Forensic Science Examiner

Introduction

Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 2 to work within the Division of Scientific Services, assigned to the Digital Forensics Unit’s ICAC Unit, located in Cheshire, CT.

• Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• 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.  for more information.

This position is full-time, onsite, 8:00am – 4:30pm, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.

• Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff and laboratory operations;
• Provides staff training and assistance;
• Determines priorities and plans unit work;
• Establishes and maintains unit procedures and quality assurance/control programs;
• Develops or makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards;
• Acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures;
• Prepares complex comprehensive reports and correspondence;
• Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence;
• Maintains chemicals, supplies and inventory; ensures laboratory safety;
• Conducts proficiency testing and participates in internal audits;
• Attends court trials to evaluate testimony of subordinates;
• Represents the laboratory as a scientific expert in court and before legislative bodies;
• Participates in or leading advanced scientific research related to forensic science disciplines;
  Contributes to building and facility security as part of laboratory operations;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures;
• Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
• Extensive knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, instrumentation and material used in forensic analysis;
• Proficiency in the methods of criminal investigations and forensic identification;
• Expertise in the examination, analysis, and interpretation of evidentiary materials using appropriate scientific techniques;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within and across teams;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings clearly;
• Ability to conduct complex technical, analytical, and research activities independently;
• Proficiency with relevant computer software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS);
  Ability to provide expert testimony in court on complex and sensitive forensic matters;
• Demonstrate ability to oversee staff performance, training, and workflow management.

The DESPP 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.

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence

Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data

Challenging the 'that's the way it's always been done' construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve

Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility

Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources

Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests

Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability

Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies

Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement

Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments

Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law…