Sheriff's Forensic Scientist Trainee/I (Toxicology/Forensic Alcohol) - Fixed Ter

Sheriff's Forensic Scientist Trainee/I (Toxicology/Forensic Alcohol) - Fixed Term Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/newprint/4739308) Apply  Sheriff's Forensic Scientist Trainee/I (Toxicology/Forensic Alcohol) - Fixed Term Salary $57,140.44 - $103,563.97 Annually Location Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA Job Type Fixed Term Job Number 1950SHF-25AA (MK) Department Sheriff Opening Date 01/07/2025 Closing Date 1/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific Description Benefits Questions Description What We Offer The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range, an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following: Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase. Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree. Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III). Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for some positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance. Vacation Accrual – New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked. Vacation Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months. Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods. Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions. Health Plans–Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents. Employee only - $509 per biweekly pay period Employee plus one dependent - $779 per biweekly pay period Employee plus family - $983 per biweekly pay period Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses. Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS. Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday. Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program. Under immediate supervision, participates in an agency-sponsored training program to develop the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required in various specialty areas of the Forensic Science Lab; and performs related duties as assigned. Under direct supervision, Forensic Scientist Trainee (FST) performs forensic science casework of limited complexity, presents findings in court and other legal proceedings, and prepares documentation and written reports. May be authorized to perform administrative review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics: The Forensic Scientist Trainee differs from the Forensic Scientist I in that this classification is required to successfully participate in a forensic science training program. Throughout the training program, the Trainee will be required to demonstrate competence in one or more assigned specialty areas before being eligible to promote to the Forensic Scientist I level. The Forensic Scientist I classification is characterized by the performance of professional forensic science analysis. Incumbents are not expected to have expertise in complex specialty areas. This classification differs from the Forensic Scientist II classification in that the latter classification is expected to perform journeyman-level analysis and casework. Incumbents in this classification typically receive mentoring as they continue their professional development in a specialty discipline. The current vacancy is a Fixed Term position with an expected expiration date of 06/30/2026. A Fixed Term position is a position designated by the Director of Human Resources or Board of Supervisors to which persons may be appointed for fixed terms not to exceed three (3) years. Fixed Term employees are eligible for the same benefits and compensation as Regular employees. PAYROLL TITLES and APPROXIMATE SALARIES: Forensic Scientist Trainee: $ 27.47 - $38.42 per hour Forensic Scientist I: $ 35.59 - 49.79 per hour VETERAN'S POINTS: Forensic Scientist Trainee is an entry level classification, and Veteran's Points may apply to eligible applicants. Documentation of military service (DD-214) must be submitted prior to close of recruitment in order to receive points. NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department. DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Sheriff's Office - Forensic Sciences Laboratory Forensic Scientists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OPENING DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 CLOSING DATE: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. WRITTEN EXAM: The week of February 3, 2025 Examples Of Duties Duties may include but are not limited to the following: FST Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions; Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed; Learns how to identify, and analyze items of forensic importance; Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures; Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of custody and evidence handling procedures; Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments; Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in a forensic discipline; and Performs other related duties as assigned. FS I Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform assigned analysis of evidence in forensic science; Identifies, and analyzes items of forensic importance; Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed; Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions; I nteract s with law enforcement personnel to obtain information about evidence and cases; Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results; Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; May attend crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence; and Performs other related duties as required. Typical Qualifications These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE: Forensic Scientist Trainee: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry. Forensic Scientist I: One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry. NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS: Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license. Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Verification of the required college-level coursework is required. Verification consists of transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to Sheriff's Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. t hree (3) business days after the recruitment closes to continue in the process. You may attach a copy to your online application, or you may mail or deliver a copy to Sheriff's Human Resources Bureau, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009-3700, Attn: Melissa Kurtz. If transcripts are not submitted, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process - no exceptions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If the name on your college transcripts is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate). College transcripts from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency. DESIRED: Experience in Forensic Science Experience as an expert witness in Forensic Science Three (3) semester units or four and a half (4.5) quarters units of quantitative analysis. Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related field Experience with blood and breath alcohol test equipment, liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry, immunoassay equipment, Time-Of-Flight (TOF) MS, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, toxicology or forensic alcohol analysis Forensic laboratory quality assurance experience Experience creating Crystal Reports and/or writing macros Certification through: American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) Supplemental information: Work is performed in the forensic sciences laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Some (FST) to working (FS I) knowledge of: scientific methods and procedures; laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence; collecting and preserving physical evidence. Some (FST) to working (FS I) ability to: analyze, compare, and/or identify materials and interpret their significance in a court of law; compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes; research and present new analytical techniques; construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel; and others involved in the legal system. Some (FST) to working (FS I) skill in: operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments. Recruitment Process FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura?sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending) . