Location
Seattle, WA | United States
Job description
Salary: $76,188.00 - $102,540.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: FS / #1465_2024..
Department: Washington State Patrol
Division: Crime Laboratory Division
Opening Date: 01/29/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description If you answer YES to any of these questions this is the perfect opportunity for you!- Are you a self-starter with an interest in forensic science?
- Do you thrive in a team environment?
- Do you want a position with career growth opportunities ?
About the Agency & Division: 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.
The Crime Laboratory Division provides forensic science services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Washington.
Duties Our new teammate will: - Scientifically analyze evidence in routine, and in increasingly non-routine and complex casework in an area(s) in which they have been validated proficiently and in accordance with established productivity standards.
- Interpret and reach scientific conclusions, supported by data and observations.
- Report scientific findings in the form of a written forensic laboratory report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results.
- Complete detailed forensic analysis, including body fluid identification, DNA extraction, quantification, amplification and interpretation, performed using forensically accepted scientific methods, and in accordance with the current CLD Operations and Quality manuals and applicable technical procedures. Respond to requests for assistance at crime scenes.
- Follow the mandated criteria established by the national accreditation board for forensics (ANAB).
- Participate in training events where forensic topics are presented to customer agencies.
- Apply laws, policies, and procedures, as specified in the RCW, the WAC and federal regulations as they relate to scientific examination of evidence.
- Testify in a court of law presenting findings to a jury in a manner that is designed to be readily understood.
- Conduct additional duties that utilize the required skills.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: - A Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, or a closely related field, and coursework in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics and, Introduction to Statistics.
- Three years of technical experience in a forensic laboratory performing analysis of evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in a court of law, or related position.
- In the alternative, Employer will accept a Master's degree in Forensic Science, or a closely related field, and coursework in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics and, Introduction to Statistics, along with one year of technical experience in a forensic laboratory performing analysis of evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in a court of law, or related position.
- Completion of the following coursework: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours combined with passing grades); and introduction to statistics or population genetics with passing grades.
- Must pass a state-conducted background check and polygraph examination.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License.
- Must reside within normal commuting distance of WSP's office in Seattle, Washington.
- Must be willing to provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index after hire.
- Technical experience in a Forensic Laboratory must include:
- Work on projects assigned by the Laboratory Division under close supervision of a forensic scientist supervisor with training related to DNA casework modules at a Crime Laboratory;
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing scientist's findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques;
- Work with analytical instruments, including maintenance and quality control procedures such as capillary electrophoresis, thermal cyclers, and stereomicroscopy;
- Work under supervision with a variety of evidence types and conduct holistic forensic examination, including DNA extraction and quantitation, casework screening, body fluid identification and generating and interpreting DNA profiles; and
- Effectively communicate scientific results to law enforcement, lawyers, and the public.
Why work for the Washington State Patrol? - A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
- Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01
- Qualification for the
Supplemental Information Benefits: Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance with option to enroll in medical FSA. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and have the option of PERS Plan 1, PERS Plan 2 or PERS Plan 3 depending on the desired contribution rate. Paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non-overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave.
Application materials detailing how you meet the required qualifications should be sent to [email protected]. Please reference "FS / #1465_2024" in the subject line. Eligible candidates are required to meet the hiring standards as outlined here: - those who do not meet the hiring standards will not be eligible for employment with the Washington State Patrol at this time.
More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
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