State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour) (2583FP)

$37.59-$50.95 Hourly / $3,006.90-$4,075.64 BiWeekly /
$78,480.00-$106,374.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks receiving, examining and conducting complex analyses of physical evidence resulting from all manners of criminal actions.

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.
TOXICOLOGY SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of evidence of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Forensic Science Examiner of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description;
  • Photographs evidence;
  • Removes trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of criminalistics and identification;
  • Conducts complex criminalistic forensic analysis of evidence utilizing conventional wet chemistry methodologies and/or technical instrumentation relating to gas chromatography, ultra/violet spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrography, liquid thin layer and column chromatography, electrophoresis, scanning electron microscopy;
  • Polarized light microscopy, alternate light sources, photographic equipment and computer technology;
  • Assists in reconstruction of crime scene;
  • Conducts forensic identification in areas of documents, firearms and latent fingerprints;
  • Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence;
  • Participates in research programs;
  • Conducts on scene collection and preservation of evidence;
  • Handles materials and samples before and after analysis in order to maintain them for safekeeping;
  • Prepares comprehensive reports;
  • Provides explanations and interpretations of results;
  • Testifies in court as an expert witness;
  • May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • modern methods utilized in crime scene processing and evidence identification;
    • applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials;
    • physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques;
  • Skills
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to
    • conduct laboratory analysis;
    • utilize computer software;
    • act as an expert witness in a court of law;
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  • A Ph.D in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for permanent appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(11)-HEALTH PROF (P-1)

EEO

(3)-Technician

SALARY INFORMATION

FP 23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Forensic Science Examiner 1 in Salary Group FP 23 approved effective August 10, 2012. (Revised to modify the Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed section and modify content) Final 23-035

EFFECTIVE DATE

03/08/2023
CLASS: 2583FP; EST: 4/4/1980; REV: 3/13/2023;