Forensic Scientist 1 (Digital Evidence)

Exam Announcement Details

This is training level forensic science work learning the methods and techniques involved in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Positions in this class are allocated to one of five specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence specialty may be assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints. Positions in all specialties participate in an extensive training and evaluation program to be qualified as a forensic expert.
Work in each specialty includes examining evidence associated with crimes for presentation of laboratory findings in written reports and through expert testimony in criminal trials. Assignments increase in scope and complexity as experience is gained and the qualification level is neared. Employees in this class assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards in the accredited Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level forensic scientist or technical superior.

Minimum Requirements

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.

ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within nine (9) months of the application deadline (by 12/31/23) will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.

EDUCATION
Completion of a bachelor's degree program, at an accredited college or university, with major course work in:

DIGITAL EVIDENCE SPECIALTY:

1. COMPUTER FORENSICS
2. COMPUTER SCIENCE/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
3. DIGITAL FILMMAKING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION
4. VISUAL EFFECTS AND MOTION GRAPHICS
5. MEDIA STUDIES
6. PHOTOGRAPHY

NOTE - Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement.

NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Ability to visually distinguish test results, which may include color changes, pattern recognition, and interpretation of electronic data (tables, graphs and charts).

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Scientist 1 if required by work assignment.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

It is an absolute requirement that candidates either upload an official college transcript with their application or submit a copy via email, fax, or mail for this title. Please submit transcripts to avoid delays or outright dismissal of your application during the review process.

It is optional whether you provide this documentation by attaching it to this application or submitting via email. Your options are further explained below:

Option 1 - Upload an official copy of your documentation and attach to this application- Good for this application and all future applications!
You may upload the documentation into your account, and attach to this application. Once uploaded to your account, the documentation may be attached to all future applications. This will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future. This also ensures that your documentation will not be misplaced.

Your documentation should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. It cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.

Option 2 - Submit an official copy of your documentation via email, mail or fax - One time use only!
If you submit the required documentation via email, mail or fax, it will be used for this application only. You will have to submit the documentation again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Copies of the documentation will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.

Email: david.f.ross@phila.gov

Fax: 215-686-2347 with ATTN: David Ross

Mailing address:
City of Philadelphia
Office of Human Resources
1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: David Ross

Application Details

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.

David Ross

City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Phone: 215-686-2359

Fax: 215-686-0861

Email: david.f.ross@phila.gov

NOTE: This analyst may be intermittently working remotely. Please forward questions and documentation via email to avoid delays.

3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you're interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor's Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

New employees hired after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated. New employees must either be fully vaccinated or have received one dose (if receiving a two-dose vaccine) by their start date with the City and will have a 30-day grace period to become fully vaccinated. During this grace period, these employees will be required to double-mask in City offices. To find a vaccination clinic near you, please visit phila.gov/vaccine.

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person's gross pay for such period, without the person's consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Your application will be rejected and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.

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