Forensic Scientist I, II, III, IV or V

Minimum Qualifications
Forensic Scientist I

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.

Forensic Scientist II

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.

Forensic Scientist III

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within 12 months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.

Forensic Scientist IV

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within 12 months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.
• Discipline-specific certification required:
  • Crime Scene: International Association for Identification ( IAI ) Level I Certification
  • Firearms/Toolmarks: Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification (FA- AFTE )
  • Forensic Biology/ DNA : FBI QAS Training
  • Latent Prints: International Association for Identification ( IAI ) Level I Certification)
  • Seized Drugs: American Board of Criminalistics - Foundational Knowledge Examination Analysis ( ABC - FKE )
  • Toxicology: Diplomate American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification in; Forensic Alcohol Toxicology ( DABFT -FA) OR Forensic Toxicology ( DABFT -FT).

Forensic Scientist V

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within 12 months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.
• Advanced discipline-specific certification may be required including:
  • Crime Scene: International Association for Identification (Level II Certification) OR ANAB Assessor Training
  • Firearms/Toolmarks: Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification ( GSR - AFTE ), OR Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification (TM- AFTE ), OR ANAB Assessor Training.
  • Forensic Biology/ DNA : FBI QAS OR ANAB Assessor Training.
  • Latent Prints: International Association for Identification ( IAI Level II Certification) OR ANAB Assessor Training.
  • Seized Drugs: American Board of Criminalistics - Drug Analysis ( ABC -DA) OR ANAB Assessor Training.
  • Toxicology: Fellow American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification (F- ABFT ) OR Diplomate American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification in Forensic Toxicology ( DABFT -FT) OR ANAB Assessor Training.

Notes to Applicants

As a key member of the Austin Forensic Science Department’s Firearms and Toolmark section, this position applies comprehensive knowledge and modern forensic principles, practices, and procedures to objectively examine, analyze, classify, and identify firearms and related evidence. Support our mission in the pursuit of truth through science and outstanding service to the community of Austin. Become part of the Austin Forensic Science Department’s Firearms team as we implement the latest 3d microscopy technology and transform the discipline.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Performs complex comparative analysis of legally seized firearms, ammunition components, and/or weapons. Documents the unique characteristics of firearms during a forensic examination, to include thorough inspection and temporarily repairing/restoring firearms. Documents all examinations performed and results obtained. Testifies to work performed in court. Plans and executes new method development and validation studies. Provides forensic instruction to stakeholders. Promotes the quality management system.

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.

• Forensic Science Department must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Forensic Science Department, as well as current Forensic Science Department 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
Commensurate
Hours
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday; may participate in on-call rotation
Job Close Date 03/10/2025 Type of Posting External Department Forensics Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 812 Springdale Rd, Austin, Tx 78702 Preferred Qualifications 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.

Forensic Scientist I
Forensic Scientist II Forensic Scientist III Forensic Scientist IV Forensic Scientist V
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.

Forensic Scientist I
Forensic Scientist II Forensic Scientist III Forensic Scientist IV Forensic Scientist V
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The 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 department, 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 (*).
* This position requires graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a field related to the job. A current Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License may be substituted for the education requirements. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire. Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• 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

* 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).

* Do you have a Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, engineering or forensic science from an accredited university OR an active Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) Forensic Analyst License in firearm/toolmark analysis? If so, please describe.
(Open Ended Question)
* A TFSC Forensic Analyst license in firearms and toolmarks requires (per 37 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 651 add Subchapter C) a three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university, or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission. Describe how you meet this coursework requirement currently, or how you are able to acquire the required course within 12 months of your hire date?
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you possess certification through AFTE (Firearms Evidence Examination and Identification) or have you completed ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) Assessor Training? Please provide which certification(s) and/or assessor training you hold in your response.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in Proficiency programs in any of the following firearm's categories: 1) Serial Number Restoration; 2) Gun Shot Residue-Distance; 3) Toolmarks; 4) Firearms Analysis; 5) Trajectory Determination, and indicate which position/s listed on your application you gained this experience.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter

• 

• City of Austin

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