Forensic Specialist Chemistry Unit

General Description

The Division of Criminal Investigation, under the Attorney General's Office, seeks qualified applicants for the Forensic Specialist position in the Chemistry Unit. This family of positions includes those responsible for handling the physical evidence of a crime in a laboratory setting for agencies of the State of Wyoming. Under direct supervision, these positions are responsible for performing specific forensic examinations supporting ongoing criminal investigations, creating written reports outlining those examinations, and presenting the results in court as necessary.

• Paid annual and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement with employer contributions
• Deferred Compensation Plan with employer contributions
• Health insurance with an employer contribution toward premiums
• Insurance options for health, dental, life, vision, ambulance, and short and long-term disability
• Longevity pay

Human Resource Contact:
Stacy Berres, , stacy.berres

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

• Performs examinations on evidence leading to forensic conclusions for use in legal proceedings in all types of cases.
• Prepares written reports of forensic analysis and conclusions for use in legal proceedings.
• Examination, identification, and comparison of evidence and/or investigation of various types of crimes.
• Conducts routine examination and/or investigation under direct supervision.
• Demonstrates effective use of case management to meet the case and/or court deadlines.
• May provide expert forensic guidance and advice to judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to prepare exploratory questions for witnesses.
• May participate in quality control and quality assurance checks on chemicals, standards, and quality-affecting materials used in the respective unit.
• Perform technical and/or administrative reviews on reports generated by other Unit personnel.
• May perform technical review and confirmation of identifications and associations on reports in multiple sub-disciplines.
• May testify as an expert witness.
• Conduct field crime scene work to gather and analyze evidence.

Preference may be given to candidates with a degree in Chemistry, or other physical sciences, biochemistry, plus 0-2 years of progressive work experience in a forensic laboratory.

• Knowledge of the general theory and application of chemistry.
• Knowledge of forensic laboratory analysis techniques and applications.
• Knowledge of methods, procedures, equipment, and materials used in controlled substance analysis and their limitations.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of criminal law.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of forensic sciences and evidence preservation processes related to modern forensic laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of research or investigative techniques and controls, which limit or expand the significance of the findings.
• Knowledge of the impact of work and testing performed in compliance with accreditation and state/federal regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, with emphasis on those procedures associated with the handling of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• Skill in laboratory techniques.
• Skill in explaining scientific procedures and results to a layperson in understandable terms.
• Skill in recording and maintaining detailed records.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Skill in maintaining a good rapport with criminal justice personnel and fellow employees.
• Skill in working with others to achieve common goals.

Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Chemistry)

Experience: 0-2 years of progressive work experience in (Forensic Crime and/or Chemistry) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Forensic Evidence Technician

OR

Education & Experience Substitution: 3-5 years of progressive work experience in (Forensic Crime and/or Chemistry) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Forensic Evidence Technician

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

• Subject to being on-call 24/7 for the response to field crime scenes.

• FLSA:
  Non-exempt
• A valid driver's license may be required.
• Successful applicants are required to pass a criminal background investigation.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.