software programs have you used on casework samples? (please check all that apply)

• Lab Retriever
• STRmix
• True Allele
• Other likelihood ratio software
• None

11


Do you have a current, valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

12


How many moving traffic violations have you been cited for in the past 5 years?

• 0-4
• 5-9
• 10 or more

13


Have you been convicted of a D.U.I. / D.W.A.I. in the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No

14


In the past five years, have you had your driver's license suspended, denied or revoked in any state for any reason (e.g., unpaid traffic ticket, child support, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

15


If yes, please specify in the space below. If no, please type 'NA.'

16


Have you ever been convicted of any law violation (except a minor traffic violation)? (A "Yes" answer does not automatically disqualify you from employment, since the nature of the offense, date, and the job for which you are applying is also considered.)

17


Have you received a felony conviction or a deferred judgment in lieu of a felony conviction?

• Yes
• No

18


Have you ever been convicted of any municipal ordinance or law of any state of the United States, where the offense involved domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

19


Are you currently the subject of a permanent restraining or protection order resulting from domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

20


When was the last time you have used, tried, or experimented with marijuana?

• I have used marijuana within the past six months.
• I last used marijuana between six months and a year ago.
• I last used marijuana 1 - 2 years ago.
• I last used marijuana 2 - 5 years ago.
• It has been over 5 years since I last used marijuana.
• I have never used marijuana.

21


Have you used, tried, or experimented with any illegal drug, other than marijuana, in the past five years?

• Yes
• No

22


What is your military / veteran status?

• I am not a veteran of military service.
• I am currently a member of military service.
• I am a veteran of military service, who was discharged under honorable conditions.
• I am a veteran of military service, who was discharged under dishonorable conditions.

23


How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Diverse Organization
• Internet - Monster.com
• Internet - Jobbing.com
• Internet - ArapahoeSheriff.org
• Internet - CareerBuilder.com
• Internet - governmentjobs.com
• Internet - Other (please specify below)
• Internet - themuse.com
• NENA
• Employee Referral
• Non-Employee Referral
• Job Fair (please specify below)
• Other (please specify below)

24


If you selected 'Diverse Organization' or 'Other' or 'Job Fair' above, please specify in the space below. If not, please type 'NA.'

25


Copies of the Office of Special Counsel's "If You Have The Right to Work" posters regarding immigration can be found at the following links:English Version: Spanish Version:

Required Question

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Outdoor, Felony friendly, Shift work, Night shift,

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