Forensic Scientist I (formerly Forensic Scientist Trainee) - Toxicology

This recruitment is limited to the first 100 applications received from qualified applicants, and the closing date may be adjusted if the application limit is reached prior to the posted closing date. Before applying, please ensure that you are available to complete the entire testing process, per the dates on this posting.

Salary Information*

The salary for this position is negotiated through a collective bargaining agreement. All new employees will be hired at the minimum salary in the range and will be eligible for merit increases until reaching the maximum salary in the range.

Starting Annual Salary as a Forensic Scientist I:

$69,968.82

Upon completion of first 6 months as a Forensic Scientist I (4% merit increase):

$72,767.57

Upon completion of probation/progression from Forensic Scientist I to Forensic Scientist II:

$77,228.74

Upon completion of progression from Forensic Scientist II to Forensic Scientist III:

$85,251.48

5 years after becoming a Forensic Scientist III:

$103,721.46

10 years after becoming a Forensic Scientist III:

$126,193.02

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

Definition

Incumbents receive supervised training in the scientific laboratory examination of physical evidence and in the scientific interpretation of test results.

Click here to view a complete copy of the class specification, including environmental and physical conditions.

Minimum Qualifications/Position-Specific Conditions

Training, Education and Experience

• 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.

Best Candidates Will Have

• 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.

Conditions of Employment

In addition to the General Conditions of Employment, found here,the following specific conditions of employment and physical conditions apply to this position.

• 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 definedtraining 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 heavyitems with or without aid of equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

Environmental Conditions

• 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

Application Filing

Applications as well as a LEGIBLE copy of your transcript(s) must be submitted online and received by the posted closing date and time (PST). Decisions on an applicant's qualifications for this position will be made solely on the information contained in the application and transcript(s) and therefore, should be filled out in its entirety.

LEGIBLE copy of transcript(s) must demonstrate proof of educational requirements and include candidate's name, name of the college or university, name of the degree earned, date the degree was awarded, and number of credits earned. Failure to attach a legible qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification.

To determine your status after submitting an employment application, you may access your account by going to .

Current LVMPD Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, Interns and Volunteers:

Applications from full-time or part-time LVMPD members, interns, and volunteers will be accepted through the closing date and time regardless of the number of applications received. To obtain an application packet once the application limit is reached and the posting is no longer visible, please contact the OHR representative listed below in the Inquiries Section. To ensure you meet the closing date and time, you are encouraged not to wait until the last day to request the application packet.

Application Screening (Pass/Fail)

Applications and LEGIBLE copies of transcript(s) will be reviewed to determine those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are in the top group to continue in the testing process. Applicants will be notified of the results of the screening process via email. If you have not received your notification by 5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, it is your responsibility to confirm your eligibility to test for this position by contacting the OHR representative listed below in the Inquiries Section.

Exam Dates*

Exam #1: Written Exam (Weighted 15%) -Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Written Exam will be administered in person at LVMPD Headquarters. Only candidates who pass AND are in the TOP SCORING GROUP from the Written Exam will be invited to continue to the Practical Exam.

Exam #2: Practical Exam/Writing Exercise (Weighted 15%) -Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Practical Exam will be administered in person at LVMPD Headquarters. Only candidates who pass AND are in the TOP SCORING GROUP from the Practical Exam will be invited to continue to the Oral Board Exam.

Exam #3: Oral Board Exam(Weighted 70%) - Beginning Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Oral Board Interviews will NOT be conducted in person. Interviews will be conducted online via WebEx.

• The LVMPD reserves the right to modify the selection processes and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Due to security reasons, personal belongings permitted in the testing facility will be limited. Items such as large backpacks, briefcases, duffle bags or similar items may not be allowed. Those items permitted will be left to the discretion of the LVMPD employees administering the examination and may be subject to a search.

• If you believe you are eligible for Veteran's Preference Points and want to be considered for them, you MUST attach your DD Form 214 (Member-2 or 4) or Statement/Proof of Service to your application showing 181 days of active duty in good standing. We are no longer accepting hard copies at the time of your Oral Board. For more information on Veteran's Preference Points, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the employment page at

Additional Selection Processes

If you successfully complete the above selection process, you will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph exam. A polygraph examination can be stressful and may affect existing medical or psychological conditions or ongoing treatment. Candidates areencouraged to consult with their personal physicians to discuss whether the polygraph will affect a condition or treatment and then follow the guidance of their medical professional.

The background investigation takes approximately 90 to 120 days to complete. You must also meet the LVMPD Hiring Standards. LVMPD employees participate in the Department's random drug screening process. For more information on the background process, click for a quick video or for specific information.

Additional Information

Take a look at what the LVMPD Forensic Lab has to offer at The LVMPD Forensic Laboratory is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Please visit the FAQs available on our employment site for a listing of the LVMPD's open competitive selection and employment policies, and other pertinent information. Please visit www.protectthecity.com for additional information pertaining to the LVMPD and its hiring process.

Inquiries

Questions regarding this selection process may be directed to:

• Kriza Dagdag, Analyst, ..., ...
• Shanell Moss, Human Resources Technician, ..., ...

If you require assistance or special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact Analyst Kriza Dagdag at ... or ....