Forensic Scientist I - Toxicology

This recruitment is limited to the first 100 applications received from qualified applicants, and the closing date may be adjusted if the application limit is reached prior to the posted closing date. Before applying, please ensure that you are available to complete the entire testing process, per the dates on this posting.

Salary Information*
The salary for this position is negotiated through a collective bargaining agreement. All new employees will be hired at the minimum salary in the range and will be eligible for merit increases until reaching the maximum salary in the range.

*The above figures do not include future Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), Public Employee Retirement System (NVPERS), or collective bargaining agreement changes.

Definition
Incumbents receive supervised training in the scientific laboratory examination of physical evidence and in the scientific interpretation of test results.

Click here to view a complete copy of the class specification, including environmental and physical conditions.

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical, or biological science, or a forensic science related field and successful completion of at least 24 college level credits in chemistry, including credits earned in chemistry laboratory.* Applicants MUST attach a copy of their LEGIBLE transcript(s), which demonstrates proof of educational requirements, to their application at the time of submission as outlined in the Application Filing Section. Failure to attach a legible qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Nevada driver license.
• Be a citizen/naturalized citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions on status of the United States of America by the date of the first test instrument.
• Be at least 18 years old by the date of the first test instrument.

• Professional experience working in a forensic laboratory.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment and using laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
• Experience identifying and resolving discrepancies/anomalies in a professional work setting. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent organization and multi-tasking wills with the ability to prioritize assignments.

Application Filing

Applications as well as a LEGIBLE copy of your transcript(s) must be submitted online and received by the posted closing date and time (PST). Decisions on an applicant's qualifications for this position will be made solely on the information contained in the application and transcript(s) and therefore, should be filled out in its entirety.

LEGIBLE copy of transcript(s) must demonstrate proof of educational requirements and include candidate's name, name of the college or university, name of the degree earned, date the degree was awarded, and number of credits earned. Failure to attach a legible qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification.

Current LVMPD Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, Interns and Volunteers:
Applications from full-time or part-time LVMPD members, interns, and volunteers will be accepted through the closing date and time regardless of the number of applications received. To obtain an application packet once the application limit is reached and the posting is no longer visible, please contact the OHR representative listed below in the Inquiries Section. To ensure you meet the closing date and time, you are encouraged not to wait until the last day to request the application packet.

Application Screening (Pass/Fail)

Applications and LEGIBLE copies of transcript(s) will be reviewed to determine those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are in the top group to continue in the testing process. Applicants will be notified of the results of the screening process via email. If you have not received your notification by 5:00 pm PST on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, it is your responsibility to confirm your eligibility to test for this position by contacting the OHR representative listed below in the Inquiries Section.

Exam Dates*

Exam #1: Written Exam (Weighted 15%) – Tuesday, August 12, 2025 

The Written Exam will be administered in person at LVMPD Headquarters. Only candidates who pass AND are in the TOP SCORING GROUP from the Written Exam will be invited to continue to the Practical Exam.

Exam #2: Practical Exam/Writing Exercise (Weighted 15%) – Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Practical Exam will be administered in person at LVMPD Headquarters. Only candidates who pass AND are in the TOP SCORING GROUP from the Practical Exam will be invited to continue to the Oral Board Exam.

Exam #3: Oral Board Exam (Weighted 70%) - Beginning Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Oral Board Interviews will NOT be conducted in person. Interviews will be conducted online via WebEx.

Additional Selection Processes
If you successfully complete the above selection process, you will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph exam. A polygraph examination can be stressful and may affect existing medical or psychological conditions or ongoing treatment. Candidates are encouraged to consult with their personal physicians to discuss whether the polygraph will affect a condition or treatment and then follow the guidance of their medical professional.
 
The background investigation takes approximately 90 to 120 days to complete. You must also meet the LVMPD Hiring Standards. LVMPD employees participate in the Department’s random drug screening process. For more information on the background process, click https://youtu.be/LpAUnwRbT9o for a quick video or https://www.protectthecity.com/applicants/employment-standards/background-investigation for specific information.

 

Additional Information

 

Take a look at what the LVMPD Forensic Lab has to offer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU3SFYZHivY. The LVMPD Forensic Laboratory is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).