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State of Arkansas

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

State of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72208


Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:Position Number: 22090776County: PulaskiPosting End Date: 10/14/2024Anticipated Starting Salary: 45010

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.Overview:

The medical examiner’s section of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is seeking an experienced leader for our investigative team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the role death investigators play in determining the circumstances surrounding a death needed to ascertain cause and manner of death. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership skills with experience in team management, logistics, and organization.Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee and manage medicolegal death investigation.Distribute the caseload among death investigation staff and direct scheduling for an office staffed seven days a week.Work with forensic pathologists to determine which reported cases should be submitted to the Medical Examiner’s office for examination.Dispatch transportation and keep detailed records regarding contract transportation, including invoice approval.Work with coroners and law enforcement officers to provide ongoing education regarding medicolegal death investigation.Ensure policies and procedures are followed and participate, when necessary, in disciplinary actions in consultation with the Chief Medical Examiner and/or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and Deputy Director.Participate in and supervise new hire training.Manage and participate in coroner education regarding case submission guidelines and procedures.Generate reports regarding case submission and work distribution.Keep detailed records of unidentified remains and assist with identification.Maintain collegial and regular communication with other sections of the medical examiner’s office and departments of the Arkansas State Crime Lab.Requirements:

The Chief FI should have management experience and at least five years of experience in death investigation, law enforcement, or a related medical field.The Chief FI is expected to hold a basic certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), or to achieve such certification within a year of hire. The Chief FI will be required to obtain continuing education and maintain ABMDI certification.The Chief FI must obtain advanced certification by the ABMDI within two years after achieving basic certification.The Chief FI is required to successfully complete basic supervisory training provided to state employees.The Chief FI is required to have a good driving record with no prior DUI/DWI conviction within the past three years.Position Information

Class Code: B053CGrade: GS08FLSA Status: EXEMPTSalary Range: $45,010.00 - $71,792.00Summary

The Forensic Scientist is responsible for the examination of evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. After the examination has been completed, the results must be interpreted and a report prepared. Also, the analyst must be prepared to testify as an expert witness to their findings. This position is governed by state and federal laws agency/institution policy.Functions

Designs and conducts a series of analytical tests, including chemistry (Controlled Substances, Trace Evidence and Toxicology), biology (DNA, CODIS, and Serology), digital evidence analysis, latent print analysis, and firearms/toolmarks analysis on evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. Documents evidence and prepares detailed reports of findings detailing analytical methods and techniques used to support conclusions for submission to legal authorities and courts of law. Testifies in court as an expert witness on the analysis of evidence and conclusions reached. Researches scientific literature and exchanges information with peers to stay current with latest scientific advances in the analysis of criminal evidence. Participates in the laboratory's proficiency testing program. Provides training, technical support, and consultation to the law enforcement officers/agencies, attorneys, and other public officials and citizens of the state. Conducts crime scene investigations, as requested by law enforcement agencies. Performs other duties as assigned.Dimensions

NoneKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic analysis, and of forensic analytical methods and techniques. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and agency policies governing forensic activities. Knowledge of laboratory equipment used to perform forensic analysis. Ability to plan and organize forensic analysis. Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and appear as an expert witness in court. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates. Ability to conduct research, establish new analytical procedures, and prepare and present training on the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in a natural science; plus three years of experience in a forensic laboratory. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.Licenses

NoneThe State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

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