Forensic Scientist 1 (Forensic Scientist Entry Underfill Option) – Firearms Unit

Job Description :

If you are a current OSP OSPOA employee and you wish to receive preference as an internal applicant, you must apply in Workday by END OF DAY on 07 / 03 / 2024.

If you apply after this time, you will not receive internal preference and your interview materials will be reviewed along with external applicants.

Do you have a desire to work both independently and as part of a high-performance team in an accredited forensic laboratory where you will work evidence related to firearms and toolmarks?

Do you have keen attention to detail and possess excellent organizational, technical, and scientific skills? Do you enjoy working with firearms and processing evidence in a lab?

If so, please consider joining our Forensics team and apply today!

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

If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact and reference REQ-159302.

What will you do?

You will be performing technical and scientific functions as they relate to the Criminal Justice System and in accordance with the policies of the Department of State Police, Forensic Services Division, accreditation procedures, and laws of the State of Oregon.

The forensic scientist in this position will :

Apply objective, scientific, and critical thinking skills to independently plan and problem solve challenges related to casework in the firearms discipline which meets the quality standards of the Division.

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.

Complete at least one proficiency test per year for each forensic discipline performed.

Assume added responsibilities as authorized.

To learn more about the Forensic Services Division,

What’s in it for you?

Work / life balance.

Paid vacation, sick leave, and up to 24 hours of personal business leave a year.

Retirement programs through the and optional deferred compensation programs through the .

Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carries your seniority and benefits with you.

Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.

Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.

Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

The Oregon State Police is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to and affording all persons an opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

At Oregon State Police, our Mission is to serve all people with a priority of safeguarding life, property, and natural resources by building upon a diverse, professional, and trustworthy workforce.

Our core values are Compassion, Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, and Dedication.

Studies have shown that people from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all the qualifications and preferred skills described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

If you meet key qualifications for the job and believe you would be a good fit, we encourage you to apply; please use your resume and cover letter to address your qualifications and the preferred skills for this position.

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist 1 ($7,112.00 - $9,641.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration) :

Five years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited Forensic Laboratory

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.

For applicants that are not yet at the full performance level, we are offering an underfill opportunity as follows :

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist Entry ($6,036.00 - $7,471.00) (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration) :

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.

Note : 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.

Preferred Skills (you must provide a specific example of how you meet these skills in your cover letter for full consideration) :

Demonstrated capacity to remain detail-oriented and maintain accurate and complete records while working professionally in a high-stress work environment.

Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and to work as part of a team to effectively manage and accomplish competing priorities.

Demonstrated ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned and scientifically supported judgments.

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with a diverse audience.

Demonstrated knowledge in Firearms / Toolmark Examination, microscopic comparative analysis, or pattern recognition methodologies working in an accredited Laboratory.

Special Qualifications :

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services Division’s laboratories in any capacity, 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.

Prior to 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.

These positions, in the course of regular business activities, are responsible for the handling, management and / or analysis of several types of sensitive evidence, including bank statements, checks, debit and credit card information, and other financial records that contain financial information not customarily provided in a retail transaction.

Forensic Scientists also handle, manage and / or analyze large amounts of cash, firearms, jewelry, controlled substances, and other valuable property collected as evidence during on-going criminal investigations.