These positions are with the Oregon State Police, Forensic Services Division, Forensic Laboratories located in Portland, Springfield, Bend, Central Point, Ontario, and Pendleton.

If you have submitted an application and were accepted for announcements LESP0620, LESP0621, LESP0670, LESP0671 or within the past 12 months, there is no need to reapply. Your application is still on file.

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified individuals and may be used to fill Forensic Scientist 1 vacancies as they occur. Qualified applicants will be notified on a quarterly basis (or sooner depending on the needs of the Division) if they qualify. Those who qualify will remain on the list for one year, unless otherwise notified.

These positions are represented by the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association (OSPOA). Union members pay union dues; non-union members pay “fair share”.

Applicants will be subject to a Computerized Criminal History, a Driver and Motor Vehicle Services check as well as a thorough background investigation. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

Applicants offered employment will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal record check. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude appointment. The circumstances involved in the conviction will be considered.

The employee is required to maintain a drug/alcohol free workplace in accordance with the 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act and Department Policy; and

Possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver's license or provide alternative means for travel.

Your PD100 application form will be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications stated in this section. To qualify, your application form must clearly show that you have:

• five years experience as a Forensic Scientist in a nationally accredited Forensic Laboratory AND
• a Bachelor's degree in a natural science such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, physics, forensic science, pharmacology, bacteriology or a closely related field.

Preference may be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or physics depending on the forensic discipline(s) required when filling a position.

NOTE: Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree must be submitted with your application. If faxing your application, transcripts must also be faxed at that time; original official transcripts must be received within 14 calendar days of the fax date. Transcripts must be legible and in English. Your application will not be accepted if you fail to submit all transcripts in an acceptable format. (Translation of foreign transcripts is the responsibility of the applicant. A list of translation services is available upon request.)

If you are unsure if you qualify for the Forensic Scientist 1 position, submit your application for the Forensic Scientist Entry position (see announcement number LESP0701) and you will be considered for both.

Only those applicants whose background most closely matches the needs and the requirements of one or more of the disciplines listed in the skill code sheet will be contacted for an interview.

The Forensic Scientist performs complex laboratory analyses on physical evidence, devises analytical approaches to casework that may include research and/or generating or modifying methods, interprets analytical results, prepares written reports and testifies as an expert witness in courts of law. The major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identifies and compares evidence by qualitative, quantitative, microscopic, and any other scientific means available and necessary;
• Provides conclusions and opinions in the form of a written report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results;
• Monitors incoming calls from District Attorneys, investigators, and other law enforcement personnel regarding cases they have personally worked;
• Independently assists law enforcement agencies in processing crime scenes through documenting and protecting evidence according to laboratory procedures ensuring the chain of custody is maintained;
• Testifies in court as an expert witness associated with laboratory analyses;
• Assists in the training of other forensic scientists and provides instruction to law enforcement agencies on the collection and preservation of evidence;
• Certifies breath-alcohol testing equipment and testifies in court regarding procedures and certifications
• Follows current development and theories in forensic science through literature and contact with other experts; and
• Tests new techniques and modifies or incorporates them into validated, approved analytical procedures and courtroom testimony.

Subject to handling firearms, broken glass, syringes, odoriferous materials, blood, urine, and other body specimens that may come from diseased persons or clothing that may be infected with hazardous biological materials. May be required to work with caustic and flammable fluids or be exposed to toxic, carcinogenic, radioactive, or otherwise hazardous substances. Must follow proper safety precautions and practices.

Be subject to 24-hour callback, and must operate motor vehicles.

You must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record. If not, you must be able to provide an acceptable alternate method of transportation.

The Forensic Scientist 1 is the journey level for this classification series. It requires five years work experience in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory. The Forensic Scientist Entry is a trainee/apprentice position. If you are unsure if you qualify for the Forensic Scientist 1 position, submit an application fulfilling all requirements of the Forensic Scientist Entry position (See announcement number LESP0701) and you will be considered for both.

Forensic Scientist 1 Applicants:

• You must complete a State of Oregon application (PD100). Application forms may be obtained from any local office of the Oregon Employment Department, most state agency personnel offices, or at the following web site - www.oregonjobs.org.
• You must submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.
• You must complete and submit the attached skill codes sheet.
• You must submit answers to all questions contained within the official announcement.

The Department of State Police adheres to the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) in its employment practice which includes completion of an employment eligibility verification form (I-9) within the first three working days of employment. The Department is unable to assist applicants in obtaining authorization to work in the United States through sponsorship or any other means.

If you have a disability and need an alternate format, you may call the Human Resources Services Section at (503) 378-3720. For any inquiries or questions regarding the application process or these positions, please email us at osp.forensics@state.or.us. Our preferred method of communication is via email, so please be sure to give us your e-mail address for future correspondence on this recruitment.

DELIVER OR MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

Oregon State Police
Human Resources Services Section
255 Capitol Street, 4th floor
Salem, Oregon 97310

If necessary, you may FAX to (503) 378-2360. The agency is not responsible for material that is illegible or missing as a result of transmittal by FAX or which may be lost through the mail. We are not able to verify receipt of application materials.

Notice of application status will be sent by mail. Although agencies are not required to delay their selection process, you may request a review of the results. Your request must be received within 10 days from the date of notice.

SUBMIT only the required materials. Reference letters or work examples should be kept for interviews. Keep a copy of your application for job interviews. COPIES ARE NOT PROVIDED.

Current Job Openings and information on application forms is available via the Internet at www.oregonjobs.org. The Department of State Police is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.