Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) – Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigation Disciplines

Oregon State Department of Police; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory in Bend, Oregon is seeking a Forensic Scientist 1 to join our Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigations teams. The position is full-time and permanent, located in Bend, OR, with duties spanning casework planning, field responses, laboratory analysis, and reporting in accordance with division standards.

Minimum qualifications require either five years in an accredited forensic lab with a relevant bachelor’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree

Qualifications

• Five years of experience as a forensic scientist in an accredited lab, or a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, physics, forensic science, pharmacology, bacteriology, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan and solve casework in Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigations.
• Respond to crime scenes in the field and participate in response rotation.
• Perform analysis of evidence following division policies and procedures.
• Prepare records, notes, and reports to meet accreditation and court standards.
• Maintain caseload and communicate with law enforcement and DA offices.

Skills

Biology processing

Field investigations

Evidence analysis

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural science

Official transcripts

Job description

Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) – Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigation Disciplines

The Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory in Bend, Oregon is hiring for one (1) Full-Time, Permanent Forensic Scientist position.

Location: Bend, Oregon

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range for Forensic Scientist 1: $7,767 - $10,529

Salary Range for Forensic Scientist Entry: $6,592 - $8,159

Compensation note: The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

Summary of Job Duties

• Apply objective, scientific, and critical thinking skills to independently plan and problem solve challenges related to casework in the disciplines of Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigations which meets the quality standards of the Division.
• Respond to crime scenes in the field and participate in the response rotation as outlined in the Oregon State Police Officers Association contract.
• Perform accurate and timely analysis of evidence according to Division policies and procedures.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, laboratory notes, and analytical reports to conform to accreditation standards, Division policies and procedures, and court proceedings.
• Manage assigned caseload while maintaining timely communications with law enforcement partners, District Attorneys’ offices, defense counsel, and Forensic Services Division employees.
• Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.
• Prepare necessary reagents, standards, and controls to ensure quality results and act as a resource to support Forensic Services Division analysts.
• Receive and provide training related to assigned duties and perform other duties as needed or requested by the Laboratory Director or other supervisors of the Oregon State Police.
• Perform independent casework in the disciplines of Biology Processing and Crime Scene/Field Investigations which meets the quality standards of the Division.
• Complete at least one proficiency test per year for each forensic discipline performed.
• Assume added responsibilities as authorized.

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist 1

• Five years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited Forensic Laboratory AND A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
• Please note: A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.
• If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist Entry

• A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
• Please note: A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other similar degree does not meet this qualification.
• If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

Additional Requirements and Conditions

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• All individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.
• Must pass a urine analysis drug screen.
• Must pass all applicable background, credit, and criminal history checks.
• Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.
• Official transcripts must demonstrate successful completion of laboratory-based coursework in a natural science discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Physics).
• Before being hired as a Forensic Scientist with the Oregon State Police, you will be required to participate in a full background investigation process which will include a Criminal History Check and a Credit History Check.

Eligibility and Additional Information

• The Oregon State Police does not offer visa sponsorships.
• U.S. Veteran and/or Oregon National Guard Servicemember Status Designation: Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.
• Current OSPOA employees who meet the minimum qualifications of this position will be given preference in the selection process.
• Current OSP employees should refer to the Filling of Vacancies policy for additional information.
• This position is covered by an OSPOA Collective Bargaining Agreement.