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Forensic Scientist Trainee

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Forensic Scientist Trainee

Salary

$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-36279-72061

Department

Pennsylvania State Police

Division

SP Greensburg Rgnl Lab

Opening Date

11/07/2025

Closing Date

11/20/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

72061

Position Number

00279060

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00209363

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Forensic Services/Greensburg Regional Laboratory

Worksite Address

425 Willow Crossing Road

City

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15601

Contact Name

PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

Are you highly driven and ready for an exciting, challenging career in law enforcement forensics? The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Bureau of Forensic Services is seeking an ambitious individual to join our amazing team at the Greensburg Regional Laboratory as a Forensic Scientist Trainee. We offer a comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to excel in this vital field. Apply today to begin your journey with our respected team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Forensic Scientist Trainee , you will engage in a structured training program centered on the principles and practices of forensic serology. This program is specifically designed to cultivate required knowledge, understanding, and technical proficiency in several core areas: the analysis of physiological fluids, hair identification methodologies, comprehensive report preparation, and the presentation of expert testimony in a judicial setting. Your initial responsibilities will be performed under the direct oversight and supervision of a designated laboratory supervisor. This supervisor will be responsible for the assignment of tasks, continuous review of work in progress, and final evaluation upon completion. Progression in the role is contingent upon the successful acquisition of experience and demonstrated competence. As you develop these skills, you will assume increased responsibility and execute your duties with greater autonomy and independence. The nature of this work demands meticulous attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, and the application of foundational technical skills.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00279060) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week

+ Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

+ Telework:You will not have the option to telework in this position.

+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

+ A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

+ You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

+ This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a report of medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

How to Apply:

+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

+ Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

+ Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:

+ your score may be lower than deserved.

+ you may be disqualified.

+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

+ Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree or higher, in one of the following majors: chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you do not possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

03

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

+ Yes

04

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – CHEMISTRY COURSEWORK/CREDITS

Select the level of performance which best represents your chemistry coursework and credits.

+ A. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses, with at least one course at the graduate level in chemistry, totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry.

+ B. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry AND I have professional experience conducting qualitative or quantitative chemical/biological analysis using standard or published methods.

+ C. I have successfully completed 5 or more college chemistry courses, totaling more than 16 college credits in Chemistry.

+ D. I have successfully completed 16 college credits in Chemistry related to this work behavior.

+ E. I do not have any college credits/coursework related to this Work Behavior.

05

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. Be sure to list all Chemistry related coursework, including labs that demonstrate you have 16 credits or more in Chemistry. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

06

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

+ Your experience conducting qualitative or quantitative chemical/biological analysis using standard or published methods

+ The actual duties you performed

+ Your level of responsibility

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – LABORATORY COURSES

Select the level of performance which best represents your laboratory courses.

+ A. I have successfully completed 5 or more college lab courses.

+ B. I have successfully completed 4 college lab courses.

+ C. I have successfully completed 2-3 college lab courses.

+ D. I have successfully completed 1 college lab course.

+ E. I have NOT successfully completed any laboratory courses.

08

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – FORENSIC SCIENCE COURSEWORK/CREDITS

Select the level of performance which best represents your forensic science coursework and credits.

+ A. I have successfully completed 3 or more forensic science courses, with at least one course at the graduate level.

+ B. I have successfully completed 3 or more forensic science courses.

+ C. I have successfully completed 2 forensic science courses.

+ D. I have successfully completed 1 forensic science course.

+ E. I have NOT successfully completed any forensic science courses.

10

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – PRESENTS INFORMATION IN COURT

Maintains complete and accurate records of all testing and results. Prepares scientifically accurate and thorough reports of findings and conclusions from testing and presents such information in a court of law as necessary. Communicates with law enforcement agencies relative to the analysis of evidence and results obtained.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your experience or coursework.

+ A. I have experience defending a thesis or presenting scientific research at a scientific forum.

+ B. I have engaged in public speaking experience outside of the classroom during the course of my college career, either in an employment setting or through volunteer activities (trainer, debate team, student teaching).

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to speech, communications, public speaking, or Train the Trainer.

+ D. I have NO training or experience related to this work behavior.

12

If you are claiming public speaking experience through employment or volunteer activities, please provide details about your public speaking experience. If you indicated you have no experience/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ Date From

+ Date To

+ Average Hours/Month

+ Organization Name

+ Organization Address

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ Was this experience gained during employment or volunteer activities?

+ The type of public speaking you conducted

+ Your actual duties

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ Training Source/College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – CALCULATES DATA

Records the data obtained during testing on a standardized work sheet where any necessary calculation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, percentages, and standard deviations will be performed; the data may be keyed into a computer which contains a standardized program and tabulates the results. Tabulates uncertainty of measurement.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your coursework.

+ A. I have successfully completed a college-level course in statistics.

+ B. I have NOT completed a course in statistics, but I have successfully completed a college-level course in calculus.

+ C. I have NOT completed a course in statistics or calculus, but I have successfully completed a college-level algebra or trigonometry course.

+ D. I have NO education related to this work behavior.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov