Forensic Scientist - NIBIN or Trainee - Firearms & Toolmarks - Eastern Laboratory - CF011

Title: Forensic Scientist - NIBIN or Trainee - Firearms & Toolmarks - Eastern Laboratory - CF011

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist I

Hiring Range: $55,690

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Eastern Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Forensic Scientist - NIBIN in the Firearms & Toolmarks Section of the Eastern Regional Laboratory.

This Forensic Scientist - NIBIN position independently test fires and examines a variety of firearms. Responsibilities include documentation of evidence, microscopic examinations of fired cartridge cases for entry into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN), NIBIN correlation reviews, preparing reports of findings for use by the Criminal Justice System and testifying in court as an expert on examinations performed. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required.
To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstrate competency in responsibilities described.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Possession of NIBIN entry and correlation certification
• Work experience with and/or working knowledge of firearms
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• 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 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 - NIBIN candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist – NIBIN 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 training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the NIBIN training program, the trainee’s salary will be established with the salary for a qualified Forensic Scientist - NIBIN. The training may last approximately 6 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. 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 - NIBIN Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, and time management skills.

Forensic Scientist - NIBIN Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university
• 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
  

Forensic Scientist - NIBIN Trainee Additional Considerations:

• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience with firearms