Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection is recruiting for  a Forensic Science Examiner 1 position located in the Division of Scientific Services, Toxicology, Controlled Substances and Chemistry Unit in Meriden, CT.  

This is a full time, 40 hour per week position, Monday-Friday schedule. The Forensic Science Examiners in the Toxicology, Controlled Substances and Chemistry Unit perform qualitative and quantitative chemical and toxicological analyses of drugs to determine identity and concentration; maintains instrumentation and prepares solutions/drug standards for quality purposes; maintains records of examinations and prepares reports of examinations; conducts chemical examinations of trace evidence (e.g., fire debris, gunshot residue, paint); utilizes universal laboratory safety precautions; performs analyses with potentially hazardous substances, (e.g., ante mortem and postmortem biological specimens, potent drugs); utilizes computers and software related to laboratory instrumentation, data processing, statistics, and document writing.

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

State Employees:                              

• Two (2) most recent performance evaluations                              
• Completed CT-HR-13                 

Non State Employees:                              

• Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor                              
• Completed CT-HR-13  

Click here CT-HR-13 to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.  The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website http://portal.ct.gov/das by typing in “CT-HR-13” into the “Search Department of Administrative Services” search field.  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 records check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process. For questions concerning this job opportunity, please contact Felicia Emanuel within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Human Resources office at 860-685-8200.

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.

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 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.

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

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 experience:

• qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant material
• solid and liquid dosage compounds for identification of controlled substances utilizing GC/MS, UV/VIS, FTIR

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

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.

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

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.