Forensic Scientist II or III - Biology Unit . Mesa LilyLifestyle

Salary: See Position Description

Location: PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 16993A

Department: (H240) Public Safety Support

Opening Date: 05/08/2026

Closing Date: 5/28/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

This recruitment will fill one (1) project-funded (at-will) Forensic Scientist II or III position (Biology Unit Assignment). It also establishes an eligible list that may be used to fill future Forensic Scientist II or III (Biology Unit Assignment) vacancies for budgeted (classified), grant‑funded (at-will) and/or project‑funded (at-will) positions.

** For initial application purposes, applicants must attach an official or unofficial transcript to verify college coursework. Applications without transcripts will be deemed ineligible.**

($74,017.01 - $ annually)

A Forensic Scientist II performs specialized forensic evaluations and/or complex examinations of physical evidence. The role requires expertise in at least one forensic discipline, such as blood alcohol analysis, controlled substance identification, latent print comparison, toxicology, serology/DNA, fire debris, firearms/toolmark examination, or trace evidence. The scientist writes scientific examination reports, prepares findings for court presentation, testifies in court, and discusses laboratory results with officers and attorneys.

Responsibilities include field investigations at crime scenes, evidence collection, and reconstruction of situations for forensic analysis.

Incumbents are journey-level professionals who may progress to Forensic Scientist III after completing the criteria‑based promotion plan. The position is exempt-professional under FLSA.

($89,956.05 - $ annually)

A Forensic Scientist III performs highly specialized evaluations and complex examinations of physical evidence. The role requires expert-level proficiency in at least one discipline and involves operating, maintaining, and interpreting data from high‑tech instrumentation such as automated blood alcohol systems, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, or DNA equipment. Additional duties include officer training, quality assurance program development, field investigations, instrumentation troubleshooting, method development, and technical guidance to subordinate scientists.

The class may direct technical work and train others. The position is exempt-professional under FLSA.

Scientists assigned to the Biology Unit conduct serological and/or DNA analysis on evidence. Tasks include visual, microscopic, and serological testing of biological material; DNA preparation, extraction via manual or robotic methods; PCR quantitation and amplification; and DNA typing by capillary electrophoresis. Results are interpreted, compared to known profiles, and entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Workers use statistical databases to assess profile frequency and may design experiments related to case issues.

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science.
• At least four years’ experience in a crime laboratory as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent, with acceptance as an expert witness in court for at least one forensic discipline.
• For Biology Unit Assignment:
  At least 9 credit hours in biology or chemistry, plus coursework in statistics or population genetics.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science.
• At least seven years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent in a recognized laboratory, testifying in court as an expert witness, with state‑of‑the‑art expertise in a specialized area.
• For Biology Unit Assignment:
  At least 9 credit hours in biology or chemistry, plus coursework in statistics or population genetics.

• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date.

• Individuals will undergo pre‑employment or pre‑placement alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.

• Experience as a Criminalist/Forensic Scientist in an internationally accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences.