ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL POLICE SERVICES
ANTICIPATED VACANCY NOTICE
DEPARTMENT: CENTRAL POLICE SERVICES FORENSIC LAB
TITLE OF POSITION: FORENSIC BIOLOGIST II
LOCATION and HOURS: 45 ELM STREET, 8am – 4pm
SALARY: $68,266 - $87,283 Annually
This is the second level class position in the Forensic Biologist specialty. The work involves responsibility for collecting and analyzing unknown substances and evidentiary material using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other related techniques. This position differs from Forensic Biologist I by virtue of the incumbents’ ability to handle complex examinations and cases, and increased independence. Work is performed under direct supervision from higher level employees in the Forensic Laboratory. Does related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A) Possession of a master's degree in a natural science, a forensic science, an engineering science, or criminalistics, including or supplemented by at least nine (9) credit hours in coursework consisting of statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as primary content*; and one (1) year of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory performing biological and DNA analysis* or
B) Possession of a bachelor's degree in a natural science, a forensic science, an engineering science, or criminalistics, including or supplemented by at least nine (9) credit hours in coursework consisting of statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as primary content*; and two (2) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory performing biological and DNA analysis* or
C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B), above.
NOTE 1: * Statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology must be the primary component of the classes or courses; coursework completed with titles other than those listed may demonstrate compliance through submission of a student transcript, letter from university professor verifying course content, or a course syllabus. The DNA training program previously offered by the FBI Laboratory, with graduate credit hours from the University of Virginia, may be applied toward the molecular biology coursework requirement associated with this standard. Statistics/population genetics training or coursework may be satisfied through internal or external mechanisms.
NOTE 2: Incumbents must pass a competency test prior to assuming casework responsibility, and must pass TWO proficiency tests annually, in accordance with accreditation requirements. Eight (8) hours of continuing education and training annually is required as condition of employment; additional training and education may be required.
NOTE 3: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.
This notice will be posted for the period June 24, 2025, through and including July 3, 2025.
If interested and meet the above qualifications, please email your resume and transcripts to: michelli.schmitz@erie.gov
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.