Forensic Scientist I (formerly Forensic Scientist Trainee) - Toxicology

The LVMPD is an EEO employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.

Position Description

• The above figures do not include future Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), Public Employee Retirement System (NVPERS), or collective bargaining agreement changes.

Minimum Qualifications/Position-Specific Conditions

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical, or biological science, or a forensic science related field and successful completion of at least 24 college level credits in chemistry, including credits earned in chemistry laboratory.* Applicants MUST attach a copy of their LEGIBLE transcript(s), which demonstrates proof of educational requirements, to their application at the time of submission as outlined in the Application Filing Section. Failure to attach a legible qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Nevada driver license.
• Be a citizen/naturalized citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions on status of the United States of America by the date of the first test instrument.
• Be at least 18 years old by the date of the first test instrument.

• Credits earned in chemistry laboratory is a minimum qualification pending Civil Service Board approval.

• Professional experience working in a forensic laboratory.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment and using laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
• Experience identifying and resolving discrepancies/anomalies in a professional work setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and multi-tasking wills with the ability to prioritize assignments.

• Personal Appearance: While on duty, and/or representing the Department, uniformed or otherwise, all Department employees will be neat and clean in their appearance in public. Employees are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles or jewelry on or through the nose, tongue, eyebrow or other exposed body part, except the ears for females, while on duty. Employees are prohibited from stretching or "gauging" their earlobes. All jewelry implants will not be exposed or visible while on duty. Tattoos or branding will not be exposed or visible while on duty and/or representing the Department. Such markings must be covered by clothing. Markings that cannot be covered by clothing will be covered using neutral-toned bandages or patches except for hands, neck, head, or face tattoos. Makeup is not permissible to cover a tattoo. Tattoos or branding anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination, indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, lawlessness, violence, or contain sexually explicit material are prohibited.
• Participate in the LVMPD Mental Wellness Program.
• Will be subjected to random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
• Must participate in training programs which include written, oral, and practical exercises and competency tests.
• Are expected to satisfactorily complete the defined training program as assigned within two years in order to progress to Forensic Scientist II.
• May be terminated from employment for failing to satisfactorily complete training within the period determined by laboratory management.
• Are required to submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
• Are required to maintain a Nevada driver license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations, such as the courts.
• Are required to be on call and respond after hours and during regular days off.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print on computers, distinguish fine details when looking through scientific instruments to examine evidence items, as well as distinguish color and recognize contrast, patterns, and dimensions.
• Speech sufficient to render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instruction.
• Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
• Agility and mobility sufficient to stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using laboratory and/or standard office equipment, as well as lift, push, and pull files, documents, laboratory equipment, and/or standard office equipment.
• Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write labels on test tubes and small testing vessels.
• Strength and mobility sufficient to lift moderately heavy items with or without aid of equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

• Laboratory and office environment; use of latex gloves, respirators and/or air masks.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, teratogens, opioids to include fentanyl, human body fluids, bloodborne pathogens, biological hazards, such as viruses and germs, and other hazardous evidence items.
• Exposure to computer screens.
• Road and traffic conditions while driving a vehicle when conducting Department business.

Selection Process

Additional Information

• Kriza Dagdag, Analyst, [email protected], 702-828-5519
• Shanell Moss, Human Resources Technician, [email protected], 702-828-3008

Vision: The vision of LVMPD is for the Las Vegas community to be the safest community in America. This vision is realized by injecting humanity into every interaction and building trust with the citizens we serve.

Mission: The mission of the LVMPD is to provide exceptional police services in partnership with the community. Prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of employees enables our department to perform at exceptional levels and build meaningful relationships with community members.

Values: The acronym "I CARE" is the guiding principle for each and every LVMPD member. This acronym represents thevalues of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. The values are supported by behaviors, demonstrated by the actions of members, as they live these values. All members are expected to represent the values of the LVMPD while in the workplace and off-duty.

EEO: The LVMPD is an equal opportunity employer. All appointments to the competitive service shall be made withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, military service,or political affiliation and shall be based on merit and fitness only.

[email protected]