Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This series describes positions responsible for forensic analysis of evidence pertaining to criminal investigations. Work requires specialized training and involves identifying, collecting, preserving, analyzing, interpreting and reporting results. Physical and/or digital evidence is obtained and analyzed which may include suspected drug materials, biological materials, digital mediums, firearms, hazardous materials, or other items that may contain potential evidence. Positions serve as an expert in a forensic discipline such as biological sciences, digital and multimedia evidence, DNA, drug chemistry, firearms and toolmarks, footwear and tire, latent prints, toxicology and trace chemistry. Positions may be required to testify as a witness on forensic science methods, analytical findings, and opinions related to the findings.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I A2C1XX
Concept of Class
Forensic Scientist I describes the entry level. Entry level positions perform tasks that are structured and designed to provide training and experience. Tasks are performed under direct supervision and detailed instruction and guidance is received. Employees in this class learn to apply theories and principles of the field. Positions used for training purposes do not remain at this level indefinitely.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Defined. There is a choice in selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed of a decision, but there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation.
Complexity --Prescribed. Applies established, standard processes which cover work situations and alternatives. Chooses the correct action from specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as tasks are repeated.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST II A2C2XX
Concept of Class
Forensic Scientist II describes the intermediate level. Intermediate positions operate independently in performing assignments that are limited to phases of a fully operational assignment or which may be designed to provide continued training and experience. Work requires determining solutions to practical problems using specified standards and established criteria. Judgment is used to select and apply existing guidelines to solve problems and accomplish the assignment.
This class differs from Forensic Scientist I by the Decision Making and Complexity factors.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST III A2C3XX
Concept of Class
Forensic Scientist III describes the fully operational level. Fully operational positions operate independently in performing the full range of tasks. Work requires the use of discretion within the limits of theory and principles of the profession, management’s objectives, laws and regulations, and general systems and guidelines.
This class differs from Forensic Scientist II by the Decision Making and Complexity factors.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
OR;
Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV A2C4XX
Concept of Class
Forensic Scientist IV describes Staff Authority or Work Leader. These class concepts are described below under the Line/Staff authority.
This class differs from Forensic Scientist III by the Decision Making, Complexity and Line/Staff Authority factors.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Staff Authority. Staff Authorities are experts on the application of a program or system in a state agency or to its clients. Positions possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the success of an agency’s objectives.
OR;
Work Leader. Partially accountable for the work product of at least two subordinate FTEs. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and scheduling work. Work Leaders provide input into supervisory decisions but do not have direct authority for hiring, terminations, or performance management.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST V A2C5XX
Concept of Class
Forensics Scientist V describes the Senior Authority or Unit Supervisor. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff authority.
What differs this class from Forensic Scientist IV is by the Complexity and Line/Staff Authority factors.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Interpretive. There is a choice in determining the tactical plans to achieve the objectives established by a higher management level. This degree of decision making establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future which includes inventing and changing systems or designing processes, policies and guidelines.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
OR;
Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Senior Authority. Senior authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the agency’s overall mission. Agency management routinely relies on the essential consultation of the authority before deciding broad, critical program and policy direction.
OR;
Unit Supervisor. Positions are accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of at least three subordinate FTEs. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST VI A2C6XX
Concept of Class
Forensics Scientist VI describes the Leading Authority or Manager. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
What differs this class from Forensics Scientist V is by the Decision Making, Complexity, and Line/Staff Authority factors.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Programmatic. In determining strategic plans, overall purpose, and staffing, there are choices in formulating or adjusting programs, specifying program objectives, and allocating human and fiscal resources among constituent programs. The degree of decision making involves proposals for long-term policy and integration with other programs and overall strategy.
Complexity --Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Leading Authority. Leading authorities possess a unique level of knowledge and expertise in a field that is critical to the agency’s overall mission. This level of expertise is rare, and has a direct impact on the profession itself both within and outside state boundaries. State and Agency leaders rely on this authority when making strategic decisions regarding the long-term direction of policy, programs, and systems related to the authority’s field of expertise.
OR;
Manager. Accountable for multiple units through the direct supervision of at least two subordinate Unit Supervisors. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general knowledge, skills, and abilities for classes in this series are contained in the class minimum qualifications document. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2024
Effective 7/1/24: Class codes, job evaluation factors, and levels updated as a result of the Criminal Investigator system maintenance study.
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensics Scientist I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Forensics Scientist II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Forensics Scientist III | Process | Patterned or Formulative | Individual Contributor |
| Forensics Scientist IV | Interpretive | Formulative | Work Leader or Staff Authority |
| Forensics Scientist V | Interpretive | Formulative or Strategic | Unit Supervisor or Staff Authority |
| Forensics Scientist VI | Programmatic | Strategic | Manager or Leading Authority |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Forensics Scientist I | A2C1XX |
| Forensics Scientist II | A2C2XX |
| Forensics Scientist III | A2C3XX |
| Forensics Scientist IV | A2C4XX |
| Forensics Scientist V | A2C5XX |
| Forensics Scientist VI | A2C6XX |
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (A2C1XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position.
Substitutions:
None
FORENSIC SCIENTIST II (A2C2XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position
One (1) year of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions:
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (A2C3XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position.
Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions:
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (A2C4XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position.
Three (3) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions:
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST V (A2C5XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position.
Four (4) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions:
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST VI (A2C6XX)
Education and Experience:
Bachelor of Science from an accredited Institution in a field related to the work assigned to the position AND any required accreditations needed for this position.
Five (5) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Substitutions:
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
- Class series was created per a 2023-2024 system maintenance study
- Class series was created per a 2023-2024 system maintenance study