Forensic Scientist III at Broward County Sheriff's Office

About the Department

A new vacancy now exists in the Crime Lab, specifically in the Latent Print Unit.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, criminalistics, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred. Additional coursework may be necessary.

2. Minimum three (3) years at the Forensic Scientist II level; or five (5) years journey level experience in latent print examination with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.

3. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g., International Association for Identification (IAI). Successful completion of the ANAB Internal Auditor Training Course, or ANAB Assessor Training Course for Testing Laboratories or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.

2. Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include  General Biology and Advanced Latent Print Comparison Courses. Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic analysis of latent print evidence is required.

Position Duties

Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to prepare and analyze chemical and evidentiary samples in criminal identification and investigations in the Crime Laboratory of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. As an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory employees in this position must adhere to accreditation standards encompassing extensive case documentation, validation of procedures, technical and administrative review of reports and case notes, etc. In addition, employees are required to participate in external proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, continued technical training, quality audits, and accreditation inspections by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or other accrediting bodies. Employees function in a senior level status performing advanced laboratory techniques for the most complex cases.  Position exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in the conduct of duties, referring unique or unusual, situations to the Crime Lab Technical Leader/Crime Lab Unit Manager for review and advisement. Employees in this classification may perform lead worker duties within the area of assignment under the supervision of the Crime Lab Unit Manager. Position is responsible for the formal reporting of and testifying to the findings of such analysis. Performs related work as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas.

Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks.

Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples.

Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.

Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable.

Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.

Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework.

Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.

Performs validations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.

Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations.

Provides training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards.

May assist in conducting internal audits within the Crime Laboratory as directed.

Performs related duties as directed.

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence.

Broward Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff’s Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Other Qualifications