CBI Forensic Scientist I (Drug Chemistry)

Duties

About the Job

• The trainee position is accountable for reading and understanding all information as it relates to the following: safety and security, CBI/CDPS policies and procedures, administrative processes, information relating to hardware, software and computer applications and the CBIFS Quality Manual. Likewise, this position is responsible for learning all aspects, including safety, processes, operations, procedures, techniques, rules and regulations for the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Forensic Scientist I must learn and perform all technical and administrative aspects of the work at the highest level of quality, ensuring the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 are met. Technical aspects of this position include, but are not limited to: proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework. Administrative aspects include, but are n
• ot limited to: evidence tracking, entering accurate and complete case documentation into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems, and accurate, factual and timely report writing detailing the findings of the analysis.
• Once the trainee begins to perform mentored casework, the individual will serve as a liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS and must demonstrate the highest level of customer service, both internally and externally. This individual must demonstrate competency by successfully passing the discipline training plan and competency test(s), and must participate in continued skills-based training and personal professional development.
• This position is responsible for regularly consulting with and deferring to Forensic Scientist II & III personnel to ensure their understanding of system or discipline/sub-discipline specific policies, procedures and practices and to obtain assistance with challenging customer service scenarios as it relates to all aspects of the forensic scientist position. Overall the trainee position prepares the individual to assume the full responsibilities associated with the Forensic Scientist II position.

Key Responsibilities
Discipline Specific Training Plan
The skills and knowledge of the trainee may be assessed with an initial skills evaluation pertinent to the discipline in which the trainee has been hired. Depending on the results and competency shown, the discipline-specific training plan will be modified accordingly. At the completion of the training plan, the trainee will be required to exhibit their overall skills and abilities in that discipline through comprehensive competency testing and a mock court. The intended result must be achieved. Any variations or discrepancies in the competency must be reviewed and assessed and retraining will be conducted to ensure that the desired results are obtained.

Mentored Casework
Upon successful completion of the competency test, the trainee will complete mentored casework. The number and types of cases assigned to the trainee will be determined by the discipline Technical Leader and the primary trainer. Mentored casework will be worked independently by the trainee, but technically reviewed by the discipline Technical Leader or authorized personnel. Reviewers will confirm that the casework complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to. The trainee is responsible for all aspects of the technical and administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

New Employee Overview
This position is responsible for satisfactorily completing the CBI Forensic Services New Employee Overview. The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the policies, procedures, processes and applications that are relevant to employment with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Forensic Services and the Colorado Department of Public Safety. In addition, this training will ensure that the trainee acquires a basic foundation in order to successfully transition to the CBIFS. This will be accomplished through required readings, tasks and assignments. Professional Development & Other Duties as Assigned
Staying up to date regarding the most current information pertaining to a particular discipline or subdiscipline is critical to effectively performing the required functions of this position. The Forensic Scientist Trainee is responsible for their ongoing professional development utilizing a variety of educational resources including but not limited to: annual participation in forensic-related or discipline specific professional groups and organizations; annual participation in forensic-related or discipline-specific training conferences, classes and seminars, including mandatory continuing education courses required by certification and accreditation bodies; active participation in any training event sponsored by the CBIFS; writing and submitting the required synopses detailing the learning derived from various resources in a timely, professional manner; discussing and sharing the knowledge derived from all the resources described above during weekly/monthly discipline or laboratory meetings. The resources utilized must be chronicled and/or submitted by the Forensic Scientist Trainee for the purpose of tracking on-going training or for review by management. As a change in policy or procedure may be recommended based on the acquired learning, the Forensic Scientist Trainee is responsible for alerting the Technical Working Group and management of the necessity or recommendation to revise current practices and policies/procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet the following option for consideration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.
• *A copy of your official or unofficial college or university transcripts must be provided at the time of application or your application will be disqualified.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current CDPS employee.
• Current or past CBI Forensic Services Intern.
• Current or past CBI Forensic Services temporary employee.
• Current of past intern in a forensic science lab.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be Colorado resident at the time of application.
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, psychological evaluation, driving history and drug testing.
• A valid driver's license is required. This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide expert courtroom testimony statewide. This position may be required to drive state vehicle.
• This position may be required to handle, package, store and perform analysis on item of evidence that contain hazardous materials or items that have been exposed to hazardous materials. Toxic chemicals are utilized throughout the laboratory during analyses.

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