STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Science Examiner 3 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #260826-8223FP-001

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Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), is seeking a Forensic Science Examiner 3 in the Chemical Analysis Section in the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
  • Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours. 
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • The Forensic Science Examiner 3 will work within the Chemical Analysis Section which is comprised of the toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry units.
  • In this role, you will play a critical role in providing operational leadership, supporting technical and quality functions, assisting with staffing and workload priorities, and helping ensure timely, accurate, and scientifically reliable forensic services for law enforcement agencies, courts, and public safety partners throughout Connecticut.
ABOUT US:
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 serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

• Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
• Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
• Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

• Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
• Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT

Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

  • State Employees: Two (2) most recent performance evaluations and a completed CT-HR-13 form.
  • Non-State Employees: Two (2) professional references contact information (Name, Email and Phone Number) and a completed CT-HR-13 form.

We will also ask all candidates to bring a copy of their 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. Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.

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.


FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 


FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit 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: 

    • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. 
    • For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.” 
    • 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.
    • This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization. 

    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 Rachel Allsop at rachel.allsop@ct.gov.

    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 supervising the activities and operations of a section engaged in selecting and conducting a variety of highly complex tests to analyze physical evidence.

    DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for supervising staff performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

    FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for supervising staff performing complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imagining, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.

    TOXICOLOGY SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for supervising staff performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff and laboratory operations;
    • Provides staff training and assistance;
    • Conducts performance evaluations;
    • Determines priorities and plans unit work;
    • Establishes and maintains unit procedures and quality assurance/control programs;
    • Develops or makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards;
    • Acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures;
    • Prepares complex comprehensive reports and correspondence;
    • Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence;
    • Maintains chemicals, supplies and inventory;
    • Ensures laboratory safety;
    • Conducts proficiency testing;
    • Attends court trials to evaluate testimony of subordinates;
    • Assists in the preparation and presentation of the laboratory program budget;
    • Handles the most complex cases in the section;
    • Serves as State Police scientific representative;
    • Testifies in court as an expert witness and before legislative bodies;
    • Carries out advanced scientific research in appropriate fields;
    • Maintains building security;
    • Performs related duties as required.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    • Considerable knowledge of
      • and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
      • relevant agency policies and procedures;
      • current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, instrumentation and material;
      • modern methods of criminal investigations and identification;
      • applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials;
      • physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and crime reconstruction techniques;
    • Considerable
      • interpersonal skills;
      • oral and written communication skills;
    • Ability to
      • independently conduct technical, analytical, consultative, and research activities;
      • utilize computer software;
      • act as an expert witness in a court of law on complex and sensitive cases;
      • reconstruct crime scenes;
    • Supervisory ability.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

    Eight (8) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

    One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.

    NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 2.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • A Ph.D. 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.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience with Forensic Chemical Analysis Section Management (Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology, and Breath Analysis), including daily task assignments, case assignment, and unit workflow development.
    • Experience in training Forensic Chemical Analysis Section (including Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology and Breath Analysis) analysts
    • Experience with a Laboratory Information Management system
    • Experience writing and editing forensic standard operating procedures associated with the forensic Chemical Analysis Section (including Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology and Breath Analysis)

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
    • 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 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.

    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.


    Click on a link below to apply for this position:

    Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.


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