Forensic Scientist III - C

Bexar County PA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bexar County is seeking a Forensic Scientist III to identify and analyze firearm and toolmark evidence, interpret results, prepare reports, and testify in court. The role sits on the Forensic Scientist career path with opportunities for advancement, training, and certification attainment.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science, two years of lab experience, and the ability to obtain a Texas license within one year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological Science, or Forensic Science.
• Two years of applicable forensic laboratory experience performing Firearm/Toolmark analysis.
• Must obtain and maintain a Texas Forensic Analyst License within one year of employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; maintain productivity as defined.

Responsibilities

• Conducts forensic science testing and/or analyses of Firearms/Toolmarks evidence.
• Assists in training lower level career path positions by conducting supervised casework.
• Interprets test results and prepares forensic reports on findings.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Provides scientific results to law enforcement agencies and answers questions related to findings.

Skills

Firearm/Toolmark analysis

Court testimony

Effective communication

Evidence handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological Science, or Forensic Science

Job description

Job Title Forensic Scientist III - C

Pay Rate Min to Mid Range $62,892.00 - $75,468.00 Time Type Full time

Summary Under general direction of the Technical Leader or section supervisor, is responsible for identifying and analyzing forensic Firearm and Toolmark evidence, interpreting test results, preparing scientific reports, testifying in court; and performing related duties as required.

The position of Forensic Scientist III is the third position of the Bexar County Forensic Scientist family of jobs. The family of jobs is organized in a career path that extends from Forensic Scientist I (Pay Table E, Grade 05) to Forensic Scientist V (Pay Table E, Grade 09). Advancement through the career path is contingent upon achieving defined levels of productivity, experience, and/or education, and attaining specific certifications.

Description Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts forensic science testing and/or analyses of Firearms/Toolmarks evidence
• Assists in training lower level career path positions by conducting supervised casework
• Interprets test results and prepares forensic reports on findings
• Testifies in court as an expert witness
• Provides scientific results to law enforcement agencies and answers questions related to findings
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological Science, or Forensic Science and two (2) years of applicable forensic laboratory experience performing Firearm/Toolmark analysis Must have three (3) semester credit hours (or equivalent) college-level statistics course or a program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission or be able to obtain the required credit hours within one (1) year of hire Ability to safely handle evidence; ability to determine required amount of material necessary for testing; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate personal computer; ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, law enforcement agencies and the general public Must obtain and maintain a Texas Forensic Analyst License within one (1) year of employment or will be subject to termination Must maintain an average of 80% productivity, as defined in the Crime Laboratory Career Path. As a partial qualification to advance to the Forensic Scientist IV position, must achieve an average of 80% productivity AND equal to or greater than the Section average productivity in which the majority of hours billed occurred, as defined in the Crime Laboratory Career Path. Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test Must have a valid driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance Must have available transportation during entire workday May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Constantly working in indoor conditions; laboratory environment with exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, flammable liquids, unfavorable fumes, vapors, or odors, and bio-hazardous materials and radiation Frequently moves items weighing up to 10-20 pounds Occasionally moves items 20-30 pounds Frequently moves about the office Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery Positions self to perform essential functions Must be able to remain in a stationary position Must have visual acuity (correctable to 20/20 eyesight) and be able to distinguish colors

Working With Bexar County

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance. Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Are you looking to join a team that values respect, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and excellence? Become one of 5,000+ public servants committed to building a better community through quality services. With nearly 5,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, Bexar County offers a wide range of opportunities. Our 18 locations and campuses throughout the county jurisdiction are testament to our expansive reach. As public servants, Bexar County employees are dedicated to enhancing our community through exceptional service. Join us and become part of an organization that values accountability, professionalism, and innovation, all while striving for excellence in service. At Bexar County, we are committed to fostering a positive work environment that emphasizes reciprocity, professional growth, and a healthy work/life balance. This mutual commitment is evident in the strong bonds we maintain with our employees, even into their retirement.