Location: Greensburg,PA, USA
THE POSITION
We are looking for a committed and meticulous Forensic Scientist Trainee to become part of our vibrant forensic team. This role presents an exciting chance for those enthusiastic about forensic analysis and keen to contribute meaningfully to drug identification. If you possess a strong drive, attention to detail, and a dedication to justice, we invite you to apply and start a fulfilling career in forensic science with us.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will engage in a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing your knowledge, comprehension, and technical abilities concerning drug identification, report writing, and courtroom testimony. Working under the close guidance of a technical supervisor, you will conduct qualitative analyses on evidence submitted for drug testing, utilizing recognized identification methods such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography, in accordance with the procedures specified in the PA State Police Bureau of Forensic Services Drug Identification Procedures Manual.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
* Full-time employment
* Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
* Telework: This position does not offer telework.
* 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
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
* 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.
* Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
Other Requirements:
* You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
* You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
* You must pass criminal history and background investigations.
* 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.
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).
* This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
* 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.
Veterans:
* Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
* Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
* Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
* Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
* You must provide complete and accurate information or:
* your score may be lower than deserved.
* you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
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.
01
Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree or higher, in one of the following majors: chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry?
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 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 also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information.
* Yes
* No
02
If you do not possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
03
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which Level of Performance most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The Level of Performance you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the Yes button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
* Yes
04
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - CHEMISTRY COURSEWORK/CREDITS
Select the level of performance which best represents your chemistry coursework and credits.
* A. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses, with at least one course at the graduate level in chemistry, totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry.
* B. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry AND I have professional experience conducting qualitative or quantitative chemical/biological analysis using standard or published methods.
* C. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses, totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry.
* D. I have successfully completed 16 college credits in Chemistry related to this work behavior.
* E. I do not have any college credits/coursework related to this Work Behavior.
05
CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. Be sure to list all Chemistry related coursework, including labs that demonstrate you have 16 credits or more in Chemistry. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
06
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
* Your experience conducting qualitative or quantitative chemical/biological analysis using standard or published methods
* The actual duties you performed
* Your level of responsibility
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - LABORATORY COURSES
Select the level of performance which best represents your laboratory courses.
* A. I have successfully completed 5 or more college lab courses.
* B. I have successfully completed 4 college lab courses.
* C. I have successfully completed 2-3 college lab courses.
* D. I have successfully completed 1 college lab course.
* E. I have NOT successfully completed any laboratory courses.
08
CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - FORENSIC SCIENCE COURSEWORK/CREDITS
Select the level of performance which best represents your forensic science coursework and credits.
* A. I have successfully completed 3 or more forensic science courses, with at least one course at the graduate level.
* B. I have successfully completed 3 or more forensic science courses.
* C. I have successfully completed 2 forensic science courses.
* D. I have successfully completed 1 forensic science course.
* E. I have NOT successfully completed any forensic science courses.
10
CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 -PRESENTS INFORMATION IN COURT
Maintains complete and accurate records of all testing and results. Prepares scientifically accurate and thorough reports of findings and conclusions from testing and presents such information in a court of law as necessary. Communicates with law enforcement agencies relative to the analysis of evidence and results obtained.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your experience or coursework.
* A. I have experience defending a thesis or presenting scientific research at a scientific forum.
* B. I have engaged in public speaking experience outside of the classroom during the course of my college career, either in an employment setting or through volunteer activities (trainer, debate team, student teaching).
* C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to speech, communications, public speaking, or Train the Trainer.
* D. I have NO training or experience related to this work behavior.
12
If you are claiming public speaking experience through employment or volunteer activities, please provide details about your public speaking experience. If you indicated you have no experience/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* Date From
* Date To
* Average Hours/Month
* Organization Name
* Organization Address
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
1. Was this experience gained during employment or volunteer activities? 2. The type of public speaking you conducted 3. Your actual duties
14
CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* Training Source/College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 -CALCULATES DATA
Records the data obtained during testing on a standardized work sheet where any necessary calculation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, percentages, and standard deviations will be performed; the data may be keyed into a computer which contains a standardized program and tabulates the results. Tabulates uncertainty of measurement.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your coursework.
* A. I have successfully completed a college-level course in statistics.
* B. I have NOT completed a course in statistics, but I have successfully completed a college-level course in calculus.
* C. I have NOT completed a course in statistics or calculus, but I have successfully completed a college-level algebra or trigonometry course.
* D. I have NO education related to this work behavior.
16
CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
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