Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Latent Prints - Western Laboratory - CF220

 

Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Latent Prints - Western Laboratory - CF220

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $58,108 - $102,070

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Western Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This vacancy posting may fill one position in the Western Laboratory, located in Roanoke, VA. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is also filling two (2) Forensic Scientist or Trainee positions at the Northern Laboratory, located in Manassas, VA. Positions for each Laboratory are posted separately; you must apply directly to each position that you would like to be considered for employment.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform a full range of functions to recover and examine friction ridge prints for identification purposes at the Western Laboratory, located in Roanoke, VA. The candidate will process evidence submitted to the Latent Print Section utilizing various chemical and physical techniques for the development of friction ridge prints. The candidate will utilize various light sources to examine evidence for the detection of friction ridge prints, use digital capture equipment to record friction ridge prints developed, be responsible for utilizing sound judgment on the application of correct sequential processing procedures, and be proficient at mixing various reagents in compliance with standard operating procedures. The candidate will document, evaluate, analyze, and preserve evidence and utilize various comparison techniques while maintaining the chain of custody. The candidate will conduct computerized database searches, as well as update databases as necessary, and utilize methods and equipment to enhance latent print evidence. In addition, the candidate will compose and complete reports, produce documentation of examination, provide information to investigators, and provide expert testimony in court proceedings. Overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in Latent Print Examination.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency, which can include relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• 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 latent print discipline
• Experience with fingerprint pattern recognition, comparing latent prints with known finger, foot, and palm prints, developing and recovery of latent prints on physical evidence, and obtaining prints from living and deceased individuals
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control 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 examinations
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• 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
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI)
• Experience using systems such as AFIS and/or NGI
• Experience using the Mideo Systems Latent Works software and conducting on-screen comparisons of latent prints to known exemplars
• Experience in latent print photography, including technical experience with filters, light sources, and Adobe Photoshop
• Experience working in an accr