Forensic Scientist 4 - Seattle And Marysville

Salary : $80,112.00 - $107,712.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 0826_1565_ FS4CLD_SeaMary
Department: Washington State Patrol
Division: Crime Laboratory Division
Opening Date: 03/12/2024
Closing Date: 3/24/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
The Crime Laboratory is hiring for a position in Marysville and Seattle
About the Position:
A Forensic Scientist 4 in the DNA discipline directly impacts the mission of the CLD by performing independent, timely and accurate DNA analyses of routine and complex casework, writing opinion reports, testifying to conclusions in courts of law, and providing training to criminal justice agencies. The DNA FS4 also ensures that all applicable quality assurance measures are employed in all aspects of the discipline on an individual, section and laboratory level.
The DNA FS4's responsibilities include providing technical leadership for the DNA section through direct involvement in validation and training, ensuring that quality measures are employed in casework. The responsibilities provide technical guidance to the section such that competent and high quality casework can be completed in a timely fashion. The FS4 works with various levels of personnel to address technical training manuals, technical procedures in manuals, training new Forensic Scientists, QA/QC process, and validation of new technology and methods.
About the Division:
The Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) provides high quality forensic science services and training for Washington's criminal justice agencies that enhances public safety for the people of Washington.
About the Agency:
The WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous. The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions. Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Scientifically analyzes evidence in routine, and in increasingly non-routine and complex casework in accordance with established productivity standards.
• Documents and protects evidence in accordance with current laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
• Records and organizes observations and data to create a record that explains their analytical work and the conclusions reached in the laboratory report in a legible manner and that allows for technical and administrative review.
• Interprets and reaches scientific conclusions, supported by their data and observations.
• Reports scientific findings in the form of a written forensic laboratory report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results.
• Completes analyses of high quality, performed using forensically accepted scientific methods, and in accordance with the current CLD Quality Operations, DNA Casework, and DNA Quality Assurance manuals.
• Provide technical review and administrative review of casework.
• Follow the mandated criteria established by the national accreditation board for forensics (ANAB).
• Participate in the DNA proficiency testing program by successfully completing all assigned proficiencies and competencies.
• Provide training as needed.
• Participate in assessment preparation and the internal audit program.
• Provides technical expertise and assistance to all personnel within the DNA section of their assigned laboratory.
• Takes a lead role in maintaining the DNA quality processes within their assigned laboratory and ensuring operational compliance with all certifications, accreditation, and legal standards and requirements.
• Provides advice and oversight concerning the quality of the casework product, for compliance with all applicable accreditation and audit criteria, compliance documentation, validation of new technology and methods, validation of new personnel beginning casework, and investigation of casework errors.
• Oversees DNA training for new employees and re-training of existing employees as needed in conjunction with the employee's supervisor.
• Takes a lead role to ensure that quality practices are utilized in all scientific equipment maintenance and ensure appropriate quality control is implemented within the laboratory.
• Ensure that procedures and training manuals accurately reflect established DNA standards and comply with accreditation requirements.
• Evaluate new analytical procedures, equipment or technologies and oversee their validation and assist with implementation.
• Assist supervisors with resolving disagreements between case analysts and technical reviewers, resolving other technical issues, and assist Standards and Accountability with root cause analysis involving technical nonconformities.
• Provide training to agencies.
• Receives continuing DNA education, through attendance at functional area meetings, conferences, seminars, and associated training.
• Learns and applies laws, policies, and procedures, as specified in the RCW, the WAC and federal regulations as they relate to the scientific examination of evidence.
• Receive training in additional capacity if deemed necessary and in compliance with established training procedures and competency testing.
• Testify in a court of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
• Maintaining competency in DNA casework analyses.
• Respond to discovery requests.
• Participate in interviews in regard to analysis if requested.

Work Setting/ Hazards: The setting is a forensic laboratory where chemical and biological hazards, drugs, firearms, and other hazards may be present.
Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days): 40-hour work week, generally 5 days per week Monday through Friday. Hours may be flexible upon approval of the supervisor/laboratory manager. Laboratory business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. May be required to work overtime on rush requests or for court testimony.
Travel Requirements:
Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.
Tools and Equipment:
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of scientific instruments and equipment utilized by the DNA unit, such as, but not limited to: Thermal Cyclers, Capillary Electrophoresis Genetic Analyzers, Real-Time PCR DNA Quantitation systems, Stereo binocular Microscopes, Phase Contrast Microscopes, and centrifuges. Must maintain proficiency with computers, relevant software, and standard office equipment.
Customer Interactions: Interact with representatives of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and defense attorneys on a regular basis. These interactions may be in person, via telephone, or electronic systems.
Other: Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
• A baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science from an accredited institution.
  • Equivalent education/experience at or above the minimum required for the Forensic Scientist level being hired may substitute for the education requirement, on a case by case basis.
• Coursework in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (9 semester hours or 14 quarters hours combined).
  
• Five years of technical experience in a forensic laboratory performing DNA analysis of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.

You must submit a current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply.
Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01
• Qualification for the

Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
For more information regarding how to apply for this position, please click here.
Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.
WSP Policy 1.04.020 - WSP does not engage in, or assist with, civil immigration enforcement, therefore; In no stage of the hiring process will the immigration status of family members of the candidate be investigated by the Washington State Patrol.
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson at
Check us out on: | | | | |
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the n...