Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Firearms & Toolmarks - Northern Laboratory - CF

Forensic Scientist or Trainee
- Firearms & Toolmarks
- Northern Laboratory

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Firearm and Toolmark examinations at the Northern Regional Laboratory, located in Manassas, Virginia. This Forensic Scientist position examines, compares, and evaluates firearms, ammunition components, clothing, tools and objects bearing toolmarks. Responsibilities include the documentation of evidence, interpreting results, preparing reports of findings for use by the Criminal Justice System, preparing court exhibits and testifying in court as an expert witness.

Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide their own transportation as required. To be considered qualified, candidates must be eligible to apply for the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) membership, have completed a documented training program and demonstrate competency in Firearm and Toolmark comparison analysis. The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but 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. DFS offers outstanding health benefits at competitive rates, along with paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees also enjoy paid holidays, vacation, and various leave options, access to health and wellness programs, eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, and participation in a state retirement plan with tax-deferred savings options and employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/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 examination of firearms, ammunition components, serial number restorations, clothing examination for distance determination, tools and objects bearing toolmarks
• 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 using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Certification by The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• 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
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training

Trainee:

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $54,914. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Firearms and Toolmarks training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses on evidence related to firearms and toolmarks. Upon successful completion of the Firearms and Toolmarks training program, the trainee's salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist.

The training will last approximately 24 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 Trainee will have competencies that…