Forensic Scientist - Chemistry

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework that includes at least one (1) three-semester credit hour, or equivalent, course in all of the following:
  • organic chemistry,
  • college-level analytical chemistry (e.g. Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis),
  • interpretive science (e.g. Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology).
  
  
  
• Coursework must also include one (1) three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 Subchapter C), plus completion of all required Commission defined coursework for the discipline. The Toxicologist (Interpretive) License must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Notes to Applicants

This position interprets the basics of analytical and instrumental test results and creates and maintains analysis reports, records, and documents. Assists in the maintenance, evaluation, and performance of laboratory instruments and reviews and approves case work for other chemists.
Analyzes drug evidence and assists with clandestine lab investigations. Additionally, testifies as a witness in court.

City of Austin Application:

A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.

A resume must be submitted to be considered for this position, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.

CBI :

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems ( CJIS ) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Forensics employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD , as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!


Benefits:

Working with the Austin Forensics Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

Driving Requirement:


This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

The top candidate must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation that will be comprised of:

• Drug Screen
• Criminal Background Check
• Background History Check (comprehensive reference check)

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
Pay Range
$28.29 - $34.80 per hour
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (flexible)

Some holidays, weekends and after hours callbacks will be required.
Job Close Date 01/02/2025 Type of Posting External Department Police Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 812 Springdale Rd., Austin, Texas 78702 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience in the principles and practices of biology, chemistry, pharmacology and forensic toxicology with specific application to the analyses of human body fluids and specimens; the interaction of organic and inorganic compounds, especially drugs, with human systems; applicable legal terms,
• Experience with Headspace Analysis using Gas Chromatography and flame ionization detector
• Texas Forensic Science Commission Toxicologist (Interpretive) License holder, ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
  
  

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.


Interprets the basics of analytical and instrumental test results. Creates and maintains analysis reports, records, and documents. Assists in the maintenance, evaluation, and performance of laboratory instruments. Assists in the training of police officers in evidence collection and preservation, proper labeling, and use of the laboratory information system. Reviews and approves case work for other chemists. Testifies as a witness in court. Analyzes drug and alcohol evidence. Assists with clandestine lab investigations.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the basic theory and application of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and physical chemistry.
• Knowledge of instrumental analysis including gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, infrared analysis, and ultraviolet analysis.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in handling hazardous evidence.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to make rational judgment calls.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the division, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Forensic Scientist position are: Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework that includes at least one (1) three-semester credit hour, or equivalent, course in all of the following: organic chemistry, college-level analytical chemistry (e.g. Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis), interpretive science (e.g. Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology). Coursework must also include one (1) three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License. Do you have a valid Texas Class C Driver license or, if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas Class C Driver license by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability obtain a Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) license as a Forensic Analyst in Toxicology or have the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire?

• Yes
• No

* Have you participated in an ANAB (or equivalent) approved proficiency testing program?

• Yes
• No

* Have you completed a three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission?

• Yes
• No

* Have you been court qualified as an expert witness in the areas of drug chemistry, blood alcohol and/or clandestine laboratory analysis?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Criminal Background Investigation).

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter

• 

• City of Austin

Show more