Job details

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Work type: Onsite
Compensation: $69,086 - $104,959/yr
Posted: yesterday
Apply on: governmentjobs.com

About this role

THE POSITION

Are you passionate about forensic science and eager to apply your expertise while advancing your career? As a Forensic Scientist 2 with the Pennsylvania State Police, you are placed at the center of detailed scientific testing that supports major cases. You help produce reliable laboratory findings that assist prosecutors, investigators, and the courts. This role offers a rewarding path for professionals who want to grow their abilities and support the mission of public safety.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the Toxicology Section by preparing, analyzing, and documenting blood samples submitted for forensic testing. It plays an essential role in producing accurate laboratory results that assist investigations and support courtroom purposes. As a Forensic Scientist 2, you will perform the following duties:

Sample Preparation: Prepare blood samples for semi-quantitative and quantitative testing using approved laboratory methods
Evidence Handling: Maintain the chain of custody by receiving, storing, and returning evidence according to protocols
Laboratory Analysis: Perform chemical and biological testing using chromatographic and spectrometric instruments
Report Development: Create official reports that summarize testing results for use in investigations and court proceedings
Documentation Accuracy: Record all testing steps and findings completely and correctly in case files
Court Testimony: Provide expert witness testimony when called upon to explain laboratory findings and conclusions

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Organization or Location Restrictions:

This posting is restricted to Pennsylvania State Police employees only.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as a Forensic Scientist 1; or
One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1; or
Two years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.

Other Requirements:

PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

Seniority rights apply for Forensic Scientist 1s, Forensic DNA Scientist 1s, Forensic Scientist 2s, and Forensic DNA Scientist 2s
Seniority/Promotion Unit: 019

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
- Seniority Promotion
- Seniority Unit Lateral
When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:
- Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
- Voluntary Demotion

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Forensic Scientist 1 or as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 for one or more years full-time?

Yes
No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

Do you possess two or more years of full-time professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence?

Yes
No

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

05

Do you possess a conferred bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related physical or natural science?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

Yes
No

06

Have you completed 16 or more semester college credits of chemistry coursework?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

Yes
No

07

If you are applying under the reassignment recruitment method, and this job title is different than your current job title, please explain why you believe this movement represents a logical career progression.

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Website LinkedIn