Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\nThe State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for a�Forensic Science Examiner 1 to join our team within the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU\r\n\r\n\r\n Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!\r\n Professional growth and development opportunities\r\n A healthy work/life balance to all employees\r\n 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\r\n\r\nPOSITION HIGHLIGHTS\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Forensic Science Examiner 1 will be recruited to work within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section with a focus on DNA analysis.\r\n In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals and forensic science examiners, and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details can be found in the class specification and the Examples of Duties section below.\r\n This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.\r\n We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology or a closely related field.\r\n\r\nABOUT US\r\n\r\n\r\nThe 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:\r\n\r\n\r\n Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry\r\n Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling\r\n Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis\r\n\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:\r\n\r\n\r\n Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards\r\n Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions\r\n\r\n\r\nTogether, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:�\r\nCheck out our�Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?� Visit our�Applicant Toolkit�for additional support throughout the recruitment process.�\r\nBEFORE YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n 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. �\r\n 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.�\r\n 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.�\r\n 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.�\r\n 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.�\r\n 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.�\r\n\r\n\r\n 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.\r\n\r\nAFTER YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n 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.\r\n 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.”\r\n 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).� �\r\n\r\n\r\n 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!�\r\n 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.��\r\n The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.��\r\n 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.\r\n\r\n\r\n This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.\r\n\r\nDEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:\r\n\r\nCandidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:�\r\n\r\n\r\nState Employees:\r\n\r\n\r\n Two (2) most recent performance evaluations\r\n Completed CT-HR-13\r\n\r\n\r\nNon-State Employees:\r\n\r\n\r\n Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)\r\n Completed CT-HR-13\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n 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.�\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n 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.�\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\n 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 Nick Naples at Nicholas.Naples@ct.gov.�\r\n Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!\r\n

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the\r\nDepartment of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific\r\nServices this class is accountable for independently performing a full range\r\nof tasks receiving, examining and conducting complex analyses of physical\r\nevidence resulting from all manners of criminal actions.\r\n\r\n\r\nDEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION:�Incumbents\r\nare responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence\r\nsuch as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).\r\nFORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION:�Incumbents are\r\nresponsible for performing complex analysis of evidence such as latent\r\nfingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks,\r\nquestioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal\r\nactivity.\r\nTOXICOLOGY SECTION:�Incumbents are\r\nresponsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology\r\nevidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body\r\nfluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.\r\n\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

\r\n Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description;\r\n Photographs evidence;\r\n Removes trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of\r\n criminalistics and identification;\r\n Conducts complex criminalistic forensic analysis of evidence\r\n utilizing conventional wet chemistry methodologies and/or technical\r\n instrumentation relating to gas chromatography, ultra/violet spectrophotometry,\r\n atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform\r\n infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrography, liquid thin layer and column\r\n chromatography, electrophoresis, scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, alternate light sources, photographic\r\n equipment and computer technology;\r\n Assists in reconstruction of crime scene;\r\n Conducts forensic identification in areas of documents, firearms\r\n and latent fingerprints;\r\n Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory\r\n physical evidence;\r\n Participates in research programs;\r\n Conducts on-scene collection and preservation of evidence;\r\n Handles materials and samples before and after analysis in order\r\n to maintain them for safekeeping;\r\n Prepares comprehensive reports;\r\n Provides explanations and interpretations of results;\r\n Testifies in court as an expert witness;\r\n May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement\r\n personnel;\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n Knowledge of\r\n \r\n modern methods utilized in crime scene processing and evidence\r\n identification;\r\n applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary\r\n materials;\r\n physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms,\r\n fingerprints and reconstruction techniques;\r\n \r\n \r\n Skills\r\n \r\n oral and written communication skills;\r\n interpersonal skills;\r\n \r\n \r\n Ability to\r\n \r\n conduct laboratory analysis;\r\n utilize computer software;\r\n act as an expert witness in a court of law;\r\n utilize computer software.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

\r\n 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.\r\n 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.\r\n 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.\r\n Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.\r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\n Experience conducting DNA techniques including extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis on forensic evidence.\r\n Experience with forensic DNA analysis and mixture interpretation.\r\n Experience with probabilistic genotyping.\r\n Experience with automated robotics for sample handling as it pertains to forensic DNA testing.\r\n Experience with JusticeTrax, Sample Tracking and Control System (STACS) Casework or similar forensic-based Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) system.\r\n\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.\r\n\r\n

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 in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec.\r\n5-196 of the Connecticut General\r\nStatutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general\r\ncharacteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative\r\npurposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task\r\nand/or responsibility.\r\n