Job Description
Summary of Job Duties
**This posting is scheduled to close January 20, 2021 at 12 noon, however is subject to close at any time without prior notice. This is a repost, if you have applied for this position within the last 12 months please do not reapply as your application may not be considered. Thank you.**
The Crime Lab of the Aurora Police Department is looking for a Forensic Chemist to perform analysis of forensic evidence through a variety of methods including wet chemical analysis and/or instrumental analysis. This position reports to the Aurora Police Department and is assigned to the Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Laboratory (UMFCL) in Englewood, CO. The UMFCL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory which provides forensic services to law enforcement agencies within the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County and Douglas County in Colorado. The UMFCL is an entity designed to support all investigative functions of the agencies it serves.
The budgeted starting salary for this position is $32.33 - $39.61 dependent on education, experience and training over the minimum qualifications set for this position.
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?
- Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
- Diverse community
- Competitive total compensation package
- Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
- Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
- Access to innovation work spaces
The Aurora Police Department
Within the Aurora Police Department there are four separate divisions: Operations; Metro; Compliance and Professional Standards; and Business Services, and employees over 800 Civil Service and Career Service employees whose mission is to Make Aurora Safer Every Day.
To be employed by the Aurora Police Department you will need to successfully pass a background test, polygraph test, and fingerprint screening, along with other conditions of employment; drug test and verification of employment. Because of this, there is a longer recruitment process, we thank you in advance.
Despite changes in the Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug free workplace. A positive test for marijuana is grounds for disqualification or termination once hired. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Analyze suspected drug evidence for the presence of controlled substances as defined by the Colorado State Statutes and Federal Department of Justice
- Issue reports regarding analysis of evidence
- Maintain secure custody of evidence while in their custody
- Assist and advise investigators and prosecuting attorneys regarding cases, results, and expected testimony
- Testify as an expert witness in municipal, state, and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, or directly related field
Experience:
- At least 2 years' experience as a Forensic Chemist in a law enforcement laboratory or directly related environment
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Colorado Driver License with good driving record
- Specialized certification may be required after hire
Knowledge of:
- Wet chemistry techniques and instrumental analysis
- Safe handling practices for chemicals in use by the laboratory
- Investigative methods and techniques and rules of evidence
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Organize and prioritize work
- Properly use and maintain scientific equipment
- Prepare reagents
- Prepare accurate reports
- Maintain secure custody of evidence while in their possession
- Work independent of direct supervision
- Testify effectively on scientific matters in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings
Essential Personnel:
- When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
- Regular standing
- Hand/eye coordination to operate computer, laboratory instruments, and other testing instruments
- Foot/eye coordination to operate motor vehicle
- Visual acuity correctable to 20/40 with no color impairment to interpret data
- Speech communication, hearing, and listening to maintain communications with other employees and citizens
- May be required to perform light to moderate physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with or without assistance.
Work Environment:
- Works primarily in an office/laboratory environment
- Exposure to biohazard contamination, chemicals, odors, and noise
- Computer
- Laboratory instruments to include GC, GC/MS, FTIR, microscopes
- This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment
For Veterans points: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
If you need assistance in completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303-739-7225 or visit us at 15151 E Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.