Responsibilities

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is experiencing significant growth and has moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. The facility houses staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

This is a re-advertisement; previous applicants will need to re-apply to be considered.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Trace Evidence examinations in Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape at the Central Regional Laboratory, located in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete an intensive training program in one of the above disciplines within the first year of employment. The candidate will subsequently train in at least one additional Trace Evidence sub-discipline, based on the Agency’s needs at the time. Once trained and qualified as a Forensic Scientist, the successful candidate will: 1) use current state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation to analyze evidence material; 2) prepare Certificates of Analysis on findings for use by the criminal justice system; 3) testify in criminal court proceedings as a qualified expert on laboratory findings and results; and 4) communicate with, and instruct, law enforcement agencies and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and evidence handling guidelines. The position requires occasional overnight travel, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in Explosives., Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape analysis. The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Candidates who are considered qualified will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate and will subsequently be required to successfully complete in-house training programs in additional sub-disciplines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the examination of Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape
Experience in a forensic Trace Evidence laboratory environment performing forensic examinations in Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape
Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze trace evidence (e.g., Microscopy, GRIM, MSP, IC, XRD, XRF, GC, GC/MS, FTIR)
Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures
Ability to work independently, set priorities, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
Possess good oral and written communication skills Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

Trainee: If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50,531. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Trace Evidence training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the Trace Evidence training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. Subsequently, there will be training in at least one additional Trace Evidence sub-discipline. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
Possess good oral and written communication skills
Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
Experience in a Trace Evidence laboratory environment

Compensation

Salary: Hiring Range: $59,851 - $105,134

Trainee: $50,531

Benefits:

Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement & Savings – Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), 401(k), and 457 plans with employer contributions
Paid Leave – Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and family/personal leave

You can find a more comprehensive list of benefits here: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

How to apply

To view position details and application closing date, click on the link below: http://jobs.virginia.gov/cw/en-us/job/5103645?lApplicationSubSourceID=

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