Forensic Scientist I

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave time

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking an entry-level Forensic Analyst to join the Latent Print Section. Under supervision, you will perform evidence collection, processing, analysis, and reporting across disciplines, including latent prints.

The role involves training, maintaining records, and potential testimony in court. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a Texas Forensic Analyst License substitution and may involve responding to scenes and on-call rotations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or license substitution may satisfy education requirements.
• Knowledge of basic forensic science theory, methods, and procedures.
• Ability to explain functions with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry-level forensic work: evidence collection, processing, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist in preparing forensic reports and training records.
• Respond to scenes and participate in on-call rotations when required (Crime Scene/Firearms).
• Represent discipline and present results in testimony when needed.

Skills

Color vision

Laboratory procedures

Evidence handling

Oral & written communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Forensic Analyst License (Texas FSC) substitution

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About This Position

Purpose: Under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of independent judgment, this position performs entry‑level forensic science work in one of the following disciplines within the Austin Forensic Science Department: Crime Scene, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Prints, Seized Drugs, or Toxicology.

Job Description

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Performs and successfully completes (entry-level) training on evidence collection/control, laboratory processing, laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and/or identifications/associations of all types of physical crime scene evidence applicable and specific to the forensic discipline. Demonstrates competency in areas trained, successfully completes supervised casework. Creates and maintains accurate and contemporaneous training records, forensic reports, records, and documents. Learns how to effectively represent the discipline, associated results of analyses/examinations and other forensic work products in testimony. May serve as an expert witness in court. Learns the requirements of and adheres to the Quality Management System, including adherence to forensic practitioner professional standards as defined by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Performs entry‑level forensic work in the discipline and areas authorized; such as evidence collection, documentation, processing, analysis, and associated reporting. Responds to crime scenes and participates in 24/7 on‑call rotations if required (applicable only to Crime Scene and Firearms and Toolmarks disciplines).

Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Color vision acuity for select disciplines.
• Knowledge of basic theory, principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of proper evidence handling procedures.
• Skill in use of laboratory instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work in hazardous working conditions, including situations where there is a danger to life, body, and/or health, exposure to hazardous/toxic chemicals, exposure to biological fluids and blood‑borne diseases, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in a field related to the job.
• A current Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License may be substituted for the education requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting latent print comparisons in an accredited forensic testing laboratory.
• Experience conducting latent print inquiries with the use of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (local, state or federal) in an accredited forensic testing laboratory.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.

Notes to Candidate

Purpose: As a key member of the Austin Forensic Science Latent Print Section, this position applies comprehensive knowledge and modern forensic principles, practices, and procedures to objectively analyze, compare and evaluate latent print related evidence. Support our mission in the pursuit of truth through science and outstanding service to the legal system and community of Austin. Come be part of the Austin Forensic Science Latent Print Team as we implement the latest discipline technology. Work Location: 812 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702 Schedule: Day Shift, Monday - Friday Payrate: $28.76/hr - $35.59/hr

CBI:

• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint‑based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

Secondary Employment

All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department. APD must review all secondary employment. Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.

Benefits

• Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin City of Austin Driver Safety Standards, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Important Note to Applicants

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. This posting can close at any time after 7 days. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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What Makes the City of Austin Special?

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• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.
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• By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.