STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #200804-2583FP-001

Introduction

 

Do you have a passion for Forensic Science?

We invite you to discover this outstanding opportunity to work in our Firearms/Toolmarks Unit!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is recruiting to fill a Forensic Science Examiner 1 position located in the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit  within the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden, CT.  The Firearms/Toolmarks Unit receives evidence consisting of various types and calibers of firearms, firearm components, ammunition, and ammunition components.  The ammunition-type evidence is examined for microscopic markings to identify the possible make and model of the firearm that the ammunition evidence may have been used in.  In addition, images taken of the cartridge casings submitted to DSS are entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network system (NIBIN), a database containing high resolution images of cartridge case evidence.  These digital images can be compared to other images submitted by other Laboratories or Police Departments to determine if the same firearm was used, resulting in a database “hit”.

The ideal candidate for this position must be detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.   Due to accreditation requirements concerning proper submission of evidence, strict adherence in following evidence packaging guidelines is necessary in order to protect evidence from being lost or contaminated.  The Forensic Science Examiner 1 (FSE 1) also provides explanations and interpretations of results; testifies in court as an expert witness and may assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel.

This is a full time, 40 hours per week position, Monday - Friday schedule.  A competitive benefits package is offered which includes healthcare coverage, wellness programs and paid time off.

Please take a moment to view our video below to see the impact a Forensic Science Examiner has on making a difference in people's lives and helping to make Connecticut a safer place to live.

 

Selection Plan

Candidate 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) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor
  • Cover Letter
  • 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. 

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.  Also considered in this selection process:  Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records.  Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process. 

This posting will fill the immediate vacancy listed above but may be used to fill future positions for this job class.  We encourage you to apply to any jobs for which you qualify for and are of interest to you.

 Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Felicia Emanuel at Felicia.Emanuel@ct.gov or 860-685-8200.  

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.

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.

 

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

  • Experience in operation of firearms equipment including firing tank, microscopes, calipers, barrel length measuring devices, BrassTrax and Match Point, etc.
  • Previous firearms analysis experience which may include NIBIN acquisition and correlation, serial number restoration, firearms operability testing and use of microscopes for triaging and/or comparisons and caliber determination.  

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.