Physical Scientist; Fingerprint Specialist Continuous

Summary

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas. Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime.

The incumbent serves as a Physical Scientist (Fingerprint Specialist) in a Forensic Science Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) and is responsible for providing forensic support of the Bureau's primary law‑enforcement missions and technical guidance to laboratory personnel.

• Performs forensic fingerprint examinations with minimal technical guidance.
• Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare latent prints to determine common origin.
• Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and prepares laboratory reports.
• Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National.
• May be required to serve a one‑year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.

New employees must sign a mobility agreement to facilitate assignments throughout the Bureau. Candidates declining the agreement will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non‑bargaining unit position.

Basic Requirements

• Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics, OR
• Combination of education and experience equivalent to the major above with at least 24 semester hours and appropriate experience.

Specialized Experience (GS‑12)

• Physically examining a wide range of evidence requiring the development and comparison of latent prints.
• Performing comparative testing of finger/palm print evidence, both visible and latent, to determine common origin.
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations and comparisons.
• Formal training or experience providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of finger/palm print evidence.

Experience as a qualified forensic fingerprint specialist in an accredited crime laboratory is preferred.

This announcement may be used under Direct‑Hire Authority. Veterans Preference and other Category Rating procedures do not apply. The hiring office may interview and select any qualified candidate from the qualified pool.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor.

Applicants may be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities. Contact the ATF Office of Equal Employment Opportunity for assistance.