Forensic Laboratory Technician - Latent Prints

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

Position Description

*This recruitment is limited to the first 200 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.

Definition

Incumbents provide scientific support in a forensic laboratory, including performing a variety of analytical tests to support forensic scientists; conduct preliminary tests on evidence and issue reports related to preliminary tests; perform maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards; perform a variety of functions associated with complex data management and imaging systems.

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 degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical, or biological science, or a forensic science related field. 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 Filling Section. Failure to attach a legible 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.

Best Candidates Will Have

• Experience working in a forensic laboratory.
• Experience utilizing AFIS or processing latent print evidence.

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.

1. 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.
2. Required to submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
3. Will be subjected to random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
4. Required to maintain a Nevada driver license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations, such as the courts.
5. Must participate in a training program which may include written, oral, and practical exercises and competency tests.
6. May be terminated from employment for failing to satisfactorily complete training within the period determined by lab management.
7. 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, contrast, patterns, and dimensions.
8. Speech sufficient to render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instructions.
9. Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Strength and mobility sufficient to lift moderately heavy items with or without aid of equipment.
13. Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

Environmental Conditions

1. Laboratory and office environment; latex gloves, respirators and/or air masks.
2. Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; human body fluids; bloodborne pathogens; biological hazards, such as viruses and germs; and other hazardous evidence items.
3. Exposure to computer screens.
4. 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 qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification. 

To determine your status after submitting an employment application, you may access your account by going to https://www.governmentjobs.com/Applications/Index/lvmpd. 

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 Monday, March 17, 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*
All exams below will be administered in person at the LVMPD Headquarters in Las Vegas, NV. 

Exam #1: Basic Pattern Comparison Exam (Pass/Fail) – Monday, March 31, 2025 
Exam #2: Written Exam (Weighted 15%) – Monday, March 31, 2025

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 #3: Practical Exam (Weighted 35%) – Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Exam #4: Oral Board (Weighted 50%) –  Beginning Tuesday, April 29, 2025

*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 https://www.protectthecity.com/applicants/apply-now/frequently-asked-questions.

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 are encouraged 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 https://youtu.be/LpAUnwRbT9o for a quick video or https://www.protectthecity.com/applicants/employment-standards/background-investigation for specific information.

Additional Information

Take a look at what the LVMPD Forensic Lab has to offer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU3SFYZHivY. 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, k16830d@lvmpd.com, 702-828-5519
• Shanell Moss, Human Resources Technician, s16854m@lvmpd.com, 702-828-3008

If you require assistance or special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact Analyst Kriza Dagdag at k16830d@lvmpd.com or 702-828-5519.

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 the values 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 without regard 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.