Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances)*
City of Henderson Henderson, Nevada, United States
- Location: Henderson, Nevada, United States
- Categories: Criminology and Forensics, Sciences and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jul 20, 2024
Job Description:
Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances)*
Description
Position Overview*This is an open and continuous recruitment which will remain open for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days and close without notice once a sufficient pool of highly-qualified candidates has been created.
The City of Henderson announces an examination to create an eligibility list and to fill one (1) vacancy for the classification of Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances) in the Police Department. The eligibility list may be utilized to fill vacancies for this classification for up to one (1) year.
Forensic Scientist I:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence for one or more Forensic science disciplines including Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Latent Print Examination, Trace Chemistry-Flammables, Firearms and Toolmarks, Questioned Documents, and Biology/DNA; and performs related duties as assigned.
Forensic Scientist II:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in a discipline of the Forensic Laboratory, (including Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Latent Print Examination, Trace Chemistry-Flammables, Firearms and Toolmarks, Questioned Documents, and Biology/DNA); interprets test results, formulates conclusions, and prepare reports; provides scientific assistance to external parties and testifies in court as an expert witness; and performs related duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidates for Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances) will possess the following:
- Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory
- Experience determining proper scientific testing techniques and performing chemical, instrumental, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative laboratory tests on suspected controlled substances and illicit drugs
- Experience isolating and separating analytes (qualitatively) from various matrices, including solid dose samples
- Knowledge and experience in preparing and validating standards
- Experience with Liquid Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS), Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) instruments, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Knowledge of controlled substances and seized drugs
- Courtroom testimony experience
Why come work for the City of Henderson Police Department?
- Henderson Forensic Laboratory is an ISO/ICE 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory
- A new state-of-the-art Forensic Laboratory Facility is scheduled to be opened by the summer of 2024
- Each scientist in our Laboratory is Board Certified in their respective disciplines
- Henderson is ranked the 2nd safest large City in the United States
- Competitive Salary Range; salary placement for non-represented positions is based on a comprehensive compensation review and takes into consideration the candidate's qualifications as well as internal equity. The successful candidate may start above the bottom of the salary range. Click here to View the City's Non-Represented Compensation Policy
- Base Wage increase upon successful completion of Initial Probationary or Qualifying Period**
- Pay for Performance Base Wage Increase or Lump Sum Bonus**
- **Contingent upon the City’s financial performance and subject to available funding as determined by the City
- Work-Life Balance
- Four (4)-Day, 38 hour workweek (Monday to Thursday)
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Leave and Holidays Policy
- Family and Medical Leave and Extended Leave Policy
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy
- Retirement Benefits
- Nevada PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System)
- Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Account
- Deferred Compensation - 457(b) and 401(a) Plans
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ):
- The final step in the selection process is the police background investigation. If you are among the group of candidates moving forward to the final steps, you will be required to go through a thorough police background process and complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Please note: the background process does not influence the selection process. Click here to view the PHQ successful candidates will be required to complete.
Special Note:
- Candidates considering the Forensic Scientist position may be qualified for the Forensic Scientist I, or Forensic Scientist II position. The position offered to the successful candidate will be based on the individual's education, experience, and skill level.
Click here to view a complete copy of the job description and physical requirements for the Forensic Scientist I.
Click here to view a complete copy of the job description and physical requirements for the Forensic Scientist II.
Click here to learn more about the Henderson Police Department.
Click here to learn what it's like to live in Henderson.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist I (Salary Range: $36.26 to $54.38):
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or applied science.
- Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience related to a particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
- Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
- Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.
- Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II (Salary Range: $39.77 to $59.66):
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with science courses.
- Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or “border state” driver’s license, as defined by NRS 483.
- Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
- Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
- Controlled Substances, Toxicology, or Trace Evidence/ Trace Chemistry-Flammables, and Biology/DNA disciplines: Must be certified in one of the following areas within three years of employment or promotion to this position:
- Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists
- Certified Diplomate or Certified Fellow from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
- Certification(s) in drug chemistry or toxicology from other recognized and accepted forensic certifying organizations
Required Documents/Assessment Information
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Supplemental Questionnaire *Your responses to these questions will be read and scored by Subject Matter Experts and will determine your placement on the eligibility list for this classification.
