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Location

Las Vegas, NV | United States

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Job description

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

Position Description

**Forensic Scientist I and II – Latent Prints job announcements are open simultaneously. As an applicant, you may only apply for one position, either Forensic Scientist I or Forensic Scientist II (not both). Based on the minimum qualifications set forth below, if you have more than two years, but l ess than four years of full-time professional latent prints experience, please apply for level I. If you have four or more years of professional latent prints experience working in a forensic laboratory, please apply for level II. If you apply for both positions, you will be contacted to choose which ONE testing process matches your experience.**

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 perform a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in the Latent Print Detail of the Forensic Laboratory, interpret test results, formulate conclusions, and prepare reports. Incumbents also provide scientific assistance to external parties and testify in court as an expert witness.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the full journey level class within the Forensic Scientist series, distinguished from Forensic Scientist I by the increased depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in performing, with relative independence, the full range of duties in the Latent Print Detail of the Forensic Laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications/Position-Specific Conditions

Training, Education and Experience

• Four years of full-time forensic scientist professional work experience in latent prints.

• 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. 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

• Five or more years of full-time experience as a Latent Print Examiner, including expert testimony and handling complex cases.

• Experience testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.

• Successful completion of a structured training program.
• Training classes and conference attendance regarding latent prints (e.g. International Association of Identification, Canadian Identification Society, Fingerprint Society).
• Experience with latent print reagents and laboratory equipment.
• Experience with digital imaging software and forensic photography.
• Experience with AFIS databases.
• Familiarity with the ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation program.
• Knowledge of the current trends in latent print technology and methodology as well as new and theoretical approaches to latent print identification.
• Experience in training other technical analysts as well as general forensic training for law enforcement and attorneys.
• Participation on working groups and in professional organizations.
• Experience with performance checks and validation of forensic techniques.
• Participation in research and publications regarding latent prints.
• Participation in a formal evidentiary hearing regarding admissibility of latent print evidence.
• Strong independent decision making, written, and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with relevant peer-reviewed literature from sources such as The Journal of Forensic Identification, The Journal of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science International, Identification Canada, and other peer-reviewed publications.

Conditions of Employment

• 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. 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.
• Participate in the LVMPD Mental Wellness Program.
• Are required to submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
• Will be subjected to random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
• Are required to maintain a Nevada driver license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations, such as the courts.
• May be terminated from employment for failing to satisfactorily complete the Forensic Scientist II apprenticeship within the period determined by laboratory management.
• 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 and recognize contrast, patterns, and dimensions.
• Speech sufficient to render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instructions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strength and mobility sufficient to lift moderately heavy items with or without aid of equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

Environmental Conditions

• Laboratory and office environment; use of gloves, respirators and/or air masks.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, human body fluids, bloodborne pathogens.
• Exposure to computer screens.
• Road and traffic conditions while driving a vehicle when conducting Department business.

Selection Process

Application Filing
Applications and LEGIBLE copy of transcript(s) must be submitted online and received by the posted closing date and time. 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.

To determine your status after submitting an employment application, you may access your account by going to

Application Screening (Pass/Fail)

Applications and 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. These qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the remainder of the testing process set forth below. 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 Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 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*

Exam #1: Practical Exam (Weighted 30%) – Beginning Wednesday, April 3, 2024

The Practical Exam will be administered in person at LVMPD Headquarters. Only candidates who pass AND are in the TOP SCORING GROUP from the Practical Exam will be invited to continue to the Oral Board Exam.

Exam #2: Oral Board Exam (Weighted 70%) – Beginning Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Oral Board Interviews will NOT be conducted in person. Interviews will be conducted online via WebEx.

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  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.

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.

Additional Information

Take a look at what the LVMPD Forensic Lab has to offer at

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 for additional information pertaining to the LVMPD and its hiring process.

Inquiries

Questions regarding this selection process may be directed to:

• Kriza Dagdag, Staff Specialist, [email protected], 702-828-5519

• Hannah Newman, Human Resources Technician, [email protected], 702-828-4126

If you require assistance or special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact Staff Specialist Kriza Dagdag at [email protected] 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 thevalues 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 withoutregard 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.

[email protected]

LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS


Benefits are effective July 1, 2023, are based
upon an 80 hour pay period in a paid status, and are subject to change.

COMPENSATION



ASSIGNMENT DIFFERENTIAL: Specific assignments may qualify for assignment differential pay.



