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OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
Civil Service Title: Criminalist
Level: II
Title Code No: 21849
Salary: $70,349
Office Title: Criminalist II
Work Location: 421 East 26th Street
Division/Work Unit: Forensic Biology
Number of Positions: 1
Hours/Shift: Thirty-five hours over a seven day period
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person
We exist to provide answers in support of families, victims and community during times of profound need.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The core values of the OCME are to put the mission of the agency first, to be truly dedicated and to have integrity in every aspect of our professional life. The most eligible candidate will possess the technical skills listed and also the potential to exemplify this agency’s core values of “Integrity, Dedication and putting the Agency First”.
Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Forensic Biology department and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, Level IV, incumbent is responsible for conducting the scientific analyses performed on physical evidence brought to the Forensic Biology department. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Locates, recognizes and describes accurately physical evidence, physiological material, and colorimetric tests during the examination of swabs, sexual assault kits, and evidence items submitted to the Department of Forensic Biology in connection with investigation of criminal cases.
- Engages in administrative, technical reviews of casework
- Ensures integrity of evidence and chain-of-custody forms
- Maintains records of all examinations and analytical tests conducted
- Compiles data and additional paperwork to create a case file
- Interprets DNA test results
- Prepares and signs reports which reflect the results of the scientific analyses
- Prepares, distributes, and/or files scientific results and/or documents to appropriate laboratory staff and/or locations
- Develop and searches LDIS and submits DNA profiles for database entry
- Performs technical and administrative review on written reports and case file records of administratively closed, negative serology, and negative DNA cases
- Testifies concerning the results of scientific investigations before grand juries, civil jurisdiction, and criminal jurisdictions.
- Participates in competency testing and proficiency testing programs
- Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs as described in the manuals of the Department of Forensic Biology
- Participates in all required training programs as determined by QA/QC, training, and supervisory staff.
- Stays abreast of emerging technological advances in areas of expertise
- Performs special assignments/projects as directed.
Minimum Qual Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I – B
In addition to meeting the “Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels” above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. In addition to meeting the “Qualification Requirements” above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
4. In addition to meeting the “Qualification Requirements” for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV
In addition to meeting the “Qualification Requirements” for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.
Preferred Skills
Candidates must submit college transcripts proving successfully passing (grade C or greater) the following course requirements: Graduate or undergraduate level courses covering the subject areas of BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS, STATISTICS, and MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (Molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of Forensic DNA analysis for a total of nine credit hours. These course requirements will be audited by the DNA Technical Leader.
Additional Information
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
For Assignment to Assignment Level IB
In addition to meeting the Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IB individuals must have a least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
In addition to meeting the Qualification Requirements above to be assigned to Assignment level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment level IB or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
***SPECIAL NOTE***
1. Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
2. Candidates must demonstrate accurate color vision in order to notice shades of color in the detection of body fluids and colorimetric tests when performing job.
3. Candidates must submit college transcripts proving successfully passing (grade C or greater) the following course requirements: Graduate or undergraduate level courses covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (Molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of Forensic DNA analysis for a total of nine credit hours. These course requirements will be audited by the DNA Technical Leader.
4. Candidates will be assigned within the department as operationally required.
5. Selection process may include a written examination, followed by an oral interview.
6. “As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the hiring agency.”
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at www.nyc.gov/studentloans.
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To Apply
TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov. JOB ID #553334
Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted for this position. No phone calls or emails please.
**FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL**
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position