Forensic Science Examiner 2 (40 Hour)

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\nLooking to grow in your forensics career? Check out this opportunity with the State of Connecticut below!\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is looking to hire a Forensic Science Examiner 2 with the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU\r\n\r\n\r\n Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn about our medical and dental insurance plans, sick/vacation/personal leave accruals, state holidays, tuition reimbursement and more!\r\n Professional growth and development opportunities.\r\n A healthy work/life balance to all employees.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur 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.�\r\n\r\n\r\nPOSITION DETAILS\r\nThis is a full-time, 40 hour per week position on first shift. Schedule is Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Forensic Science Examiner 2 will work within the Identification Section which is comprised of the Latent Prints, Firearms and Toolmarks, RAPID Response Team, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), and Lottery Units.\r\n\r\nIn 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. More details can be found in the class specification and the Examples of Duties section below.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nABOUT US�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDESPP 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.\r\n\r\n\r\n1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence\r\n\r\n\r\n Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data\r\n Challenging the 'that's the way it's always been done' construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve\r\n Constantly seeking better results\r\n\r\n\r\n2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility\r\n\r\n\r\n Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources\r\n Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests\r\n Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges\r\n\r\n\r\n3. Ethics and Accountability\r\n\r\n\r\n Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies\r\n Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement\r\n Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments\r\n Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways\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\nFor an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!\r\n\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\r\n

Selection Plan

POSITION SPECIFIC INFORMATION:\r\nCandidates 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\nFOR 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\nQUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\nDue 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 Jake Ferrari at jake.ferrari@ct.gov.\r\nJoin the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!\r\n

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 acting as a working lead of a section consisting of specialized activities and conducting a variety of highly, advanced technical and complex tests in the analysis of physical evidence.\r\nDEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).\r\nFORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.\r\nTOXICOLOGY SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Forensic Science Examiner 2 will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing standardized training programs within the Identification Section, including Latent Prints, Firearms and Toolmarks, RAPID Response Team, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), and Lottery, as well as the Digital Forensics Unit (DFU). The position will support laboratory operations through training program development, procedure revisions, competency assessments, quality assurance activities, and continued forensic casework within assigned areas of expertise. Responsibilities will include:\r\n\r\n Oversees the development, implementation, and standardization of forensic training programs across Identification disciplines, including training manuals, competency assessments, practical exercises, and training documentation;\r\n Reviews, revises, and maintains training standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality records (QRs) to align with current training practices, applicable accreditation requirements, and Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) recommendations;\r\n Develops and maintains structured training exercises, including latent print practice cases, firearms and toolmark test fire sets, comparison materials, and Lottery examination training cases;\r\n Coordinates with discipline-specific subject matter experts to incorporate established training methodologies and ensure consistency in training expectations and competency evaluations;\r\n Provides technical training, guidance, and assistance to forensic science personnel, including instruction on specialized laboratory instrumentation and examination techniques;\r\n Oversees the development and completion of equipment and method validation activities, including training and validation associated with the Virtual Comparison Microscopy (VCM);\r\n Monitors the completion and documentation of required laboratory equipment maintenance, including monthly preventive maintenance checks and applicable quality control procedures;\r\n Oversees technical projects supporting laboratory operations, including digital imaging initiatives, equipment maintenance coordination, and improvements to forensic examination workflows;\r\n Performs forensic casework within assigned areas of technical competency, including the examination, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of physical evidence;\r\n Participates in quality assurance activities, including proficiency testing, internal audits, training record reviews, and implementation of corrective actions;\r\n Prepares technical reports, training documentation, validation summaries, and correspondence related to laboratory operations;\r\n Maintains laboratory instrumentation, equipment, supplies, and physical evidence in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements;\r\n Provides expert testimony in court proceedings within established areas of technical competency;\r\n Participates in research, method development, and implementation of advancements in forensic science examination practices;\r\n Performs other related duties as assigned.\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full\r\nworking level independently performing complex forensic analysis of evidentiary\r\nmaterial.\r\n\r\n\r\nNOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the\r\nlevel of a Forensic Science Examiner 1.\r\n\r\n

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 one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n Experience with forensic science training programs, including standardized training manuals, competency assessments, practical exercises, and training records.\r\n Experience with forensic examination techniques in Identification disciplines, including latent print examination, firearms and toolmark examination or comparative forensic analysis.\r\n Experience in developing and revising forensic laboratory standard operating procedures, including training protocols and quality records, to align with Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) recommendations and accreditation standards.\r\n Experience in preparing and evaluating forensic training materials, including mock casework, proficiency exercises, known comparison samples, and competency testing materials.\r\n Experience with forensic laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including method validation, performance verification, preventive maintenance, and technical training.\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 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