EDUCATION INCENTIVE : Civilian employees possessing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree from an accredited college or university will receive a designated amount per pay period based on degree.



OVERTIME PAY / COMPENSATORY TIME : Employees who work overtime have the option of being paid at 1-1/2 times their hourly rate or receiving 1-1/2 hours of compensatory time. Compensatory time may not accumulate beyond 60 hours.



SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL : Employees will receive an additional 4% shift pay for working a swing shift or a graveyard shift. After completing initial probation, employees working a graveyard shift encompassing the hours of midnight to 5:00 a.m. will receive an additional 2% shift pay.



LANGUAGE PAY : Qualified employees may receive Language Pay each pay period.



UNIFORMS: The Department furnishes, maintains, and cleans all uniforms for those personnel required to wear uniforms, with the exception of footgear.



TAXES :

State/City – Nevada has no state tax or city income tax.

Social Security – Employees enrolled in PERS pay no social security.

Medicare – Medicare is deducted at the rate of 1.45%.



WORKING HOURS : Employees work 80 hours bi-weekly. Depending upon the area of assignment, employees work an 8-hour, a 9-hour, a 10-hour, or a 12-hour shift per day.



LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS



ANNUAL VACATION LEAVE : Employees begin accruing vacation leave immediately at the following rates:

• 1 – 14 years of service:4.62 hours per pay period (3 weeks per year)
• 15 – 19 years of service:6.15 hours per pay period (4 weeks per year)
• 20 + years of service:7.68 hours per pay period (5 weeks per year)

Vacation leave may be used after 6 months of continuous service.


On December 31st of each year, employees may carry over a portion of accrued leave, based upon their years of service.


Employees separating from the Department are eligible to cash out all accrued vacation if they have completed six months of continuous service.



BEREAVEMENT LEAVE : Employees may take bereavement leave for members of their immediate family. This leave can be deducted from any available accrued leave.



BONUS LEAVE : If an employee uses the equivalent of 3 days or less of sick leave, (including Family Leave), within an employment year, (the year beginning with the date of hire), s/he will receive 3 shifts of bonus leave. The shifts will be based on his/her regular work schedule at the time of accrual. The accrued balance may not exceed 280 hours. Employees separating from the Department are eligible to cash out all accrued bonus leave.



PERSONAL HOLIDAY : At the start of each fiscal year (July 1st), civilian employees receive three floating holidays. Employees must use these days by June 30th of each fiscal year or they will be forfeited. Employees must have completed 6 months of continuous service to be eligible to use floating holidays. Floating holidays must be taken as full days, and have no cash-out value.



HOLIDAYS : Employees receive 13 paid holidays per year. A holiday compensation plan is in place for employees who work on a holiday, or when a holiday falls on an employee's regular day off. In June and December of each year, employees may choose holiday straight time pay or holiday leave accrual as a holiday compensation option.



SICK LEAVE : Employees begin accruing sick leave immediately at the rate of 4 hours per pay period (104 hours per year), with no accrual limit. Sick leave may be used as it is accrued. Employees must have ten years of continuous service before being eligible to receive a portion of their sick leave balance upon separation from the Department.



BENEFITS



HEALTH/VISION/DENTAL INSURANCE : Employees are eligible for benefits on the first month after 15 calendar days of employment. LVMPD pays 100% of the employee's coverage and a portion of family coverage. Deductions for family coverage will be deducted on a pre-tax basis. The plan includes coverage for major medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death.



POLICE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PEAP) : PEAP is an LVMPD counseling and referral service for employees and their families to help those who are experiencing personal or job-related problems. This service is provided at no cost to the employee.



RETIREMENT : Employees are members of the State of Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as an employer paid agency. Employees are vested upon completion of 5 years in the retirement system.



SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE AND CAFETERIA PLANS : Various plans are available to employees, such as:

• Deferred Compensation (457b):Employees may elect to make pre-tax and/or contributions of their income into an approved deferred compensation qualified plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:Employees may elect to make pre-tax contributions to a flexible spending account, to be used for unreimbursed medical expenses and dependent day care expenses.
• Supplemental Insurance:Supplemental insurance policies are also available, such as short and long term disability, cancer insurance, and accident insurance.Deductions for these policies are made on an after tax basis.
• LVMPD Group Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and In Line of Duty Death recompense at $25,000 each

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