Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 1 located in the Forensic Identification Section within the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden, CT. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position, first shift, Monday-Friday schedule.

The Division of Scientific Services (DSS) 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. They are the Quality Section and Laboratory Support Services (including Administration, Evidence Receiving, and Case Management).

               

The Forensic Examiner 1 (FSE1) will work in the Latent Print Unit of the Identification Section. The FSE1 will examine a wide variety of evidence to develop latent prints on submitted evidence using state-of-the-art equipment and chemical processing techniques. Photographs and lifts are examined using enhancement filters to optimize detail from submitted evidence. Comparisons are conducted between a latent print and known impressions using ACE-V methodology. Search images of latent prints may be searched against millions of known reference prints within the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system and the State Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). The FSE1 generates reports based on the results of completed friction ridge examinations and provide expert testimony on reported findings in legal proceedings.

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once it is submitted.  Questions can be sent to Emily.Kennedy@ct.gov. 

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies as the occur. 

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.

• Experience using fingerprints as evidence
• Experience using a chain of custody or evidence tracking systems
• Experience using photography as evidence documentation

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.