Forensic Scientist I

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Pay Schedule I, Grade 34, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

A vacancy exist in the Police Department, Administrative & Technical Services Bureau/Forensic Services Section.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s), certification(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of License(s), Certification(s) and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of license(s), certification(s), and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, executes the handling, analysis and reporting of results of technical work in accordance with the quality assurance program as part of police and fire investigations in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department.

• Conducts thorough examinations of computer hard disk drives, and other electronic data storage media.
• Preserves and copies the original media.
• Prevents the transference of viruses, destructive programs, and inadvertent writes to and from the original media.
• Restores recoverable deleted files.
• Accesses password-protected and secured files.
• Uses forensic software applications to analyze electronic media.
• Examines the contents of a computer's CMOS.
• Examines boot record data, system configuration, and operation command files.
• Verifies the correctness of the computer's internal clock.
• Physically disassembles and examines computers and related hardware components.
• Identifies evidence of computer crimes such as the theft and sabotage of data; unlawful access of data and systems; fraudulent use of bank, credit, and telecommunications accounts; and the trafficking of pornography.
• Examines and analyzes text, graphics, multimedia, and digital images.
• Labels and secures evidence.
• Prepares and presents reports of examinations and findings.
• Works with prosecutors and others to prepare cases for trial.
• Trains and instructs other employees.
• Provides advice and guidance regarding computer crimes.
• Gives presentations to community groups.
• Provides expert opinions/testimony in court.
• Performs other laboratory activities to support the technical work and the quality assurance program for one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Prepares evidence for further examination, analysis, and processing.
• Develops various types of plaster and rubber casts of crime scene evidence.
• Evaluates prints and photographs.
• Participates in continuing education and training and completes other administrative and technical tasks in one or more unit of the Forensic Services Section.
• Transfers evidence.
• Under close supervision, conducts biological/chemistry analysis and examinations pertaining to law enforcement investigations.
• Receives and logs evidence from evidence custodians in accordance with rules of chain-of-custody.
• Prepares standard and special reagents as required.
• Conducts and assists in conducting biological/chemistry analysis and examinations. Formulates conclusions and prepares investigative reports and charts based on forensic examinations.
• Prepares exhibits to be used in courts and provides expert testimony in court.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Assists in the purchase and inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• The Forensic Scientists I in the Biology Lab is a trainee position.
• This position will perform general laboratory duties such as ordering supplies, making solutions, upkeep of equipment records, and complete training in serological and DNA analysis methods.
• This position also participates in the Quality Assurance program and accreditation activities..

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Attends and participates in seminars and conferences.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, medical technology, pharmaceutical science, or a related field (physical, natural, or forensic science).

OR

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, law enforcement, digital forensics, cyber security, high technology crime or a related field.

(Experience in forensics or evidence collection may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)

Some positions may require certification by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Thorough knowledge of scientific principles, standard laboratory procedures, the rules of admissibility of evidence and chain of custody.
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a forensic laboratory.
• Thorough knowledge of ethical and quality assurance standards for forensic testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of analytical and comparative methods and techniques for forensic sciences concerning identification, collection, analysis and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Knowledge of criminal investigative procedures and the criminal justice system concerning the application of forensic science, including testifying.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Provide expert or other testimony in court.
• Work independently.
• Legally access appropriate State and Federal databases.
• Learn and apply discipline specific technical knowledge of handling physical evidence and applying correct methods and techniques for identification, collection and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Learn and apply methods of analysis, analyze test data and draw accurate conclusions in accordance with approved procedures.
• Learn to maintain accurate records, prepare and present detailed documentation of analysis and results of analysis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and legal system personnel.

New employee training provided by Baltimore County, employees will be provided information and or training specific to the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department, including but not limited to the following: ethics, safety, quality assurance and laboratory management information system. As applicable, prior to performing casework, the employee will be provided a documented training program to ensure they have the opportunity to gain the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform their assigned task(s).

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Forensic Scientist I
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s), certification(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

On appointment to this classification, an employee must provide a DNA sample to be maintained for quality assurance purposes by way of buccal swab of the inside of the employee’s mouth or current standardized collection procedure to be performed by qualified police department personnel. Provision of the DNA sample is a condition of employment and shall only be used for law enforcement purposes as a forensic laboratory or for purposes of human remains identification and request, but only to the extent that the genetic information is used for analysis of DNA identification markers for quality control to detect sample contamination. It shall be maintained and disclosed only in a manner consistent with law, separate from the employee’s personnel file as a confidential medical record, and will not be used for any other purpose. See 75 Fed. Reg. 68912, 68936 (November 9, 2010), 42 U.S.C. 2000ff-1(b)(6), 29 CFR 1635.8(b)(6), as amended. Provision of the DNA sample is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the police department. Failure to provide the DNA sample would prevent performance of an essential job function. Employees in this classification may be assigned to a work shift which includes nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies, and may be required to work overtime as needed.

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, and drug test. Employees are subject to periodic drug testing.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification frequently requires walking and standing, lifting, carrying, or dragging equipment and evidence of various sizes and shapes, traveling between work sites, and exposure to adverse weather conditions, toxic chemicals, bio-medical hazards, such as blood and other body fluids, and other hazardous conditions. Some situations will require climbing ladders, working at heights, or accessing confined spaces.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance
70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.