Forensic Scientist I

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 08-16-2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a resume and provide transcripts at the time of the application.

Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

SAVE THE DATES: Screening Panel Interviews will be held the week of September 8th, 2025, and in-person Hiring Interviews will be held September 24th, 2025.

Position Description

The Forensic Scientist I position at the City of Tucsons Police Department is an entry level position in an accredited forensic crime laboratory, which specializes in the forensic toxicology (blood and breath alcohol) discipline. This position performs routine examinations of forensic evidence, prepares technical reports, and may provide expert witness testimony in court and in pre-trial conferences.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Crime Laboratory Coordinator. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs forensic analysis of blood samples for the presence of alcohol and other volatiles. Utilizes methodologies such as preparing reagents and standard solutions using volumetric glassware, forensic sample preparation using Piston-Operated Volumetric Apparatus (POVA), and sample analysis using Headspace-Gas Chromatography (HS-GC). Interpretates instrument results and authors technical case reports, summarizing findings regarding evidence examined.

• Performs technical and administrative reviews of toxicology unit laboratory reports for quality assurance compliance for accreditation in accordance with American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and AR 3125:2023 Standards. Participates in internal audits by providing materials and objective evidence to auditors in a witnessing or interviewee capacity.

• Provides customer service to the crime laboratorys criminal justice partners and community members. Responds to requests for information to include data gathering from various information systems used by the department, such as disclosure requests from prosecutors and defense attorneys. Attends crime laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public with an experienced scientist. Attends outside public relations and public speaking opportunities with an experienced scientist from the crime laboratory.

• Participates in trial preparation, assists with evidentiary hearings and grand juries, and provides testimony in various courts such as Federal, Superior, City, and Juvenile.

• Performs routine maintenance and quality assurance checks on critical equipment and reagents used in blood alcohol analysis. Assists with supply inventory monitoring and performs general laboratory housekeeping.

• Completes extensive training and competency testing in blood alcohol analysis and the effects of alcohol on the human body. Remains current on scientific advancements and discipline specific topics in the field of forensic toxicology through the review of technical publications, presentations, and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies and procedures. Maintains compliance with the ANAB requirements for participating in external proficiency testing.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Indoor and outdoor work with some exposure to physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment.

Examiners may be subject to callout/field response for time-sensitive or priority investigations. This classification works in a full-service Crime Laboratory, accredited in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125:2023 Standards and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS).

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
Bachelor's degree Experience No experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6321 - Criminalist

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at .

Compensation Grade

G107

Hourly Range

$26.57 - 39.86 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Police Department

Department Link

Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national ori gin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD .

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation ; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or ....

Recruiter Name

Randy Esslinger

Recruiter Email

...

For general Human Resources questions please contact ....