Forensic Scientist II - DNA Lab - City

PAY AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS :

Pay Range: 517

Hourly Rate: $37.61 - $57.53

FLSA Status: Exempt

The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Civilian employees of the Oklahoma City Police Department must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and polygraph test prior to employment.

POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY

The Oklahoma City Police Department’s Body Art/Visible Tattoo Policy is available at the following link: Please ensure you have read the policy, understand the policy, and are willing and able to comply with the policy.

APPLICATION, HIRING, AND BACKGROUND

• When completing the application, applicants will be asked to respond to application questions. These application questions are based on the Job Requirements for the position.
• Completion of the application questions is required.
• Applicant responses to the application questions must specifically answer the questions asked.
• Responses to application questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume, sufficient to demonstrate qualifications for the position.
• Applicants may upload only two attachments. Attachments may include, but are not limited to a resume, cover letter, DD214 or NGB Form 22, transcripts, etc. Applicants may also choose to combine documents into one file for upload.
• Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to application questions have not been provided.
• Each application submission is reviewed independently.

For detailed information about the City’s hiring and background processes, check out the : Quick Guide to Hiring and Background Checks

If you have questions, check out the: Frequently Asked Questions

Please note the background check process for Police Department positions is specified above.

TOTAL REWARDS

At the City of Oklahoma City, our Total Rewards package is designed to honor your service, fuel your growth, and support every part of your life. We offer:

• Competitive pay
• An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
• A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development

Explore all the ways we invest in you: City of Oklahoma City Total Rewards

POSITION DESIGNATIONS

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

This job classification has been designated as a cyber security sensitive job classification effective June 26, 2023, in order to comply with United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division’s Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy (Version 5.9.2, 12/07/2022), 5.12 Policy Area 12 Personnel Security. The policy requires national fingerprint-based records checks be conducted prior to granting access to criminal justice information for all personnel who have unescorted access to unencrypted Criminal Justice Information (CJI) or unescorted access to physically security locations or controlled areas (during times of CJI processing). Employees in this job classification will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete the required CJIS Security and Privacy Training and pass the online certification test.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

Employees assigned to this role within the Police Department will be tasked with reviewing sensitive and potentially disturbing materials, such as graphic videos related to ongoing investigations. This work may involve exposure to difficult and emotionally challenging content. The nature of the work performed may also expose individuals to harsh language, inappropriate situations, or other distressing circumstances. Applicants should be prepared to handle these situations with professionalism, emotional resilience, and confidentiality.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Laboratory and Support Services Section of the Investigations Division of the Police Department within the City of Oklahoma City. The primary purpose of this classification is to perform the examination, analysis, and collection of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) evidence. The employee has regular contact with law enforcement personnel, Officers of the Court, and other Forensic Scientists to exchange work-related information. The employee is responsible for ensuring technical operations and applications performed adhere to governing regulations, reflect sound technical judgment, and comply with all departmental policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assisting in evidence collection.
• Conducting DNA analyses and microscopic examinations of materials and ensuring proper storage.
• Entering profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.
• Preparing standard and special reports and maintaining report files.
• Assisting with maintaining and repairing a variety of laboratory instruments.
• Appearing in court as an expert witness.
• Providing training for less experienced Forensic Scientists.
• Assisting with in-service training for investigators and others regarding forensic evidence handling techniques and procedures.
• Performing Peer Technical Reviews.
• Assisting with annual quality assurance audits.
• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory quality control standards.
• Assisting with the performance of administrative functions.
• Developing new methods of analysis and work procedures.
• Evaluating and recommending new laboratory instrument purchases.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in biology, chemistry, or a forensic science related field.
• Completed course work in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics population genetics.
• Five (5) years’ of authorized casework experience as a DNA forensic scientist with an accredited forensic science laboratory.
• Possession of a valid Driver License (Operator).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and skill in applying biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic science concepts, techniques, and principles.
• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a forensic laboratory.
• Knowledge of serology and DNA analysis techniques with a forensic application.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of forensic evidence collection and examination.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to the work performed.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Skill in conducting tests involving quantitative, qualitative, and comparative analysis.
• Skill in the use of complex DNA related interpretation software.
• Skill in written and verbal communication using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a validation team.
• Ability to compile and analyze data.
• Ability and willingness to make work-related decisions.
• Ability and willingness to follow established department and laboratory directives.
• Ability and willingness to appear in court to provide expert testimony.
• Ability to uphold departmental standards and policies.

