Forensic Scientist - City of Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, ALPosted 22 days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from the City of Birmingham via the Personnel Board of Jefferson County.
Job overview
The Forensic Scientist role involves conducting specialized laboratory analyses on physical evidence related to criminal investigations, focusing on firearms and related materials, to support law enforcement through scientifically defensible findings.
Responsibilities and impact
The candidate will examine and classify evidence such as guns and gunshot residue, perform forensic tests using advanced tools, preserve and document evidence, prepare detailed reports, provide expert court testimony, and communicate findings to various stakeholders.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a pay range of $51,729 to $80,225 along with comprehensive benefits including medical and dental insurance, a pension plan, paid holidays, sick and vacation leave.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a physical or natural laboratory-based science, a driver's license, and either coursework or experience in forensic examinations; preferred qualifications include certifications from relevant forensic boards.
Career development
The role encourages ongoing professional development and staying current with forensic science advancements and legal standards.
Work environment and culture
The work environment is primarily an indoor forensic laboratory setting involving the use of specialized equipment and adherence to strict professional and legal standards.
Company information
The City of Birmingham, represented by the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, is a government entity focused on public safety and forensic science support for criminal investigations.
Job location and travel
The job is located in Birmingham, Alabama, primarily within a forensic laboratory environment.
Application process
Applicants are directed to apply via the Personnel Board of Jefferson County with accommodations available for disabilities; the posting may close or extend based on employment needs.
Unique job features
This position uniquely involves working with firearms and ammunition in a forensic context and requires the ability to provide expert testimony in court.
Company overview
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (PBJC) is a governmental agency responsible for administering the civil service system for Jefferson County, Alabama. It provides human resources services, including recruitment, testing, and classification for various local government agencies within the county. The PBJC ensures a merit-based employment system, focusing on fair and equal opportunity for all applicants. Established in the early 20th century, it has a significant history of maintaining transparency and efficiency in public sector employment. The board generates revenue through service fees charged to the participating jurisdictions and agencies it serves.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to emphasize your educational background in physical or natural laboratory-based sciences, highlighting any coursework or experience related to firearms, tool marks, and crime scene examination as specified in the job description.
Showcase your ability to conduct detailed forensic analyses, including experience with laboratory equipment and methodologies such as microscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatographic techniques relevant to forensic science.
Apply through multiple platforms including the Personnel Board of Jefferson County’s official website and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you meet the target close date.
Connect with current forensic scientists or professionals within the Personnel Board of Jefferson County on LinkedIn, initiating conversations with ice breakers like commenting on recent forensic advancements or asking about the team’s approach to forensic evidence handling.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'forensic analysis,' 'firearm examination,' 'tool mark identification,' 'chain of custody,' and 'expert testimony' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate the application process, tailor your resume for ATS, identify multiple application channels, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus more effectively on preparing for interviews and networking.
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