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!
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 Connecticut Careers Trainee may be recruited to work within any one of the following sections: Forensic Biology/DNA, Chemical Analysis, or Identification.
The Connecticut Careers Trainee program consists of a 2 year training program for those with a bachelor's degree listed in the minimum qualifications below. Those with a master's degree in a related field will participate in a 1 year training program.
In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details can be found in the Forensic Science Examiner 1
class specification.
This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through 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 a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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.
Forensic Biology/DNA Section: Incumbents are responsible for
performing serological and/or DNA analysis of evidence.
Forensic Identification
Section: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of
evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms,
ballistics, toolmarks, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal
activity.
Chemical Analysis
Section: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of
evidence for toxicology-related cases (drug/metabolite identification),
controlled substance identification, and/or trace forensic chemistry cases
(e.g., fire debris, primer-gunshot residue).
Quality Section: Incumbents are responsible for ensuring that
laboratory policies, procedures, and the overall health/safety are up-to-date,
compliant with accreditation standards, and tenable.
Laboratory Services Support
Section: Incumbents are responsible for ensuring that laboratory
operations, communications with customers, and management of administrative
activities are sustained.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Oral and written communication skills; ability to acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification; ability to understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic; ability to read, interpret and understand written material; ability to perform basic arithmetical computations; ability to interpret charts, graphs and tables; learning and reasoning ability; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public; ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
NOTE:
-
If the target job classification has a Substitution Allowed that requires the Bachelor's or Master's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific degree areas are required for appointment to the Connecticut Career Trainee classification.
-
Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate will possess for one, or all, of the following sections:
Forensic Biology/DNA Unit:
- Experience with general DNA techniques (e.g. extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis injection) and/or serology;
- A bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, Applied Genomics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular and Cell Biology or a closely related field;
- Successful completion of college coursework in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Statics or Population Genetics.
Chemical Analysis Unit:
- Experience analyzing biological samples for drugs;
- Experience in the operation of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and/or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry;
- Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Toxicology or closely related field.
Identification Unit:
- Experience in comparative microscopy;
- Experience in the analysis of electronic data using various types of extraction software;
- Experience using filters to sort data.
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.