Criminalist I



Criminalist I

Salary

$101,920.20 - $112,367.04 Annually

Location

Contra Costa County, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

6DWB-2020A

Department

Sheriff

Opening Date

12/23/2020

Closing Date

1/6/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Determined by Position

Bargaining Unit

VN

The Position


The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is recruiting to fill a vacancy in the Criminalist series; specifically, there is currently a vacancy in the Forensic Services Division (FSD) for a Criminalist I in the Biology/DNA Unit.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services.
 
The Office of the Sheriff offers a full range of services to over 1,000,000 residents in the 715-square mile county. The duties and mission of the Sheriff's Office are unlike most police agencies. Responsibilities include unincorporated area policing, contract cities (Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda) and special districts, air support (helicopters), marine patrol, dispatch, investigations, coroners, county detention facilities, custody alternative, court security, forensic services, police academy, and Office of Emergency Services.
 
The Forensic Services Division is responsible for serving the citizens of Contra Costa County with the highest standards of quality, ethics, and professionalism in recovering, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence. The FSD provides unbiased scientific examination of evidence to the criminal justice system. The FSD has been an accredited laboratory since 2003.  Criminalists in the Forensic Services Division support the Contra Costa County law enforcement community in the investigation of crimes by receiving and maintaining physical evidence custody; preparing reports that document their findings; and providing expert witness testimony regarding their findings in a court of law.
 
This classification is the entry level in the Criminalist series. Criminalist I incumbents receive on-the-job laboratory technique and procedures training within the forensic disciplines.  
 
Criminalist I’s are assigned to one or more of the following Units within the Forensics Services Division:
 

  1. Biology/DNA
  2. Comparative Evidence (Firearms/Tool marks/Impression)
  3. Crime Scene Investigation
  4. Latent Print
  5. Forensic Alcohol Analysis
  6. Solid Dosage Drug Analysis
  7. Toxicology
  8. Quality Assurance
We are looking for someone who:
  • values honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct;
  • understands the importance of quality, impartiality, confidentiality, efficiency, and effectiveness in conducting forensic examinations;
  • possesses a strong fundamental knowledge of science, including laboratory safety, and is committed to career-long learning in forensics;
  • identifies and understands problems and opportunities and takes common-sense action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and consequences;
  • is detail-oriented, hardworking, and results-driven as often multiple assignments and priorities must be balanced in a fast-paced environment;
  • maintains focus under pressure and exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition;
  • and, communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to clearly convey information and ideas.
What you will typically be responsible for:
  • You will be tasked with conducting comprehensive analysis of evidence associated with criminal investigations in accordance with written procedures
  • You will work with scientific equipment and instrumentation as well as complex computer systems and databases
  • You will create detailed notes and complete written reports
  • You may be called to court to testify as an expert witness
  • You will be asked to respond to crime scenes and autopsies to collect evidence
  • You will work cooperatively with sworn and civilian members of law enforcement agencies
  • You may be asked to assist training less experienced staff or provide training to law enforcement personnel
  • You may be asked to assist in validating new methods or equipment
A few reasons why you might love this job:
  • You will work with a dedicated team of professionals in an environment that provides career long learning and training opportunities
  • You will have the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your knowledge and skills in a field that directly benefits communities through service to the criminal justice system
  • You will have the ability to work with cutting-edge forensic technologies
  • You will have the opportunity to learn about multiple forensic disciplines
A few challenges you might face in this job:
  • You will be expected to respond to crime scenes and autopsies, including being called-out to crime scenes in the middle of the night
  • You will work in a stressful environment that includes prioritizing multiple assignments with competing deadlines and encountering disturbing information about crimes
  • You may be asked to work overtime to meet the needs of our customers
Competencies Required:
  • Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
  • Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
  • Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
  • Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
  • Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
  • Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
  • Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
  • Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
  • Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
  • Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
  • Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
The eligible list established from this recruitment process will be valid for 6 months. The eligible list that is created from this recruitment process may be used to fill vacancies in the Criminalist I and/or Deputy Sheriff Criminalist I classifications. To review the full classification specifications for these classes, please follow the links below.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
 
Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in the field of Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or a closely related natural science field.
 
For DNA Assignment:  Candidates must also have completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and statistics as specified by the DNA Advisory Board.
 
For Forensic Alcohol Analysis Assignment:  Candidates'  college coursework must have included 3 semester hours (or equivalent) of Quantitative Analysis, and must be eligible for Forensic Alcohol Analyst Trainee certification as specified under Title 17, California Code of Regulations by the California Department. of Health Services at the time of appointment.
 
Physical Requirement: Ability to meet such health standards as may be prescribed by the County Medical Consultant including no deficiency in the ability to distinguish colors.
 
Hearing: Must not have suffered a hearing loss of over 25 decibels in the 500, 1000 and 2000 frequency ranges.
 
Visual Acuity: No deficiency in the ability to distinguish colors.
 
Background: A thorough background investigation shall be conducted Appointees shall not have been convicted of any felony in this state or in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience working in a crime lab
  • A Master's Degree or Ph.D in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Toxicology or a closely related natural science field

Selection Process

  1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
  2. Criminalist Core Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the Criminalist Core Multiple Choice Assessment. The multiple choice assessment will be administered via a web-based platform. The Multiple Choice assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Criminalist series. These may include, but are not limited to: critical thinking, attention to detail, professional integrity and ethics, professional impact, safety focus and writing (Weight 100%).
The Criminalist Core Multiple Choice Assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) the third week of January.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Criminalist I position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."
  • I understand
02
Do you possess a valid driver license?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you indicated that you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, please indicate your major from the list below. If you do not possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, select N/A.
  • Criminalistics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Other closely related Natural Science field
  • N/A
05
Have you completed coursework at an accredited college or university in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or statistics?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Have you completed 3 semester hours (or equivalent) of Quantitative Analysis at an accredited college or university?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you possess a Master's Degree or Ph.D in Criminalistics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Are you eligible for Forensic Alcohol Analyst Trainee certification as specified under Title 17, California Code of Regulations by the California Department of Health Services?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you possess certification as a Forensic Alcohol Analyst by the California Department of Health Services?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Have you successfully completed a POST certified Police Academy program?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Are you at least 21 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Do you possess a valid Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate (POST) issued by the State of California?
  • Yes
  • No
13
Do you possess experience working in a crime lab?
  • Yes
  • No
14
How many years of full-time experience do you possess as a Criminalist I, Deputy Sheriff Criminalist I, or equivalent position performing forensic casework?
  • 4 or more years of experience as described
  • 3 or more, but less than 4, years of experience as described
  • 2 or more, but less than 3, years of experience as described
  • 1 or more, but less than 2, years of experience as described
  • Less than 1 year of experience as described
  • I do not possess any experience as described
15
Do you possess experience as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Administrator including the responsibility for the support, troubleshooting, and administration to ensure the system is accurately and efficiently capturing and reporting laboratory data?
  • Yes
  • No
16
Do you possess experience as a qualified expert witness in the interpretation of analytical results?
  • Yes
  • No
17
Do you possess individual forensic certification?
  • Yes
  • No
18
I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
  • Yes

Required Question

Agency
County of Contra Costa