Solano County is recruiting to fill two (2) newly created Criminalist positions in the District Attorney's Forensic Lab scheduled to open November 2009.  The incumbents selected for these positions will conduct forensic laboratory analyses of physical evidence, investigate crime scenes, and testify in court as an expert witness on the subjects of forensic analyses and crime scene investigations.

The Criminalist reports to the Criminalist Supervisor.

These positions may be filled at the entry or journey level depending on qualifications of the candidates.

Performs physical and chemical examinations of physical evidence using quantitative and qualitative laboratory techniques, procedures, and approved protocols.

Evaluates nature, origin, and significance of evidence in criminal cases in the laboratory and in the field.

Makes accurate observations regarding examinations.

Maintains chain of custody and integrity of evidence.

Prepares detailed notes and comprehensive written reports regarding examinations.

Presents fair and impartial court testimony concerning findings as established by laboratory analyses and practices and interprets findings as a qualified expert witness.

Maintains laboratory equipment, instruments, and work areas.

Provides training, guidance, and technical assistance to laboratory staff, law enforcement personnel, and other users of laboratory services in collecting, preserving, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence.

Researches technical journals, textbooks, chemical manuals, and other source materials to determine the best methods of performing analytical testing.

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, forensic chemistry/science, biochemistry, toxicology, criminalistics, or a closely related physical or natural science field that included 20 semester / 30 quarter units of general chemistry, organic chemistry (two courses), quantitative techniques, and laboratory sections.

Criminalist Entry
Experience: No experience

Criminalist Journey
Expereince: Two years of full-time directly related experience in a class comparable to Solano County’s Criminalist.

Note A: Master’s degree or higher in one of the scientific fields noted above is desirable and may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

All candidates must submit a copy of their college degree (verifying the degree, date earned and it must clearly show area of specialization) or transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed).  Failure to submit your degree or transcripts within 5 days from the final filing date will disqualify you from the recruitment.  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact your local college or university to learn where you can obtain this service.

• Employees conducting forensic alcohol analyses must be eligible to conduct such work as specified by the State of California at the time of appointment
• California Driver’s License, Class C

Independent travel is required
Work irregular hours, holidays, and weekends at various locations and in hazardous conditions

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement. After satisfactory completion of approximately six months, a 5% salary advancement may be authorized. Thereafter, further increases are possible upon completion of additional periods of six months, twelve months, and eighteen months, assuming satisfactory service. Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call back and stand by pay are provided for some classifications. Effective December 1, 1998, all new hires are required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program.

HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS – Regular full time employees receive twelve paid holidays per year, and accrue vacation at the rate of ten days per year. After three years of continuous service employees accrue vacation time at the rate of fifteen days per year and at the rate of twenty days per year after ten years. Senior and Executive management positions start earning vacation at a higher rate.

SICK LEAVE – Regular full time employees accumulate twelve sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - The county is a member of the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and benefits are coordinated with Social Security. The County has reciprocity with all State PERS and County 1937 Act Retirement Systems agencies. PERS retirement for miscellaneous employees is based on a formula of 2.7% @55 with both employee and employer contributing. PERS safety retirement is based on a formula of 3.0% @ 50 or 2.0% @ 50 depending on the job classification. The County reports the employer’s contribution to PERS as salary, thereby increasing employees pay upon retirement.

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano. The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job classification).

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - An Employee Assistance Program is also available.

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees also may elect to participate in a deferred compensation and the credit union. All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance. This is a group policy and therefore receive substantial savings on premiums. Life insurance is also available for employees only.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Depending on the job class, candidates may need to successfully pass a post-offer drug screening test prior to employment. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement, (ie. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet and are due within five (5) calendar days of the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled. Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply. Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources, (707) 784-6170 open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, you must be an applicant for initial County employment, have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. A COPY OF YOUR DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN FIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. If you have a service connected disability, you must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating you are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons. Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. Veteran's preference 5 points Disabled Veterans 10 points.

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a qualified individual with a disability, that is, someone who is able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at 707.784.4194, for a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form. This form should be received in the Human Resources Department within 5 days from the final filing date of the recruitment. A staff member will contact you and advise you how to proceed.

IMPORTANT: If you are a Solano County employee with a disabling condition, and are unable to perform the essential functions of your present position with or without reasonable accommodation, you may be eligible for preferential certification to an alternative position. Please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator @ 707.784.4194 to initiate review of this option.

PLEASE NOTE: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

HIRING PROCEDURES - Depending on the number of qualified applicants received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Candidates must be successful in each part of the examination. For Civil Service positions, the appointing authority is entitled to certification of the top five candidates by score.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment you may be required to pass a medical examination. Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be fingerprinted and required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California. You will also be required to offer proof that you are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

EXAMINATION APPEALS - For Civil Service positions, individuals selecting to appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process must submit a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five calendar days of the receipt of the action, indicating the action being appealed, their specific basis for the appeal and the relief sought.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of six to twelve months, depending upon the position. A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

EXTRA HELP APPOINTMENTS - Appointments may be made from an eligible list for extra help (up to 999 hours/fiscal year, no benefits) positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.