Introduction
Are you seeking career growth as DESPP employee? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
As a general recruitment, 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.
As a Connecticut Careers Trainee, you will receive training in Forensic Biology/DNA techniques. Training will also include the following:
- Examination of submitted evidence and completion of written descriptions;
- Photographing of evidence;
- Removal of trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of criminalistics and identification;
- Collecting and preparing biological samples for DNA testing; conducting presumptive and confirmatory serology testing;
- Microscopy;
- Conducting extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis of biological samples;
- Maintaining of instrumentation and equipment and safeguarding laboratory physical evidence;
- Handling materials and samples before and after analysis to maintain them for safekeeping;
- Preparing comprehensive reports;
- Providing explanations and interpretations of results;
- Testifying in court as an expert witness;
- Assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel; and
- Perform related duties as requested.
This position is full-time on first shift, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and onsite.
We are seeking individuals with a minimum of 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 Statistics. Population Genetics may be substituted for Statistics.
More details can be found in the class specification here and the EXAMPLES OF DUTIES section below.
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. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve • Constantly seeking better results
2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
3. Ethics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
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 chemistry), 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).
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees
- Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
- Completed CT-HR-13
- Cover letter
- A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
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.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@CT.Gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
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 a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions;
- Performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification;
- understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic;
- read, interpret and understand written material;
- perform basic arithmetical computations;
- interpret charts, graphs and tables;
- learn and reason;
- establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated job class at the completion of the development program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with aseptic handling of forensic evidence;
- Professional experience conducting forensic serological testing or evidence screening;
- Experience utilizing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
- Professional experience conducting general DNA techniques including extraction, quantitation, amplification or capillary electrophoresis;
- Ability to operate analytical equipment including extraction robotics, genetic analyzers or thermal cyclers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.