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  • Sheriff's Forensic Scientist Trainee/I/II/III- Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions)

    Ventura, California United States County of Ventura Full Time $57,140.44 - $138,574.51 Annually Apr 29, 2025
    County of Ventura Employer:

    County of Ventura

    Beautiful Ventura County is one of 58 counties in the State of California.  Geographically, the county offers a stunning 42 miles of coastline and the Los Padres National Forest, which accounts for 46% of the county’s land mass in the northern portion of the county.  Fertile valleys in the southern half of the county make Ventura County a leading agricultural producer.  Together, farming and the Los Padres National Forest occupy half of the county’s 1.2 million acres. A mild year-round climate, along with scenic geography makes the area attractive to the 850,000 culturally and ethnically diverse people who call Ventura County home.  The unincorporated areas, along with the ten incorporated cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and San Buenaventura (Ventura) ranks Ventura as the 11th most populous county in the State. Ventura County has a strong economic base that includes major industries such as biotechnology, agriculture, advanced technologies, oil production, military testing and development, and tourism. The United States military, which includes two naval bases and the Air National Guard base, is the largest employer in the county with more than 16,000 employees.  The County of Ventura (government) is the next largest employer with nearly 8,000 employees located throughout the county.  Port Hueneme is California’s smallest but only deep water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco and plays a major role in the local economy. Home to two universities (California State University Channel Islands and California Lutheran University), and three Community Colleges (Oxnard, Ventura, and Moorpark), multiple university extensions, institutes, and adult schools, the county enjoys a strong structure for workforce development. The County of Ventura was formed January 1, 1873, when it separated from Santa Barbara County.  It is a general law county, governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, elected at-large for a staggered four year term in their respective districts, and the chairmanship rotates annually.  The Board of Supervisors is responsible for providing policy direction, approving the County budget, and representing the County in a number of areas including special districts.  The Board actions can apply countywide or only in unincorporated areas. Other County elected officials include the Auditor-Controller,  Assessor, Clerk/Recorder, District Attorney, Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Sheriff. The County Executive Officer advises, assists, and acts as an agent for the Board of Supervisors in all matters under the Board’s jurisdiction. Under the guidance of the Board of Supervisors, the approved County annual budget of $1.8 billion serves to assist vulnerable adults and children, enforce the law, ensure justice, protect public health, and improve our quality of life.  In alignment with key focus areas established in the County Strategic Plan, services are provided to residents by nearly 8,000 dedicated public servants working in 23 different agencies, departments and special districts.

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    Job Description

    Description

    Under immediate supervision, Forensic Scientist Trainee (FST) participates in an agency-sponsored training program to develop the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required in Comparative Analysis, and performs other related duties as assigned. Under direct supervision, Forensic Scientist I (FSI) performs forensic science casework of limited complexity in Comparative Analysis, presents findings in court and other legal proceedings, and prepares documentation and written reports. May be authorized to perform administrative review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.

    Under general supervision, Forensic Scientist II (FSII) performs more complex and difficult casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, prepares documentation and written reports, and presents finding in court. May be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.

    Under direction, Forensic Scientist III (FSIII) is the lead worker and performs the most difficult and complex casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, presents findings in criminal court, prepares documentation and written reports. Will be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other related duties as assigned.

    Distinguishing Characteristics:

    The Forensic Scientist Trainee classification differs from the Forensic Scientist I in that this classification is required to successfully participate in a forensic science training program. Throughout the training program, the Trainee will be required to demonstrate competence in one or more assigned specialty areas before being eligible to promote to the Forensic Scientist I level.

    The Forensic Scientist I classification is characterized by the performance of professional forensic science analysis. Incumbents are not expected to have expertise in a complex specialty area. This classification differs from the Forensic Scientist II classification in that the latter classification is expected to perform journeyman-level analysis and casework. Incumbents in this classification typically receive mentoring as they continue their professional development in a specialty discipline.

    The Forensic Scientist II classification is the journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. This classification is characterized by its thorough knowledge of forensic science in at least one specialty area of the lab. Trains other forensic scientists in specialized knowledge and work methods.

    The Forensic Scientist III is the advanced journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. It differs from the Forensic Scientist II in that this classification provides lead direction on more complex, difficult, and highly visible cases. It differs from the Supervising Forensic Scientist in that the latter classification has full supervisory responsibility over a section of the forensic science laboratory.

    PAYROLL TITLE and APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
    Forensic Scientist Trainee: $27.47 $38.42 per hour
    Forensic Scientist I: $35.59 $49.79 per hour
    Forensic Scientist II: $43.90 $61.53 per hour
    Forensic Scientist III: $47.49 $66.62 per hour

    EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Possible educational incentive of 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of a Master's degree that is not required for the classification.

    BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

    DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Sheriff's / Forensic Services Bureau

    Forensic Scientists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

    NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
    OPENING DATE: Monday, April 28, 2025
    CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.

    Examples Of Duties

    Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

    FST
    • Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
    • Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
    • Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of evidence and handling procedures;
    • Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
    • Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
    • Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
    • Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.
    FSI
    • Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
    • Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
    • Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments;
    • Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
    • Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
    • Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
    • Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results;
    • Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
    • Performs other related duties as required.
    FSII
    • Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
    • Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
    • Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
    • Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
    • Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
    • Consults regarding cases with law enforcement, attorneys, and other appropriate personnel;
    • Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
    • Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results;
    • Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
    • Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
    • Performs other related duties as required.
    FSIII
    • Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
    • Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusion;
    • Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
    • Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
    • Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
    • Conducts training for individuals and groups and participates in the forensic science laboratory training program;
    • Provides expertise, mentoring, and consultation to other section staff to resolve complex problems;
    • Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
    • Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results and as an expert witness regarding interpretations and conclusions;
    • Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
    • Performs other related duties as required.


    Typical Qualifications

    These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

    EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

    Forensic Scientist Trainee: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.

    Forensic Scientist I: One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

    Forensic Scientist II: Three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

    Forensic Scientist III: Five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

    NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

    Verification of the required college degree and college-level coursework is required. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect the date your degree was conferred and passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to Sheriff's Human Resources Attn: Melissa Kurtz 800 So. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA 93009 within three (3) business days of the recruitment closing date. The closing date will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs. If transcripts or grade reports are not submitted, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process - no exceptions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Degree(s) from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.

    You must submit the above documentation, a hard copy with a paper application or a scanned copy as an attachment for an online application. If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it's a copy. Whatever you submit will not be returned to you. To attach a scanned copy to an online application, use the Add Attachment(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.

    If the name on this documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).

    Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.

    NOTE: The ability to communicate effectively in writing must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
    DESIRED:
    • Certification through the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
    • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in related field
    • Three (3) semester units or four and a half (4.5) quarters units of quantitative analysis.
    Supplemental information:
    Work is performed in the forensic sciences laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

    Some (FST) to working (FSI) knowledge of: basic scientific methods and procedures.

    Some (FST) to working (FSII) to thorough (FSII) to comprehensive (FS III) knowledge of: laboratory techniques used for scientific examination pf physical evidence.

    Working (FSII) to comprehensive (FSIII) knowledge of: collecting and preserving physical evidence of firearms and related equipment toolmarks and impressions; scientific research methods and procedures in the forensic science field.

    Working ability at the Trainee level to learn forensic analytical work.
    Some (FST) ability to: analyze, compare, and/or identify materials; develop evidence and communicate effectively both orally and in writing; compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence; construct court exhibits and demonstrate charts; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and other others involved in the legal system.
    Working ability (FSI) to: analyze, compare, and/or identify physical evidence; perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; assist in crime scene investigation; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; construct court exhibits and demonstrations charts; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and others involved in the legal system.

    Working (FSII) to comprehensive (FSIII) ability to: analyze, compare, and/or identify materials and interpret their significance in a court of law; compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence; conduct crime scene investigations and collect evidence; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes; construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; research and present new analytical techniques; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel; and others involved in the legal system.

    Thoroughly (FSII/III) skilled in: operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments.

    Recruitment Process

    FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

    To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

    NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another merit or civil service public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a merit or civil service style examination, then appointment by Lateral Transfer may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

    Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

    SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: A ll applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

    APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: An application evaluation will be conducted to determine whether each applicant meets the stated requirements. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will continue to the next step in the screening and selection process.

    WRITTEN EXAMINATION -100%: A job-related written examination will be administered to test candidates' knowledge of general chemistry, and forensic science. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

    ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

    The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary), Intermittent, and Extra-help for this and similar vacancies. There is currently one (1) vacancy in Sheriff's Forensic Sciences Bureau.

    BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Prior to actual appointment from the eligible list, the successful candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, conducted by the sheriff's human resources bureau which may also include a polygraph examination. Background investigation findings may be a basis for removal from the eligible list. To speak to a sheriff's office representative concerning the background investigation process, call (805) 654-2375.

    For further information about this recruitment, please contact Melissa Kurtz by email at melissa.kurtz@ventura.org .

    EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
     The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

    Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

    (SEIU)

    To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.
    • Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
    • Retirement FAQ's
    • Memorandum of Agreement


    Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS

    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
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