CRIMINALIST 2234 (REV 09/27/2023)

ANNUAL SALARY
$74,353 to $108,680; $97,321 to $142,276; $102,144 to $149,312
NOTES:

1. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
2. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions. However, candidates with at least 18 months of full-time paid professional experience as a Criminalist (Forensic Chemist) may be considered for appointment to the second pay grade.

DUTIES
A Criminalist searches for, collects and preserves physical evidence in the investigation of crime and suspected criminals; examines evidence by means of physical and chemical analyses; prepares reports of findings; and gives expert testimony in court. At the highest pay grade, performs analyses of physical and chemical evidence of a nonroutine nature requiring advanced technology; and may serve as a head worker by providing training and supervision to criminalists working in a specialized field.
A Criminalist is subject to call at any hour and may work under unpleasant and adverse conditions, including high places, dangerous locations, and in proximity to dead bodies and biological and chemical hazards, in order to investigate crime scenes.Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in a physical or natural science and successful completion of 8 semester or 12 quarter units in general chemistry.
PROCESS NOTESWHERE TO APPLY
City job applications and the Criminalist Supplemental Training and Experience Questionnaire WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON-LINE. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity for Open Competitive Examinations.
NOTES:

1. You must complete both the application and the Criminalist Supplemental Training and Experience Questionnaire (T&E) during the initial session. We recommend that you preview the T&E at http://per.lacity.org/exams/2234Sup.pdf prior to completing your on-line application to ensure you provide yourself with sufficient time to complete both the on-line application and the T&E.
2. There is an issue with using Google Chrome as your browser when submitting supplemental information. For additional information, see the link at http://per.lacity.org/exams/chromeissue.pdf.
3. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed below:
Filing Period 1: From Wednesday, November 1, 2023, to Sunday, December 31, 2023
Filing Period 2: From Thursday, April 11, 2024, to Sunday, April 28, 2024
Filing Period 3: From Friday, August 30, 2024, to Sunday, September 15, 2024
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the multiple-choice test in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City Promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs in the order that applications were received. Applications submitted during the filing period will be kept on file for two years in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.
After meeting minimum qualifications, candidates will be scheduled for the following:
Examination Weights:
Multiple Choice Written Test - Qualifying (Pass/Fail)
Essay - Advisory
Training and Experience Questionnaire - 100%
The multiple-choice test and advisory essay may take place in-person or on-line. Candidates will be notified at a later date with further instructions. For on-line tests, candidates will be able to take the test from a remote location using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an email from the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department outlining the specific steps on how to take the test on-line. For in-person tests, the test will take place in Los Angeles and candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department regarding the time and location of the test.
In the qualifying multiple-choice test, candidates may be examined for: Analytical Ability as it pertains to understanding written material, interpreting graphs, charts, and crime scene diagrams; and Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: scientific methods of analysis, including principles and problem identification; scientific definitions and terminology; statistics and measurement techniques; appropriate handling of physical evidence at a crime scene; sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, including physical properties of chemical substances; biology, including biochemistry and physiology; molecular biology; genetics; physics; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Passing Score for the Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test.
The passing score for the multiple-choice test will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the qualifying multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set either above or below 70%.
Candidates with a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test will be invited to participate in the advisory essay.
In the advisory essay, candidates may be examined for: Follow Written Directions, Written Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Flexibility, Job Knowledge, which may include knowledge of: various types of physical evidence and laboratory methods used to conduct analyses, theory of operation of test instruments commonly used in crime laboratories, and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. This written response will not be separately scored, but its content and quality will be considered in the evaluation of the candidate's overall qualifications. Candidates who do not respond to the essay question will be disqualified from the examination.
Candidates' Criminalist Supplemental Training and Experience Questionnaire and advisory essay will be evaluated only if the candidates achieve a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test. The Supplemental Training and Experience Questionnaires, advisory essays, and City employment applications of these candidates will be submitted to an expert review panel for evaluation. The expert review panel will assign a numeric score to each candidate based on an evaluation of each candidate's overall qualifications, as described on the candidate's City application, Training and Experience Questionnaire, and advisory essay. In the Training and Experience Questionnaire, the following competencies may be evaluated: Follow Written Directions, Written Communication, and Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: various types of physical evidence and laboratory methods used to conduct analyses, theory of operation of test instruments commonly used in crime laboratories, chemistry, biology, physics, microscopy, and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Additional information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Criminalist.
NOTES:

1. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
2. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
3. This examination is based on a content validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
4. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
5. You may take this examination once a year (365 calendar days). Your name may be removed from the eligible list after six months.
6. Candidates must submit a new application and Criminalist Supplemental Training and Experience Questionnaire each time they wish to re-compete in the examination process.
7. Your rank on the employment list may change as scores of candidates from other administrations of the examination are merged onto one list.
8. For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf.

Notice:
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be disaster service workers.
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.Employment Type: FULL-TIME