Forensic Biology/DNA Specialist

Job Description:

Forensic Biology/DNA Specialist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

**Salary is based on experience and/or qualifications, and is subject to negotiation**
The City of Fort Lauderdale employees possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

This position is being advertised in anticipation of a future vacancy and is contingent upon budgetary approval.

This position contains advanced technical laboratory work preparing and analyzing chemical and evidentiary samples in complex criminal identification and investigations. An employee in this classification will be assigned to the DNA Unit in the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Crime Laboratory and will apply specialized knowledge and advanced scientific work involving the examination of forensic evidence and DNA analysis. The position requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment in conjunction with BSO accreditation standards, rules, regulations and procedures, and standards, rules, regulations and procedures applicable to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by Federation of Public Employees and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Federation of Public Employees and is in Management Category III for benefits purposes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Examines forensic evidence for existence of biological materials including blood and semen
• Analyzes, extracts, and interprets forensic DNA samples isolated from biological materials
• Conducts preliminary testing, examination and preparation of physical/chemical evidence (potentially bio-hazardous)
• Generates and reviews data from laboratory examination to determine findings; compiles data for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable
• Participates 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
• Performs serological analysis of evidence and document results
• Testifies to analytical results and findings in depositions and court
• May review and sign reports/documentation of City of Fort Lauderdale personnel assigned to the BSO Crime Laboratory
• Utilizes hazardous chemicals and solutions to obtain analytical results pertaining to unknown materials
• Prepares unit equipment for testing and analytical tasks; maintains general cleanliness of laboratory and equipment
• Retrieves and returns physical/chemical evidence (potentially health damaging) to/from evidence custodian in the evidence vault; secures evidence while in custody
• May lead, train, assist and review the work of City of Fort Lauderdale personnel assigned to the BSO Crime Laboratory.
• Attends and provides training and laboratory meetings and provides assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards.
• Spends at least 65 percent 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 such evidence.
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor's Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences with credits in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, organic chemistry and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or closely related field.Five (5) years of technical experience in criminology or forensic science, involving specialized testing and analysis in DNA Analysis or a related specialized area of forensic science, with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education.Must meet the current FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing.Must acquire and maintain certification from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)Must have completed an Internal Auditor Training Course (or equivalent).Must obtain and maintain all credentials as required in accordance with accreditation standards of the Broward Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory.Successfully complete a pre-polygraph interview, polygraph examination, and background investigation.If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application.
Special Requirements:
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity is necessary to prepare and analyze chemical and evidentiary samples, enter data and prepare reports using a computer. Use of office equipment such as telephones, hand-held radios, copiers, and computers are required. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensic analysis environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204) to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment informationincluding our benefits package.

Click here for additional Federation of Public Employees managementbenefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!
Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 10/18/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$82,892.58 - $128,489.50 Annually