CRIME LABORATORY
Forensic Scientist Trainee
Summary
This is a first-level professional and technical position where the employee receives comprehensive instruction, and on-the-job training, in the use of scientific methods of collection, observation, and analysis to detect, interpret, and report findings of physical evidence in one of the following specialties: Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), DNA Casework, DNA Screening, Drug Chemistry, Firearms/Toolmarks, Latent Prints, Toxicology, or Trace Evidence. Instruction and work are expected to adhere to established policies and operating procedures. This position requires the employee to be able to testify as an expert witness in a court of law.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Working knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate understanding and successful interpretation, explanation, and application of all assigned areas of the crime laboratory, as well as the laws, principles, and practices as they are related to implementation within the agency.
- Working knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate understanding and successful interpretation, explanation, and application of the agency's policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in the performance of duties.
- Knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate successful use of computer equipment and associated software/databases in the performance of duties.
- Knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate successful operation and use of designated crime laboratory equipment and associated software systems in the performance of duties.
- Working knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate understanding and successful use of the principles and practices of project management techniques in the performance of duties.
- Possess and demonstrate successful communication skills in English via all modes of communication.
- Possess and demonstrate successful management and prioritization of work within predetermined deadlines and stressful/adverse situations.
- Possess and demonstrate the ability to successfully work as a team member and positively interact with a variety of people, as well as work hours as assigned.
- Ability to demonstrate successful performance in the training and mentoring of junior staff.
- Ability to demonstrate successful performance in the research, gathering, correlating, and analyzing of facts to develop statistical reports, charts, recommendations, and/or solutions in the performance of duties.
- Ability to demonstrate successful performance and adherence to the rules of conduct for Patrol employees in accordance with General Order 26-02, as well as all other applicable agency policy and procedures.
- Ability to demonstrate successful performance and adherence to policy and procedure in the care and maintenance of restricted and confidential information in the performance of duties.
- Ability to work with material that may be of a sexual nature relating to criminal activity (e.g., written material, photographs, and/or verbal language, etc.)
- Ability to maintain impartiality and objectivity in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
- Ability to testify as an expert witness in a court of law.
Minimum Requirements
The following represents the minimum qualifications used to accept applicants, provided that equivalent substitution will be permitted in case of deficiencies in experience; however, prior job experience will not replace the minimum academic requirement. A minimum acceptable grade of C or equivalent in the listed core coursework is required.
- Applicants with completed coursework with titles other than those listed below shall provide supporting documentation (e.g., syllabus, letter from instructor) detailing the course content.
- These courses must comply with the current FBI Quality Assurance Audit Document. Official college transcripts and supporting coursework documentation must be provided prior to start of employment.
- Must be a United States Citizen, or a legal resident of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Discipline Specific Minimum Requirements (see below): CODIS
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a biology, chemistry or forensic science related field. College coursework must include 20 semester hours in biology and successfully completed courses (graduate or undergraduate level) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics.
- DNA CASEWORK AND DNA SCREENING
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a biology, chemistry or forensic science related field. College coursework must include 20 semester hours in biology and successfully completed courses (graduate or undergraduate level) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics.
- DRUG CHEMISTRY
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or closely related fields. College coursework must include 20 semester hours of chemistry, including two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory, two semesters of organic chemistry, and one semester of organic chemistry laboratory. Survey or introductory coursework intended for non-chemistry majors will not satisfy the above requirements.
- FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or closely related fields. College coursework must include one semester of chemistry with lecture and laboratory components.
- LATENT PRINTS
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or closely related fields. College coursework must include 24 total semester hours of science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.
- TOXICOLOGY
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or closely related fields. College coursework must include 25 semester hours of chemistry, including two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory, two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratory, and one semester of quantitative analysis or analytical chemistry. Survey or introductory coursework intended for non-chemistry majors will not satisfy the above requirements.
- TRACE EVIDENCE
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences or closely related fields. College coursework must include 25 semester hours of chemistry, including two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory, two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratory, and one semester of quantitative analysis, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, or equivalent. Survey or introductory coursework intended for non-chemistry majors will not satisfy the above requirements.
Minimum Requirements specific to the Crime Laboratory Job Family that may apply and are dependent on assigned discipline and/or areas of responsibility:
- Must obtain and/or possess and maintain a valid driver license.
- Must submit to periodic random drug testing.
- Must provide a DNA sample to be used only for forensic identification as required.
- Must be able to pass a polygraph examination after conditional offer of employment.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain an FBI background investigation to become a CODIS user.
- Must possess or obtain, and maintain, MULES certification within one year of appointment.
- Must possess or obtain, and maintain, AFIS certification within two years of appointment, where applicable.
- Must possess or obtain, and maintain, a Missouri Department of Health Type 1 Permit (Alcohol and Drug Testing).
Necessary Special Requirements
- Documented successful completion of at least 26 hours of professional skill development and leadership training each calendar year.
- working hours are subject to change at the discretion of the commanding authority.