Associate Forensic Scientist (LHC)

Associate Forensic Scientist (LHC)

Salary

$56,683.33 Annually

Location

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

6410-26E-02_LHC

Division

Agency Support Division

Opening Date

09/08/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Statement

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking motivated individuals to join our Western Regional Crime Laboratory team as an Associate Forensic Scientist. The Associate Forensic Scientist receives extensive training in relevant forensic science areas in order to become proficient in crime laboratory procedures. Under direct supervision, utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. Prepares technical reports; provides expert testimony in court; and performs related tasks as required. Receives supervision from a Supervising Forensic Scientist. This is a competitive classification.

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future Associate Forensic Scientist vacancies at the Western Regional Crime Laboratory located in the Lake Havasu City area. Please apply promptly. Application period may close without notice.

Must successfully complete the examination process. (Click here for details regarding the examination process.)

Written Exam (In-person) - Qualified applicants will receive an invitation with detailed testing information.

Qualification Appraisal Board (QAB) - weighted 100%; date to be determined.

REQUIRED Application Attachments:

College Transcripts (official or unofficial)

Course List Form (download form, open in Adobe Reader, complete, save and attach)

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

• Examines, identifies, and evaluates suspected evidence which may include blood, semen, hair, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, questioned documents, fire accelerants, soils, firearms, latent prints, drugs, poisons, alcoholic beverages, etc. Utilizes physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, comparative, classification, computer, molecular biology, chromatographic and visualization techniques and instrumentation which may include gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray, variable wavelength forensic light sources, spectrofluorimetry, and immunoassay.
• Prepares technical written reports in order to document scientific analyses and results.
• Attends pre-trial conferences, prepares exhibits for courtroom use, and provides expert testimony in courts throughout the state.
• Discusses laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys.
• Remains current on scientific advancements in the forensic field through technical publications, presentations and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies.
• May respond to crime scene incidents in order to gather, preserve and move items of evidence to crime lab for further analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, or related sciences.
• hazards and toxicity of chemicals.
• mathematics related to analyzing scientific data.

Skill in:

• operating laboratory instruments, equipment and computer systems related to areas of responsibility.

Ability to:

• define problems, establish facts, interpret information and draw valid scientific conclusions.
• recognize minute differences in shape and form.
• chemically identify and quantitate compounds such as drugs, diluents and poisons.
• interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin of biological and commercial products.
• effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing.
• testify and undergo intense examination in court.
• perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.
• read and interpret scientific materials.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in biology, chemistry, or closely related physical or natural sciences with either a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) in chemistry or a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours in chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.

(30 semester credit hours is equivalent to 45 quarter credit hours.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Processes evidence that may transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), is corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive.

May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals; and occasionally, outdoor weather conditions.

May be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds.

May be required to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

Progression to the next classification in the Forensic Scientist series requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.

FLSA status - Non-exempt

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

01

Do you possess a Bachelors or higher level degree from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

From the list provided, select the option which describes your major course of study.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physical Science with a minimum of 30 semester hours (45 qtr hours) in chemistry
• Physical Science with a minimum of 20 semester hours (30 qtr hours) in chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
• Natural Science with a minimum of 30 semester hours (45 qtr hours) in chemistry
• Natural Science with a minimum of 20 semester hours (30 qtr hours) in chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
• None of the above

03

Please list your degree and major. You must upload/attach a copy of your transcript or degree with your application.

04

Do you understand you are required to upload copies of your official/unofficial transcripts and the completed Course List Form (pdf form found in summary section of job announcement) when submitting your application? PLEASE NOTE: Your application will be deemed INCOMPLETE without submission of the required documents.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be required to process evidence that may transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), is corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals; and occasionally, outdoor weather conditions.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be required to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you understand and acknowledge you must provide a DNA sample for the staff database?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you understand and acknowledge the location of the position is in Lake Havasu City, Arizona?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

12

DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following: • Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest, are prohibited. • Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards. I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I will need to meet the standards above.

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?

• Yes
• No

14

I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my past drug use among other items. Providing untruthful or misleading answers will result in disqualification. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.

• Yes
• No

15

Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other drug, for sale?

• Yes
• No

16

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

17

Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, or marijuana extracts, or marijuana edibles) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

18

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

19

Please select the option below which indicates your usage of any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

20

Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

21

Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

22

Please select the option below which details your heroin usage over your lifetime.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

Required Question

Employer Arizona Department of Public Safety

Address 2102 W. Encanto Blvd.

Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

Phone 602-223-2290

Website http://www.azdps.gov