Forensic Scientist 1 - Impression Evidence / Latent Print

Duties:

Scientific Analyses

• Employ various methods of scientific analysis to make determinations regarding samples submitted as evidence in criminal cases or for individual characteristic database entry
• Assume responsibility for and maintain the integrity of evidence
• Interpret scientific data and ensure validity
• Author and issue laboratory reports
• Perform technical review and/or technical verification or others work
• Maintain established standards of laboratory cleanliness, safety, and efficiency
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Maintain specific levels of proficiency and certification in assigned discipline(s)
• Demonstrate proficiency through routine proficiency testing
• May optionally respond to crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, and autopsies to provide assistance, knowledge and expertise, this may include assistance with recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence/samples for analysis. If approved for crime scene or clandestine laboratory response must complete the specialized training program associated with approval to respond.

Training

• Work closely with advanced forensic scientists to complete the discipline specific specialized training program
• Acquire new skills and improve techniques, perform scientific analysis per the current laboratory protocol, gain greater knowledge of scientific instrumentation

Communication/courtroom testimony

• Provide detailed explanations/testimony regarding the methods of analysis performed and communicate and support the results of analysis
• Demonstrate concepts and teach cutting-edge technology in courtroom settings
• Educate officers, attorneys, and investigators
• Instruct in the proper techniques and procedures used to collect, maintain, and submit evidence

Administrative duties

• Respond to supervisors, technical leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits
• Provide statistical information
• Create goals, objectives, and employee development plan

Latent Prints/Impression Evidence

• Performs processing and/or comparison of latent prints on forensic samples
• May perform ABIS (Automated Biometric Identification Systems) searches and comparisons. ABIS is a regional and national database used to perform biometric searches and perform a one-to-many comparison of questioned samples to samples in a database to generate a candidate list for manual comparison.
• Performs technical verification and technical review of the work of other latent print examiners
• Authors reports on latent print analyses
• Testifies in court about latent print processing and comparison work

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• A Forensic Scientist 1 must hold a baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degree in a physical or biological science from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.
• Acceptable institutions are those accredited by or those which have pertinent educational programs accredited by commissions or agencies recognized by the U.S. Office of Education
• The education of each employee shall be verified prior to being hired by Forensic Services
• A copy of the college transcript (including specific required coursework) and proof of graduation for all personnel with education requirements listed in the Minimum Qualification (MQ) Specialties section must be provided to ISPFS. Successful completion of a course means a college or university defined passing grade
• Must have successfully completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester (or 18 quarter) units of college level studies in a relevant physical or biological science which may include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and/or physics. A statistics course may be applied to meeting the minimum coursework hours (coursework hours as required/stipulated by the current ISPFS Quality Manual)

Desirable Qualifications which will Provide Extra Credit - The following are not requirements for the Forensic Scientist 1 position. However, if you do have qualifications/experience in any of these areas include that information in your resume:

• Qualifying work experience performing latent print processing and/or comparison casework.
• Certification with the International Association for Identification as a Certified Tenprint examiner, Crime Scene Examiner or Certified Latent Print Examiner.
• Member of related professional forensic science organization(s).
• Experience using ABIS as an analyst or administrator.

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