Responsibilities

The Forensic Scientist III is a civilian employee of the Weld County Sheriff's Office who functions as a senior level scientist with significant experience, technical knowledge and technical skills related to lab disciplines: Chemistry, Firearms, Digital Multimedia, Latent Print, or Biology. This position can be assigned a supervisory role as a section supervisor, technical lead-worker, technical trainer for a section, or an analyst knowledgeable and skilled in more than one lab discipline.

They are responsible for performing complex analyses on physical evidence in criminal cases submitted to the forensic laboratory, interpreting analytical results, preparing written opinion reports, and testifying as experts in courts of law. This position focuses on maintaining the laboratory's quality processes and ensuring operational compliance with all certifications, accreditation, and legal standards and requirements. This position has the authority to stop casework processes if a problem occurs and the accountability for quality of casework product, compliance documentation, validation of new technology and methods, validation of new personnel beginning in casework, and investigation of casework errors and implementation of corrective measures.

See complete job posting for all the job details.

Qualifications

Experience Qualifications

2 years authorized technical experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law in one or more of the listed forensic disciplines.

Skills and Abilities

Must have the ability to read, write, and speak English.
Must possess normal color vision and be able to distinguish color variations accurately.
Ability to pass a standard color vision test (such as Ishihara) may be required.
Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; and the ability to count, sort, and categorize inventory items.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables, in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to operate telephones, computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, printer/scanning instrumentation, and specialized equipment specific to the assigned discipline.
Candidates must pass a criminal background check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Valid state-issued driver’s license (Required)
Latent print examiners must be currently certified by IAI as a Latent Print Examiner. (Required)
Firearms examiners must be AFTE members and authorized to perform independent casework in firearm examinations. (Required)
Digital Multimedia examiners must be IACIS certified. (Required)
Forensic Biologist must be authorized in serology and/or forensic biology certified by the American Board of Criminalistics. (Required)
Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

Criminalist III: Required Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminalistics, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Physics, Forensic Science, Computer Science, or a field related to the work assignment. Examples of related fields, including but not limited to, are pharmacology, medical technology, genetics, analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or toxicology.

Experience Qualifications

5 years Technical experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
Chemistry – successful completion of at least 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of chemistry and 5 semester or 8 quarter hours of physics.
Biology (DNA) – successful completion of undergraduate or graduate level coursework totaling at least nine cumulative semester credit hours (or equivalent) in the following subjects: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; and statistics and/or population genetics.

Compensation

Criminalist II: $45.97- $58.23

Criminalist III: $48.29- $61.17

Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered: https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits

How to apply

Use the following link to view the job description and apply: https://weldgov.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WeldCountyCareers/details/Sheriff-s-Office---Criminalist-II-or-III_JR102597

Apply