Forensic Science Examiner 3 (40 Hour)(Identification Section)

Introduction

Are you an experienced forensic professional who has demonstrated skill in the identification, examination and analyses of evidentiary evidence for criminal cases? If so, we invite you to explore this opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 3 located within the Division of Scientific Services. This FSE3 will assist in directing staff and operations of theFirearms/Toolmarks, Latent Prints/AFIS and Computer Crimes & ElectronicEvidence Forensic units under the direction of the Section Manager.

We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a master’s degree in forensic science, computer crimes or a closely related field and nine (8) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.
• On-site position, centrally located in Meriden, CT.

YOUR ROLE

This is a general-funded position located within the Identification Section of the Division of Scientific Services.

This position will work within the Identification Section performing laboratory support for scientific personnel in the Firearms/Toolmarks, Latent Prints/AFIS and Computer Crimes & Electronic Evidence Forensic units. The FSE3 will supervise scientific personnel and operations for the Identification. This position will also include the examination and analyses of evidentiary evidence for criminal cases.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate, plans and oversee division activities;
• Formulate program goals and objectives;
• Collaborate on the formulation of Identification unit policies and procedures;
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures of the laboratory, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and the ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 Forensic Accreditation; and
• Conduct full-process examinations while working alongside other lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners, as needed.

Please note that this position may require the examination of sensitive images pertaining to child exploitation.

More details can be found in the class specification and the 'Examples of Duties' section below.

BENEFITS AND BALANCE AT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their career.

• View our newState Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
• Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
• 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.

ABOUT US

Our Agency Mission

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 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.

The Division of Scientific Services

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 Division is led by a Director and each of the three sections is headed by a Deputy Director. Reporting to the Deputy Directors are various titles consisting of Forensic Science Examiners, Chemists, Laboratory Assistants, Evidence Control Officers and State Police Sergeants, Detectives, and Troopers. The Quality Section is comprised of the Quality Assurance Manager and the Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager. The laboratory support area is managed by the Scientific Services Laboratory Administrative Manager.

A message from our Commissioner

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

Start with Us. Stay with Us. Grow with Us.

Selection Plan

IMPORTANT NOTES FROM DESPP:

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.

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 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 by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• 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.

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 Samantha Rivera at Samantha.Rivera@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

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

The Forensic Science Examiner 3 will play a key supervisory role within the laboratory and will be responsible for a broad range of technical, operational, and administrative duties, including:

• Scheduling, assigning, and reviewing the work of staff and overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations
• Providing technical guidance, training, and support to personnel
• Conducting performance evaluations and assisting with staff development
• Establishing unit priorities and work plans, and maintaining operational procedures and quality assurance/control programs
• Developing and recommending policies, procedures, and technical standards
• Serving as a liaison with other units, external agencies, and stakeholders regarding policies and operational practices
• Preparing comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and official correspondence
• Overseeing the maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation and safeguarding physical evidence
• Managing chemical inventories, laboratory supplies, and ensuring proper storage and documentation
• Promoting and maintaining laboratory safety protocols
• Coordinating and conducting proficiency testing and participating in internal audits
• Attending court proceedings to review or evaluate subordinate testimony and providing expert testimony as needed
• Assisting in the preparation and presentation of the laboratory’s program budget
• Handling the most complex and sensitive casework within the section
• Representing the State Police or laboratory as a scientific expert in court and before legislative bodies
• Participating in or leading advanced scientific research related to forensic science disciplines
• Contributing to building and facility security as part of laboratory operations
• Performing other related duties as assigned

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 leadcapacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratorypersonnel.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at thelevel 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 conducting computer forensic examinations, including acquisition, preservation and the analysis of digital evidence.
• Experience using digital forensic tools, such as Cellebrite or Magnet GrayKey, in criminal investigations.

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 GeneralStatutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share generalcharacteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrativepurposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every taskand/or responsibility.