Responsibilities

Under supervision, to perform physical, chemical, biological and/or digital analyses related to scientific examination of physical evidence in criminal cases.

The County of Santa Clara District Attorney's Crime Laboratory is recruiting for a Criminalist II, specializing in forensic DNA analysis. The incumbent will perform chemical, biochemical and molecular genetic analysis on evidence samples for the purpose of identification and genetic characterization of physiological fluids and other human biological materials using serological and amplification-based DNA typing techniques. Duties include operating and maintaining laboratory instruments; generating examination records, and writing clear and concise technical reports of findings and conclusions; providing effective expert testimony in court, including the presentation of statistical analysis; providing assistance and training to junior staff; evaluating, validating, and implementing new analytical techniques.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a full background investigation prior to appointment.

Typical Tasks

Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Print Processing, Toxicology, Questioned Documents, Footwear/Shoe Print Analysis, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene Analysis;
Examines evidence, evaluates findings and interprets results utilizing various techniques such as photography, microscopy, wet chemistry, immunoassay, chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, DNA typing, data searching and recovery and digital processing;
Performs field investigations at crime scenes and other locations to search for, collect, document and preserve evidence; provides expertise to agencies at crime scenes;
Consults and advises law enforcement officers, attorneys and the courts regarding the nature of evidence or the results of laboratory analyses and their meaning;
Testifies on the results of laboratory analyses and may interpret them for the courts and other legal hearings;
Prepares clear, comprehensive, technically sound, and accurate casework reports, including all determined facts and conclusions;
Maintains laboratory, instruments, equipment and glassware in a constant state of cleanliness, order and good repair;
May be assigned to deliver technical presentations to outside groups;
Determines the interrelationship of various pieces of physical evidence;
Prepares evidence for presentation in court;
Provides technical guidance to lower level staff and other laboratory personnel pertaining to routine work of the laboratory;
Trains other Criminalists and law enforcement personnel in specialized techniques such as evidence collection or in new areas of forensic interest; trains and certifies operators in using breath alcohol instrumentation;
Serves as a liaison with applicable professional organizations to provide and obtain pertinent information necessary in maintaining subject matter expertise;
May be assigned as Disaster Service Worker, as required;
May perform any related duty, as required.

Qualifications

Employment Standards

Training and Experience Note: Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or applied science, or a related field, AND Two (2) years of criminalist experience.
A Master's Degree, or higher, in a natural or applied science or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required general experience.
An incumbent must possess the minimum qualifications for the discipline assigned as defined by the Laboratory's current accrediting body as well as applicable requirements as set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards and the California Code of Regulations.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County driver's authorization.

Compensation

$109,634.72 - $132,662.40 Annually.

Benefits are detailed on the Application URL.

How to apply

Apply at the Application URL.

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