Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Latent Prints - Central Laboratory - CF715

Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Latent Prints - Central Laboratory - CF715

State Role Title: Forensic Science Specialist III/Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $56,416 - $99,097

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Central Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform a full range of functions to recover and examine friction ridge prints for identification purposes at the Central Laboratory, located in Richmond, VA. The candidate will process evidence submitted to the Latent Print Section utilizing various chemical and physical techniques for the development of friction ridge prints. The candidate will utilize various light sources to examine evidence for the detection of friction ridge prints, use digital capture equipment to record friction ridge prints developed, be responsible for utilizing sound judgment on the application of correct sequential processing procedures, and be proficient at mixing various reagents in compliance with standard operating procedures. The candidate will document, evaluate, analyze, and preserve evidence and utilize various comparison techniques while maintaining the chain of custody. The candidate will conduct computerized database searches, as well as update databases as necessary, and utilize methods and equipment to enhance latent print evidence. In addition, the candidate will compose and complete reports, produce documentation of examination, provide information to investigators, and transport evidence and/or property to storage locations. Overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in Latent Print Examination.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency, which can include relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
  
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the latent print discipline
  
• Experience with fingerprint pattern recognition, comparing latent prints with known finger, foot, and palm prints, developing and recovery of latent prints on physical evidence, and obtaining prints from living and deceased individuals
  
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
  
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
  
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from examinations
  
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
  
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner
  
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI)
  
• Experience using systems such as AFIS and/or NGI
  
• Experience using the Mideo Systems Latent Works software and conducting on-screen comparisons of latent prints to known exemplars
  
• Experience in latent print photography, including technical experience with filters, light sources, and Adobe Photoshop
  
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
  
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training

Trainee

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $47,630. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete the Latent Print Examination training program. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university

Trainee Additional Considerations

• Experience in an accredited laboratory (working and/or internship)
  
• Experience in the comparative sciences (i.e., Latent Prints, Footwear and Tire Track, Firearms, etc.)
  
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Special Requirements:
Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served. A probationary period of 12 months will be required.

Contact Information

Name: Alanna Meekins

Phone: (804) 588-4010

Email: alanna.meekins@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.