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009. Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application. NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another merit or civil service public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a merit or civil service style examination, then appointment by Lateral Transfer may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) (Download PDF reader) for additional information. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: A ll applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration. APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: An application evaluation will be conducted to determine whether each applicant meets the stated requirements. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will continue to the next step in the screening and selection process. WRITTEN EXAMINATION -100%: A job-related written examination will be administered to test candidates' knowledge of general chemistry, and forensic science. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list. Written examinations will be held on: Monday, February 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates who score seventy percent (70%) or higher on the oral examination will be placed on an eligible list for one (1) year. If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70) will be assigned to each applicant, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary), Intermittent, and Extra-help vacancies. There is currently one (1) vacancy in Sheriff's Forensic Sciences Laboratory. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Prior to actual appointment from the eligible list, the successful candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, conducted by the sheriff's human resources bureau which may also include a polygraph examination. Background investigation findings may be a basis for removal from the eligible list. To speak to a sheriff's office representative concerning the background investigation process, call (805) 654-2375. For further information about this recruitment, please contact Melissa Kurtz by email at melissa.kurtz@ventura.org. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721) (SEIU) To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below. Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570. Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf) Memorandum of Agreement Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS 01 Please note: You are applying for a position within a law enforcement agency. If you are successful in the application, testing and selection process, you will undergo a thorough background investigation prior to receiving an offer of employment. The background investigation may take up to 3 months to complete. The following are some of the more common reasons for disqualification from the background investigation: Conviction of a felony. Conviction of two or more misdemeanors in the past ten years. Conviction of a sex related crime. Having had a driving privilege suspended or revoked for non-medical reasons within the past five years. Having any convictions for violent crimes or domestic violence incidents that prohibit the possession of a firearm under 29805 PC. History of having illegally possessed, purchased, or sold any of the following substances in the past seven years: cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, MDMA, ecstasy, psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms), or PCP. History of serious financial irresponsibility within the past 5 years. Having been on any court ordered probation at any time within the past 5 years. Dishonesty during any part of the application or hiring process, including the background investigation. I have read and understand the above statement. 02 Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed. No high school diploma or GED High school diploma or GED 1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work but no degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree/Ph.D. or Higher 03 Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above. Biochemistry Chemistry Molecular Biology Physics Biology Forensic Science Other closely related field of study Other field of study not related to this position None 04 If you marked "other" to the response in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of education achievement, and how it relates to this position. If not applicable, please type "N/A". 05 Have you completed at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry? Yes No 06 If you completed the coursework listed in the above question, please provide the following: A. Course titles and number of units for each course completed (indicate semester or quarter units). B. Name of the institution. If you answered no, please type "N/A." 07 Describe your toxicology/forensic alcohol forensic science work experience. In your response, please include the following: A. Employer name. B. Your title. C. Brief description of the duties you performed which demonstrate your work experience in forensic science. D. From/To dates. If no experience, please type "No experience." 08 Describe your experience as an expert witness in forensic science. In your response indicate how many times you have testified as an expert witness. If no experience, please type "No Experience." 09 Describe your computer experience as it pertains to Crystal Reports or writing macros. If no experience, please type "No Experience." 10 Describe your experience with quality assurance in a forensic laboratory. If no experience, please type "No Experience." 11 Describe your experience with blood and breath alcohol test equipment, liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry, immunoassay equipment, Time-Of-Flight (TOF) MS, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, toxicology or forensic alcohol analysis. If no experience, please type "No Experience." 12 Please indicate if you have any of the following certifications: American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) 13 Verification of course work is required. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas as well as any necessary additional information to confirm course content as described previously must be submitted within three (3) business days after the recruitment closes. You may attach a copy to your online application, email to stephanie.gallagher@ventura.org, mail or deliver a copy to Sheriff's Human Resources Attn: Stephanie Gallagher 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009-3700. Copies of my transcripts and any necessary additional information to confirm course content are attached to my online application. I will mail, email or deliver copies of my transcripts and any necessary additional information to confirm course content to Sheriff's HR as outlined in the job announcement. I cannot provide my transcripts and/or any necessary additional information to confirm course content within three (3) business days of the closing and understand this will prevent me from proceeding in the process. Required Question Agency Ventura County Address 800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009 Phone (805) 654-5129 Website http://hr.ventura.org Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email