ASSESSMENT DATES:
Scored Supplemental Question Assessment* (Weighted 100%)
(Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this classification)
*The Scored Supplemental Question Assessment will be the only scored examination and is weighed 100% for placement on an eligibility list. Candidates must receive at least 70% (or higher) on their Scored Supplemental Question Assessment in order to be considered for either position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date.
Selection Interview (Weighted 100%) - Date to be Determined
(Best Qualified Candidates)
All applicants will be notified by email or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are invited to participate in the assessment process, you will be required to self-schedule through the City of Henderson online application system. Please check your email and/or text messages on a regular basis after submitting your application for complete instructions, which include where and when to report.
The assessment and selection process for this position will take place on the dates listed above. All candidates who wish to be considered for this position will need to be in Henderson, Nevada, and make themselves available to participate in the testing process at any time on any of the dates listed above.
Selection Process
The selection process will entail Subject Matter Experts reading and scoring your responses to supplemental questions 11-15 and your answers will be the sole determining factor for placement on the eligibility list for this classification.
Subject Matter Experts will NOT have access to any information besides the answers to questions 11-15. This means that they will not have access to applications, resumes or any other identifying information when scoring. Candidates who have been placed on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview.
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best-qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the candidate requiring accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department (preferably in writing) at the time of application.
IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to the successful and timely completion of a post-offer pre-employment background investigation, polygraph examination, medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol test. Please see the job description to view the physical requirements of the job. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. The selection process should be completed within four (4) months of the closing date. Candidates may reapply when there is a vacancy and a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.
City of Henderson, Nevada
Non-Represented: FLSA Non-Exempt Employees
Benefits Summary
HEALTHCARE AND INSURANCE
- Health Insurance: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision
- Employer paid Long Term Disability - Up to 60% of Base Wage, if approved
- Employer paid Term Life Insurance / AD&D - $50,000 or1X annual salary, whichever is greater
- Employee Assistance Program - 6 Free Visits Per Issue Per Year for Employee and Family Members in the Household, and Access to Work/Life Wellness Resources
- Medicare - Employee and City each pay 1.45%
RETIREMENT
- Employer paid membership in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
- No Social Security tax on employee's wages
- Retirement Health Savings (RHS) program
- Service based retiree health insurance premium subsidy after 15 years participating in this program
PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
- Employees may carry over up to 988 hours of PTO each year
- From date of hire, new employee are credited with a minimum of 18 days* of PTO.After their first anniversary, employees will begin accruing PTO monthly as follows:
- Second year through fifth calendar years of service - 17.42 hours per month
- Sixth year through twelfth calendar years of service - 20.59 hours per month
- Thirteenth calendar year of service and beyond - 23.75 hours per month
*Actual number of days and hours of PTO granted may vary by position
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
- Four (4) workdays of leave, with pay, per occurrence
HOLIDAYS
- 13 paid holidays per year
- Two (2) floating holidays per year (one in first year if hired on or after July 1st)
- The ability to bank holidays, up to 152 hours, that fall on an employee’s regularly scheduled day off
WORK WEEK
- Four-day, 9.5-hour workday, 38-hour work week
- Four-day, 10-hour workday, 40-hour work week for Police PERS positions
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
- IRC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- IRC 401aDeferred Compensation Plan - new/hireemployees only
- IRC125 Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care
- Supplemental Insurance: Cancer/Catastrophic Illness, Accident, Short Term Disability, and Hospital Indemnity
- Auto and Home Insurance
- 529 College Savings Plan
- Supplemental Term Life Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Identity and Credit Protection
- PerkSpot Employee Discounts Program
- Long Term Care + Life Insurance
NOTE: Benefits subject to change based on future administrative policy changes, changes to any applicable legislation, changes to elements of the City’s voluntary benefits program, and at the discretion of the City Manager or City Council
Revised 03/24
Closing Date/Time: Continuous