Entry Level Forensic Scientist Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Department:

POLICE

Compensation Grade:

G21

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: G.21, $47,153.60- $73,465.60
Starting salary - Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Virginia Beach Police Department's Forensic Unit employs twenty civilian and ancillary employees in two distinct sections (crime scene investigation and fingerprint identification). The unit responds to approximately 5,000 crime scenes annually, including vehicle accidents, fires, property crimes, and violent crimes.

Forensic Specialists (Crime Scene) perform work in the recognition, collection, documentation, preservation and processing of physical evidence associated with criminal activity under investigation; process crime scenes; develop latent finger and palm prints at crime scenes and on evidence recovered at crime scenes; identify and recover all forms of evidence, coordinating forensic laboratory submissions of evidence for further analysis; document crime scenes, using note-taking, sketching, measurements, photography and laser scanning; prepare reports and supplemental documents; and testify in court.

Forensic Services Technician is an entry-level position. Applicants selected for the Forensic Services Technician position will be eligible for career progression to the Forensic Specialist I and II position classification (10% pay increases) upon demonstrating competency and proficiency in crime scene investigations and further specialized area such as bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, video-audio analysis, etc., being recognized by the court as an expert witness in that discipline, and in obtaining International Association of Identification (IAI) or comparable certification.

Hours:The hours for this position do vary and involve shiftwork. Once trained completely, you will be assigned into a shift. Additional hours could be needed due to departmental needs.

The City offers agenerous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid-Time-Off.

Special Instructions and Requirements:***Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information in their application/resume, particularly as it relates to specific training and experience performing evidence collection, crime scene investigation, etc., professional certification and experience testifying in court. Please make sure to include your credit hour totals on your application, even if your degree is not obtained yet.***

• Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs.
• This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned.
• CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required, in addition to the successful completion of a background check, candidates must have U.S. citizenship or be a lawful resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.
• Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina driver's license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver's license eligibility requirements.
• Must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.

Preferences:In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

• Strong communication skills
• BS degree in physical science/forensics
• MS degree in physical science/forensics
• Detail orientation and organizational/time management skills
• International Association of Identification (IAI), or comparable, certification as a crime scene investigator
• Experience testifying in court
• Experience operating the 3D laser scanner and other specialized equipment
• Completion of specialized forensic training in an area such as bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, etc.
• Completion of forensic internship
• Completed college coursework in forensic science or crime scene investigation
• Experience as an evidence tech, forensic specialist, or CSI for another LEO

Disqualifiers:

The following is a list of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please consider these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult.Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years.Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.

Additional requirements:
DMV Transcript: Yes
CDL: No
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
CPS Check: No
Physical: No
Respirator: No
Psychological Screening: No
Polygraph: Yes
At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to three (3) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as evidence technician or related position or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver's license.
Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays, and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. Must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business.
The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P13150.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.