Forensic Scientist - Evidence Screening

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Are you ready to make a difference in your community and Rise to Serve? Join us in making a positive impact to ensure safety, uphold justice, and become a proud member of the Phoenix Police Department family! The mission of the Phoenix Police Department is to build and foster strong relationships with the community through our outreach and engagement, while adhering to the highest standards and traditions of the Phoenix Police Department.

This is a unique opportunity to join the Phoenix Police Department and grow within the profession. Qualified candidates will be screened at the level of experience that they bring to the position. Individuals who are hired as a Forensic Scientist I will have the opportunity to promote to Forensic Scientist II once all required criteria are met. Additionally, individuals who qualify and are hired as or promote to Forensic Scientist II will have the opportunity to advance to Forensic Scientist III. To do so, the individual must meet all of the Forensic Scientist III qualifications and successfully complete a competitive interview process, provided positions are available.

Apply to this recruitment to be considered. Individuals who do not meet the minimum qualifications below for the Forensic Scientist III role may qualify for the opportunity to enter at the Forensic Scientist I or II level. We are seeking a qualified candidate for a Forensic Scientist III position at the Laboratory Services Bureau within the Phoenix Police Department's Evidence Screening Section.

The Forensic Scientist III position is a skilled journey-level classification that performs analyses and provides expert witness testimony in the fields of friction ridge development and forensic serology.

Key responsibilities include, are not limited to:

Analysis of physical evidence for:

The presence of body fluids and the collection of DNA evidence.
Latent prints in a laboratory setting using powders, chemical reagents, forensic light sources, and photographic equipment.
Presenting analytical results in both a written format and oral testimony as an expert witness.
Conducting technical and administrative reviews on laboratory reports.
Recognizing the hazards and safety practices related to chemicals, and equipment used to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence.
Developing and presenting training programs to other forensic scientists, police officers, or attorneys with respect to the analysis of evidence and evaluation of the findings from both scientific and legal aspects.
Studying and researching new techniques, methods, and equipment; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence.

Work Location: 621 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Work Hours: This full-time position has a predominantly dayshift work schedule. The Section Supervisor will determine scheduled hours and regular days off based on the unit's needs.

SALARY

Forensic Scientist I:

Pay Range: $28.86 to $38.68 per hour.

Hiring Range: $28.86 to $31.82 per hour.

Forensic Scientist II:

Pay Range: $31.82 to $42.64 per hour.

Hiring Range: $31.82 to $38.68 per hour.

Forensic Scientist III:

Pay Range: $36.84 to $49.36 per hour.

Hiring Range: $36.84 to $49.36 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation:

Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 063. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.

• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.

The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page .

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long-term disability
• Free Bus/light rail pass
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Forensic Scientist I Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a closely related field (must include a minimum of 24 credit hours in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework) from an accredited college or university.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
The City job description can be found here.

Forensic Scientist II Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field (must include a minimum of 24 credit hours in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework) from an accredited college or university.
Completion of the minimum two-year formal training program or equivalent (2 years minimum) and demonstrated competence and authorization, per accreditation requirements and/or national standards.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
The City job description can be found here.

Forensic Scientist III Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field (must include a minimum of 24 credit hours in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework) from an accredited college or university.
Completion of 2 years of experience at the Forensic Scientist II level, or equivalent (4 years experience minimum), and has demonstrated competence, per accreditation requirements and/or national standards in assigned specialized forensic discipline(s)
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
The City job description can be found here.

For all classifications:

Upon request, documentation such as unofficial transcripts must be provided.
EVIDENCE SCREENING SPECIALTY REQUIRES extensive casework experience in examining, developing, identifying, and collecting biological material such as blood, semen, sperm, blood, saliva, etc., and the collection of friction ridge detail.
Positions in the Police Department must meet the background standards that are appropriate to non-sworn positions. The general factors for disqualification are listed here.
Some positions require personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus experience with:

Working or volunteering for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based organization or law enforcement agency.
Fostering collaboration and communication among team members to ensure successful project delivery.
Planning, organizing, and efficiently managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and attention to detail.
Public speaking, adept at delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes February 19, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

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• If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939 . You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

REFERENCE

Forensic Scientist III, JC:62930, ID# 60617, 02/06/2026, USM, MMN, Benefits:007.

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.