Forensic Scientist 5

About the Position:

The Forensic Scientist 5 (FS5) provides the critical public safety link between the commission of crime and its subsequent investigation and prosecution of the persons responsible. Maintaining compliance with strict quality standards is critical to the mission of the Division and Agency because it allows our public leaders, criminal justice system and citizens to have trust and confidence in the Division’s forensic services; enables the Division’s work product to withstand rigorous legal challenges; aids in the determination of cause and manner of death; enhances public safety by helping remove offenders from the communities; and it preserves justice and protects civil rights through the exoneration of persons falsely accused.

The Forensic Scientist 5 interacts with other laboratory management (supervisors, managers, division commander), the Technical Lead and all other technical and/or administrative personnel. Interacts with management to gain understanding of current goals, policies and procedures and to suggest improvements or mitigate non-conformities. Directs and reviews the work of technical personnel (FS1-3). Interacts with Administrative staff and Property & Evidence Custodians to ensure smooth operations.
 

The Forensic Scientist 5 also interacts with personnel from other laboratories or sections within the Bureau, at functional area meetings, the Agency’s Strategic Advancement Forum, and in technical seminars and training events, when required.

About the Division:

The Washington State Toxicology Laboratory Division, established in 1963, performs drug and alcohol testing for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) in all 39 Washington counties. The Division receives approximately 16,000 cases per year of which approximately 65 percent are law enforcement DUI cases and 35 percent coroner/medical examiner cases. The Division is overseen by the State Toxicologist/Division Commander and has a staff of 44 personnel consisting of Management, Forensic Scientist Supervisors, Forensic Scientists, Quality Assurance, Property and Evidence Custodians, and Administrative staff. Forensic Scientists perform analysis of samples submitted to the laboratory and provide court testimony as experts on alcohol, drugs, and their effects.
 

About the Agency:
The WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous. The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions.  Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.

Duties:

WSP is currently seeking a Forensic Scientist 5 (FS5) to join the Toxicology Laboratory Division in Federal Way and in Seattle, WA. 

Our new teammate will:

• Supervise forensic scientists
• Conduct casework, case interpretation, and courtroom testimony
• Participates in short- and long-term strategic planning and process improvement for the laboratory

Work Setting/ Hazards:
Office and laboratory setting. Hazardous and bio-hazardous chemicals and evidence must be safely handled following the safety guidelines. The setting is a forensic laboratory where chemical and biological hazards, drugs, firearms, and other hazards may be present.
Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.

Schedule: 
Eight hour work days are typical (excluding lunch), Monday through Friday. Exchange time may be required due to court, training, or other circumstances. 

Travel Requirements:
Travel is required for court testimony, training, and meetings. Transportation is by pool car or other approved means such as air travel. Some travel within and outside the state will be required for court testimony and attendance at meetings and training events.

Tools and Equipment:
Include analytical instrumentation, balances, pipettes and diluters.

Customer Interactions:
Interacts with medical examiners, coroners, attorneys, law enforcement agency personnel and other community members.  Difficult topics may need to be discussed in a sensitive manner.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science or closely related field.
         (Examples of related fields include pharmacology, medical technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, or toxicology)
• 20 semester hour or 30 quarter hours of chemistry coursework.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Minimum of three years of forensic toxicology experience, to include performing analyses of biological evidence and testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
• Must be willing to travel for court, training and meetings.
• Demonstrate a strong scientific foundation and understanding of forensics.
• Demonstrate an exceptional standard of personal ethics, integrity, and honesty.
• Demonstrate leadership and facilitation in work groups. Craft creative and effective solutions to management and personnel related problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to assimilate and apply the knowledge and skills required to perform assigned duties.
• Demonstrates good teaching and training skills. Communicate effectively in both large and small groups. Demonstrates high level of public speaking skills. Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• The ability to concisely and effectively interact with other individuals as well as internal and external organizations/customers. Demonstrates a productive work ethic and a process improvement approach. This is demonstrated by reliable attendance, efficient use of time, staying focused, taking initiative, and making efforts to critically evaluate their work processes.
• The ability and desire to work cooperatively in a team setting. Respects others and acts professionally, accepts and gives constructive criticism appropriately, counsels and advises, and is an active listener. Keeps subordinates and management informed by sharing information. Actively partners with peers to provide them with information, techniques, instructions, feedback and encouragement to maximize their success on the job.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
• You must submit a current cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply.

You must submit a cover letter and unofficial transcripts when you apply.