CRIMINALIST I (CLASS CODE 5250)

Professional work under supervision in the performance of chemical and biological tests and microscopic comparison and identification of evidence connected with crimes, testifying in court as an expert witness in criminal proceedings, explaining results and interpretations of their analyses; and related work as required.

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Forensic Science, Chemistry (with 15 hours of Biology), Biology (with 15 hours of Chemistry), or a closely related scientific field (with a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of Chemistry and fifteen (15) hours of Biology), or another related field (with at least thirty-six (36) hours combined in Forensic Science, Biology and Chemistry).

Note : Official College Transcript must be presented to the New Orleans Civil Service Department within two (2) weeks of application.

Note : Candidates with experience in the Forensic Science fields will be given extra credit.

Note : One (1) year of certified analytical forensic DNA laboratory experience may substitute for the college chemistry requirement.

A rating of training and experience, weighted 100%. All related previous experience will be considered for qualification purposes; however, credit on the rating of training and experience will only be awarded for experience in the fields of Forensic Science gained within the last ten (10) years.

This is an original entrance examination.

THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, CREED, CULTURE, OR ANCESTRY.

BACKGROUND CHECK : The hiring department will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate.

APPLICATIONS : Applications will not be accepted if received after the closing date or after the stated maximum number of applications has been received. All minimum qualification requirements for examinations must be met by the final filing date unless otherwise specified on this announcement.

WORKING TEST PERIOD : Effective August 1, 2023, the working test (probationary) period for all positions in the classified service is one year.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING : The City of New Orleans has a comprehensive program of substance abuse testing. Candidates for employment for certain positions where the health, welfare and / or safety of the public, co-workers and the individual employee is at risk will have to undergo pre-employment substance abuse screening.

A MEDICAL EXAMINATION is required for all original entrance probationary appointments to ACTIVE classifications.

GOOD MORAL CHARACTER is required of all applicants. Any applicant may be disqualified if his / her character or past employment record is found to be unsatisfactory.

IMPORTANT : Applicants who are licensed to drive should have a current license on their person for purposes of identification during all phases of an examination.

VETERANS PREFERENCE : On original entrance examinations, veterans shall receive additional credit if claimed as provided on the Veterans Preference claim form.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (GED) must be issued by a state Department of Education or an institution recognized by a state Department of Education.

EXPERIENCE : Applicants will not receive credit for unpaid work unless specified on the job announcement.

PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE : The Civil Service Department defines this experience as experience gained in a position that required a Bachelor's Degree upon entrance.

OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT OR PROMOTION : Prior to appointment, the hiring agency is required to verify education, driver's license, and / or professional licenses / certifications claimed by the applicant to qualify for this classification.

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