MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS                            

Education/Training:     A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science related area and a minimum of 12 credit hours of graduate and undergraduate course work in the areas of Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Statistics/Population Genetics. Transcripts reflecting these credit hours must be presented at time of Supplemental Application submittal. Official or unofficial transcripts, containing the logo of the educational institution and the applicant’s name which reflect required coursework, are acceptable. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the selection process.

     Successful completion of the FBI-sponsored auditor training is required before hire or within one year after hire.

     In addition to the education requirements above, applicants must meet the standards for technical leader as established in The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories issued by the FBI Director.  Successful completion of a documented training program in forensic DNA analysis and the forensic identification of human biological substances and/or demonstration of competency is required.  Compliance with all training and educational requirements must be demonstrated through appropriate documentation.

Experience: Three years of forensic databasing or human identification DNA laboratory experience pertaining to the evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters, which must also include experience in rendering expert testimony in a court of law.                                                 

Discipline:  Current LVMPD employees who possess a major suspension or higher level of discipline, signed by the Sheriff or designee within one year from the date of the Practical Exam, will be automatically disqualified. Any other discipline current employees possess will be evaluated during the background process. Applicants who are not currently employed by the LVMPD will have their disciplinary history evaluated and verified during the background process.

Other: Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or have U.S. permanent residency at time of application. The LVMPD is required to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and any employee may be required to work any hours, days or shift, including holidays and weekends.  This is a condition of employment without exception. Must obtain a Nevada driver’s license and must register their personal vehicle with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV) in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS).  (See Conditions of Employment #3 below.)

Members of the Department shall be neat and clean in their appearance in public, whether in or out of uniform.  Therefore, candidates with visible tattoos, branding, and/or body piercing in areas of the body which cannot be covered by a long-sleeved shirt and pants will be disqualified from testing for either commissioned or civilian positions with the LVMPD.

Conditions of Employment: 

1)         Must successfully complete FBI-sponsored auditor training within one year after hire, if such training had not been obtained before hire.

2)         Must submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.

3)         Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 483.245 requires individuals to obtain a Nevada driver’s license within 30 days after becoming a Nevada resident as a prerequisite to driving any motor vehicle within the State.  NRS 482.385 requires individuals to apply for vehicle registration within 60 days after becoming a Nevada resident or at the time the Nevada driver’s license is obtained, whichever occurs first. Once an individual becomes a Department employee, they are considered to be a Nevada resident and, therefore, are required to meet the above NRS requirements. The Department requires Nevada residency as a condition of employment.    

4)         Must maintain a Nevada driver’s license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations, such as the courts.

BEST CANDIDATES WILL HAVE

In addition to the minimum qualifications:

• At least three (3) years of recent DNA forensic casework experience, in addition to at least one (1) year of experience performing technical leader functions in a forensic DNA laboratory.
• Experience performing human DNA analysis of casework samples, including the evaluation, screening, extraction and analysis of a variety of evidentiary substrates and biological sources in criminal matters.
• 12 semester or equivalent credit hours which includes at least one graduate level course registering three or more semester or equivalent credit hours.
• Completed the FBI-sponsored auditor training. 
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software used in a DNA laboratory, to include GeneMapper ID-X.
• Knowledge of instruments used in forensic DNA analysis, to include 7500 Sequence Detection Systems, 310, 3100 and/or 3130XL Genetic Analyzers.
• Recent participation in a proficiency testing program in short tandem repeat DNA analysis, using capillary electrophoresis;
• Experience in providing DNA technical training and oversight to analysts in a laboratory setting.
• Experience conducting external DNA audits.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations governing a forensic DNA laboratory as defined in the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories documents.
• Familiarity with the ASCLD/LAB accreditation program.
• Experience providing general forensic training to law enforcement personnel and attorneys.