STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #220426-2583FP-001

Introduction



Do you have the desire to apply your passion for science to the criminal justice system? 
If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 1 to join our team within the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT. 

About Us: 

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. 

The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and arson), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes). 

The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management). 

Position Highlights: 

As a general recruitment depending on current needs, the Forensic Science Examiner 1 may be recruited to work within any one of the following sections: Forensic Biology/DNA, Chemical Analysis, or Identification. 

In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside other lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details can be found in the class specification.

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday to Friday, with the potential for part-time telework. 

What we can offer you: 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes: 
  • Excellent health and dental coverage; 
  • A generous retirement plan; 
  • Paid time off; 
  • A healthy work - life balance! 
Learn more about joining our dynamic team with DESPP
             

Selection Plan

Application Process: 

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified. 

Please ensure your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut. 

Throughout the Recruitment Process: 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency. 

Selection Process: 

Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview: 

State Employees
  • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13
Non-State Employees
  • Two (2) professional letters of reference from a current and/or previous supervisor 
  • Completed CT-HR-13
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process. 

Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. 

Contact Information: 

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Tyler Cashman at Tyler.Cashman@ct.gov.

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 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.

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, electophoresis, 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; knowledge of applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials; knowledge of physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to conduct laboratory analysis; ability to utilize computer software; ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Successful completion of the Connecticut Careers Trainee program in forensic analysis may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess for one, or all, of the following sections:

Identification Section

  • Experience in forensic analysis of firearms or latent prints or electronic media;
  • Experience in comparative microscopy;
  • Experience in the analysis of electronic data using various types of extraction software;
  • Experience in using filters to sort data;
  • Experience in recognizing file types and researching players or metadata.

Chemical Analysis Section

  • Experience handling evidence involving toxicological, controlled substances, fire debris/ignitable liquid residue, or primer-gunshot residue cases;
  • Experience independently analyzing toxicological evidence for the identification and/or quantitation of drugs/metabolites;
  • Experience analyzing non-toxicological evidence for controlled substances;
  • Experience analyzing fire debris-related evidence for ignitable liquid residues;

Forensic Biology/DNA Section

  • Experience with general DNA techniques (e.g., extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis injection) or forensic serology;
  • Experience with data analysis, interpretation and report writing/testimony as it pertains to forensic DNA testing;
  • Ability to operate analytical equipment (e.g., extraction robotics, genetic analyzers, thermal cyclers.)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
2. 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.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.