Senior Forensic Scientist

Senior Forensic Scientist

Salary

$103,022.40 - $107,140.80 Annually

Location

Albuquerque, NM

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2601239

Department

Police

Division

PD-Criminalistics

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit

NU

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Lead, oversee and assign forensic caseloads and other related work to assigned staff responsible for examining, identifying, analyzing, evaluating and preserving evidence in the investigations of crimes. Perform a variety of other technical tasks, relative to the assigned area(s) of responsibility; maintain communications within the Scientific Evidence Division (SED) on any issues; and participate in the more complex and difficult work required within the assigned area(s) of responsibility.

Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essentialfunctions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Mustbe able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without areasonable accommodation.

• Perform a variety of physical, chemical, biological, botanical, microscopic and/or instrumental examinations and/or enhancement techniques on materials and items suspected to contain or consist of evidence of crimes and/or known references.
• Oversee the assignment, supervision, planning and review of the work of assigned staff responsible for examining, identifying, analyzing, evaluating and preserving forensic evidence.
• Provide and/or coordinate training and continuing education of assigned staff.
• Select, motivate and evaluate assigned staff.
• Work with assigned staff to correct deficiencies, implement discipline and, if necessary, termination procedures.
• Plan, direct and participate in all of the forensic and laboratory work of assigned section(s).
• Oversee training of assigned employees in their areas of work including evidence collection and handling methods, procedures and techniques.
• Develop and provide training sessions to investigators, legal personnel and others, concerning forensic science, evidence handling and analytical procedures.
• Supervise the use, care and operation of a variety of forensic equipment, microscopes and analytical instruments.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Prepare and present a variety of technical and statistical, written and verbal reports.
• Conduct technical and/or administrative review of scientific analysis and reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of case information.
• Provide testimony as required.
• Evaluate, recommend, and as applicable, approve changes to laboratory policies and procedures for assigned section(s) and recommend new techniques and methods to management staff.
• Develop, manage and oversee grant funding programs.
• Oversee and assist in the development of specifications for the purchase of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Supervise the procurement of equipment and supplies.
• Manage equipment, instrument and other contracts for assigned section(s).
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• May be required to travel and receive training as assigned to maintain and enhance professional competency.
• Maintain professional interaction and communication with other forensic scientists, forensic units and organizations.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

When assigned to DNA and Chemistry:

Masters degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus three (3) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and three (3) years direct supervisory experience; or

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus four (4) years of discipline specific forensic experience and applicable forensic certification (from the SED Directors Approved List), and (3) years direct supervisory experience; or

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus five (5) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and (3) years direct supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Drivers License or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operators Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

When assigned to Latent Fingerprint and Firearm and Toolmark:

Masters degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus three (3) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and three (3) years direct supervisory experience; or

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus four (4) years of discipline specific forensic experience and applicable forensic certification (from the SED Directors Approved List), and (3) years direct supervisory experience; or

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus five (5) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and (3) years direct supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Drivers License or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operators Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

Working Conditions

Environmental:

A variety of forensic, laboratory and crime scene environments; potential exposure to unpleasant odors, fumes, dust, contagious diseases, bodily fluids, explosive materials, loud noises, as well as irritant, carcinogenic, toxic or mutagenic chemicals; prolonged use of computers.

Physical:

Essential and supplemental functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for personal mobility; may be required to move objects up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.

Total Rewards - City of Albuquerque

Fire Department

Albuquerque Police Department

01

Do you possess a forensic certification?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid New Mexico Drivers License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Drivers License)?

• Yes
• No

03

Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).

• No High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or GED
• Non/degree accredited- Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Juris Doctorate
• Doctorate

04

Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.

• No experience
• 1 to less than 6 months
• 6 to less than 12 months
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years to less than 11 years
• 11 years to less than 12 years
• 12 years to less than 13 years
• 13 or more years

05

Do you possess the supervisory experience outlined in the minimum requirements? If you have successfully completed the City of Albuquerques Pre-Management Development Program (PMDP), please include two (2) additional years in your supervisory experience (attach certificate, if applicable).

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Albuquerque

Address 400 Marquette N.W.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87103

Phone 505 768-3700

Website http://CABQ.GOV