COMPETENCIES

• One City, One Team (Teamwork/Team Oriented) (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed; (7) [Core Value One City, One Team] shares information, resources and solutions across departments; (8) [Core Value One City, One Team] asks for help early and offers it often; (9) [Core Value One City, One Team] collaborates across teams before decisions are made.
• Service First (Customer Centric) (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind; (5) [Core Value Service First] acts quickly and follows through until the job is complete; (6) [Core Value Service First] serves everyone with genuine respect, diligence and professionalism; (7) [Core Value Service First] makes decisions with the people we serve in mind.
• Respect Always (Leads Through Influence) (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). (6) [Core Value Respect Always] listens with curiosity and speaks with care; (7) [Core Value Respect Always] embraces different perspectives and lived experiences; (8) [Core Value Respect Always] gives feedback constructively and receives it openly.
• Own the Outcome (Execution and Results) (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission; (11) [Core Value Own the Outcome] takes initiative to fix it or escalates issues; (12) [Core Value Own the Outcome] follows through on commitments; (13) [Core Value Own the Outcome] speaks up when accountability is missing.
• Keep Getting Better (Commitment to Continuous Improvement) (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (5) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] takes time to reflect and act on what is working and what is not; (6) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] learns from mistakes without blaming; (7) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] supports self and other’s development and growth.
• Empathetic Leadership (1) Fosters a workplace where employees are engaged; (2) seeks to know and learn about, and respects the values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) welcomes varied ideas, perspectives, and thoughts when carrying out the work of the organization and making decisions; (4) builds trust through transparency, open communication, feedback, consistency, and humility; (5) seeks to build high performing teams through practices that demonstrate a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates; promotes advancement opportunities for all (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (6) resolves conflict and maintains effective working relationships with others through open dialogue, collaboration, empathy, active listening, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism; (7) treats others with fairness and dignity; (8) demonstrates emotional maturity; and (9) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors.
• Judgment (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City.
• Talent Development (1) Provides tools, materials, equipment, and resources; (2) provides performance feedback, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and support; (3) discusses personal and professional goals; (4) provides formal and informal learning and development opportunities that support achievement of personal and professional goals; (5) attracts and develops talent; (6) manages performance throughout the department or City; (7) sets the leadership tone for area of responsibility. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors.
• Strategic Thinking (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials.
• Agility (1) Values collaboration, communication, and feedback and is flexible and open to new ideas; (2) learns rapidly and transforms learning into action; (3) examines processes and practices to perform work most effectively; (4) demonstrates courage and willingness to take calculated risks; (5) assesses readiness; proposes new approaches, methods, and technologies plans, implements, and evaluates change in a transparent, positive, and thoughtful manner; (6) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (7) rapidly adapts to change and leads others through change, while producing tangible results and identifying new opportunities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily indoors in a laboratory environment.
• Exposure to loud and steady sounds such as those produced by vacuum pumps, air conditioning systems, and laboratory instruments.
• Exposure to biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and biological fluids such as blood and saliva.
• Exposure to fumes from volatile chemicals.
• Possible exposure to decomposed body tissues and fluids.
• Possibility of minor cuts and bruises from instruments such as scalpels, razors, and glassware.
• The possibility of burns from steam and various chemicals.
• Subject to communicating technical information under cross-examination.
• Occasional local and out-of-state travel to testify in court, assist with on-site collection of evidence, or to attend conferences and seminars.
• Occasionally required to work beyond normal working hours.
• Subject to being on 24-hour call including weekends and holidays.

Note : Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sufficient strength to lift and carry items and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Sufficient arm-hand steadiness to work with intricate tools, instruments, etc.
• Sufficient manual and finger dexterity to prepare trace evidence for inspection under a microscope.
• Sufficient visual color discrimination to detect color differences when working with color sensitive tests and chemicals.

Note: The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

OTHER DETAILS

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on aiapply.co. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test. A copy is also available at the link below:

HRB 25-01 Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedure

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling View phone number on aiapply.co. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, actual or perceived sexual orientation, and gender identity and/or expression), national origin, age, disability (mental or physical) and genetic information (including family medical history).

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people. Visit Oklahoma City--A Great Place to Live and Work! to learn more about our city.

Our Vision: A vibrant, diverse, safe, and welcoming community

Our Mission: Deliver exceptional service to residents and visitors

Our Values: One City, One Team. Service First. Respect Always. Own the Outcome. Keep Getting Better.

We are proud to be recognized by Forbes as #20 on the list of America’s Best Employers by State (2025) and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Join our team and build a fulfilling career in public service, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day.

Our Total Rewards package (full-time employees) reflects our deep investment in our employees’ health, growth, and future, with an average of $22,000 per employee annually in benefits and retirement. Why? Because when our employees thrive, our city thrives.