Forensic Scientist 3 (In-Training) Firearms- Tacoma

Description This position has been designated as “in-training”; as such WSP will consider filling this position at the Forensic Scientist 3, Forensic Scientist 2, or Forensic Scientist 1 level.
The salary range will depend upon at which level the position is filled at and the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Forensic Scientist 1: In-training Approx.
12 months $4,723 to $6,349 Forensic Scientist 2: In-training Approx.
18 months $5,214 to $7,016 Forensic Scientist 3: In-training Approx.
6 months $6,349 to $8,545 About the Position: A Forensic Scientist 1,2,3 in the Firearms and Toolmarks section directly impacts the mission of the CLD by performing independent, timely and accurate analyses of routine and complex casework, writing opinion reports, testifying to conclusions in courts of law, and providing training to criminal justice agencies.
This position is considered critical in the event of Washington State Patrols Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Designation – For Disaster or Emergency Recovery Priority 1 – Crime scene response to violent crime and other major events.
Priority 2 – Vital examination of evidence in violent criminal cases aimed at the identification and apprehension of dangerous suspects likely to re-offend.
Priority 3 – Evidence preservation and maintenance of chain of custody.
Priority 4 – Secure Crime Laboratory Division casework files and move them to a secure location.
The Forensic Scientist interacts with various staff including, but not limited to, forensic scientists, the laboratory managers, administrative staff, representatives of criminal justice agencies, and the general public.
Work priorities are established through interactions with management, criminal justice agencies, prosecutors, and the capabilities and workload of the scientist.
About the Division: The Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) provides high quality forensic science services and training for Washington's criminal justice agencies that enhances public safety for the people of Washington.
About the Agency: The WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous.
The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions.
Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.
Duties Responsibilities: Perform laboratory analysis of physical evidence in complex casework using accepted scientific methods.
Scientifically analyzes evidence in routine, and in increasingly non-routine and complex casework in an area(s) in which they have been validated proficiently and in accordance with established productivity standards.
Documents and protects evidence in accordance with current laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
Completes analyses of high quality, performed using forensically accepted scientific methods, and in accordance with the current CLD Operations and Quality manuals and applicable technical procedures.
Provide technical review and administrative review of casework.
May respond to requests for assistance at crime scenes.
Follow the mandated criteria established by the national accreditation board for forensics (ANAB).
Participate in the proficiency testing program by successfully completing all assigned proficiencies and competencies.
Learns and applies laws, policies, and procedures, as specified in the RCW, the WAC and federal regulations as they relate to scientific examination of evidence.
Testify in a court of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
Maintaining competency in casework analyses.
Participate in interviews in regard to analysis if requested.
Tools and Equipment: The tools and equipment are referred to in the Firearms and Toolmark's Technical manual.
They include the Caswell shooting range, comparison microscope systems, and various gunsmithing tools to assemble/disassemble firearms.
They also include the use of a computer for word processing, image manipulation, database management, and other applicable software.
Travel Requirements: Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.
Work Setting/ Hazards: The setting is a forensic laboratory where chemical and biological hazards, drugs, firearms, and other hazards may be present.
Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
A baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science from an accredited institution.
Equivalent education/experience at or above the minimum required for the Forensic Scientist level being hired may substitute for the education requirement, on a case by case basis.
Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
You must submit a current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply.
Why work for the Washington State Patrol? A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
Continuous growth and development opportunities.
Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01 Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program .
Supplemental Information This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
For more information regarding how to apply for this position, please click here (Download PDF reader).
WSP Policy 1.
04.
020 - WSP does not engage in, or assist with, civil immigration enforcement, therefore; In no stage of the hiring process will the immigration status of family members of the candidate be investigated by the Washington State Patrol.
Questions? Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.
simpson@wsp.
wa.
gov .
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