Job Description
Announcement Details
Exam Announcement Details
Exam Title Forensic Scientist 3 (Crime Scene)
Exam Number 3H72-20231211-OC-05
Salary $78,865 - $83,506 - Starting Salary. New employees may be appointed at a step in the pay range above the minimum salary depending on qualifications.
Certification Rule Rule of List
Competition Open-Competitive
Department Announcement Date 12/11/2023
Close Date 12/22/2023
General Definition Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee! - Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA – Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships – The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth! This is forensic science work at the advanced performance level in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Positions in this class are allocated to one of five specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence specialty are assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints. An important aspect of the work is serving on interdisciplinary committees within the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work in this class differs from the next lower level in that the employee is expected to provide basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assist in the development of training materials while maintaining an active forensic caseload. As experience is gained, employees oversee small projects within the area of specialty.
Work in each specialty includes examining evidence associated with crimes for presentation of laboratory findings in written reports and through expert testimony in criminal trials. An employee in this class is expected to work independently in the performance of these tasks. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards in the accredited Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level forensic scientist or technical superior.
Union Code J. AFSCME D.C.47 Local 2187
FLSA Code Exempt
Minimum Requirements Minimum Training, Education & Experience The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.
CRIME SCENE SPECIALTY - EDUCATION : Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in:
- PHYSICAL , NATURAL , OR APPLIED SCIENCE
- FORENSIC SCIENCE
- ENGINEERING
- COMPUTER SCIENCE / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
OR
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE OR INVESTIGATIONS / INTELLIGENCE with at least nine (9) credit hours of physical or natural science coursework AND three (3) credit hours in Statistics or Quantitative Research Methods.
AND - EXPERIENCE : Three years of forensic science work, at least one year of which shall have been at the qualified examiner level, equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 2, in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations in the assigned specialty/discipline.
NOTE : Additional qualified experience as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent Forensic Examiner experience at the Office of Forensic Science or another accredited agency substitutes for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis. NOTE : Candidates must provide documentation to support their qualification as a qualified examiner. See below for details.
QUALIFIED EXAMINER DOCUMENTATION – Must be provided to the Police Department at the time of interview.
Proof Of Successful Completion Of a Training Program Within An Accredited Forensic Science Organization, Which Resulted In Qualification As An Expert (forensic Examiner) In The Area Of Specialty And Assignment. Qualification Must Have Included Independent Forensic Casework, Routine Proficiency Testing, And Testimony As An Expert In The Area Of Specialty/discipline. External Candidates Must Provide Documentation To Support Their Qualification As An Expert. Documentation Should Include
- A certificate or letter from an accredited forensic laboratory that details the area and date of qualification.
- Proof of the laboratory’s accreditation from either ANAB or another ISO / IEC 17025 or 17020 forensic accrediting body.
- Proof of successful completion of routine proficiency test may include copies of proficiency test results, a summary document from the laboratory’s quality assurance program, or other documentation that details scope and completion of proficiency testing.
- Proof of testimony experience may include a copy of a court transcript from one or more trials, or a letter from a court official detailing the expert’s experience testifying in court as an expert in a specific discipline.
NOTE : Employees must maintain status as a qualified Forensic Examiner during tenure of employment as a Forensic Scientist 3.
NOTE : Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 – Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees and/or specific experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree and/or experience.
Physical & Medical Requirements Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Ability to visually distinguish test results, which may include color changes, pattern recognition, and interpretation of electronic data (tables, graphs and charts).
Required Licenses & Certifications Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Scientist 3 if required by work assignment.
Other Requirements DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college transcript. It Is An Absolute Requirement That You Provide This Documentation By January 22, 2024. It Is Optional Whether You Provide This Documentation By Attaching It To This Application Or Submitting Via Email, Postal Mail, Or Fax. Your Options Are Further Explained Below
Option 1 – Upload an official copy of your documentation and attach to this application You may upload the documentation into your account and attach to this application. Once uploaded to your account, the documentation may be attached to all future applications. This will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future. This also ensures that your documentation will not be misplaced.
Your documentation should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. It cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 – Submit an official copy of your documentation via email, mail or fax If you submit the required documentation via email, mail or fax, it will be used for this application only. You will have to submit the documentation again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Copies of the documentation will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Email: Rashida.Ximines@phila.gov
Fax: 215-686-2347 with ATTN : Rashida Ximines
Mailing Address City of Philadelphia
Office of Human Resources
1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: Rashida Ximines
Equivalency Statement(s) Application Details
Application Procedures CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.
- You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.
- The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:
Rashida Ximines
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2318
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: Rashida.Ximines@phila.gov
- For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Notes to Applicants As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We Care About Your Well-being. The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer. Learn more here: The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to
faqpchr@phila.gov . For more information, go to: The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW ) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW .
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at
hrhelpdesk@phila.gov ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on
Friday, December 22, 2023 .
Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:
- Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
- Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application
All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.
If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add
Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.
Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
Facebook Twitter ELIGIBLE LIST OPEN - COMPETITIVE - Only an open competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
RESIDENCY WAIVER – The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Instead, establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.
Preference For Philadelphia Residents Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding
January 22, 2024 , you are eligible to claim residency preference.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.
The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE : Ten (10) points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. To be eligible, the veteran must be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces by the first date of the examination. Candidates must submit a DD214 Member-4 to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered and will be required to submit additional documentation.
LEGACY PREFERENCE : Ten (10) points for legacy preference will be added to the scores of the children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit documented proof of relationship to the deceased parent or grandparent AND the death certificate of the deceased parent or grandparent.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE : Up to five (5) points will be added to the scores of eligible national volunteers who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit a copy of their service letter to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. To be eligible, candidates must have:
- Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA
Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.
- Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
Such Candidates Will Have - 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
- 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
- 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
- 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded. Projected Exam Date Training and Experience Evaluation – Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
An Eligible List will be established the week of January 22, 2024. Please note that this date may change.
Test Review In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Assigned to (view only) Assigned to Rashida Ximines
Parts & Weights
Part Training & Experience Evaluation
Weight 100%
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Traineeship, Local area, Immediate start, Weekday work, Monday to Friday,