Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour) (Digital Forensic Unit)

State of Connecticut - Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection • Full-time • Meriden, CT, US • $78.48k - $106.37k / year • 4m ago

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 1 for the Division of Scientific Services, Digital Forensic Unit. If you have experience performing forensic analysis of electronic media including cellphones and computers, we invite you to explore this opportunity in state service.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

SCHEDULE: This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.
LOCTION: On-site position, centrally located in Meriden, CT.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes:

• Excellent health and dental coverage;
• A generous retirement plan;
• Paid time off;
• A healthy work-life balance!

YOUR ROLE

As a general recruitment, the Forensic Science Examiner (1) will work within the Digital Forensic Unit. In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed.

The Forensic Science Examiner 1 will receive training in Digital Forensic techniques. Training may include the following:
• Examination of submitted evidence and completion of written and electronic documentations;
• Performing forensic analysis of electronic media to include cellphones and computers;
• Prepare comprehensive reports; provide explanations and interpretations of results;
• Testify in court as an expert witness;
• Perform related duties, as required.

More details can be found in the class specification and the 'Examples of Duties' section below.

ABOUT US

Our Agency Mission

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

The Division of Scientific Services

The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and chemistry), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes).

The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management).

A Message from our Commissioner

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve • Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.

Selection Plan

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT

Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees: Two (2) most recent performance evaluations and a completed CT-HR-13 form.
Non-State Employees: Two (2) professional references contact information (Name, Email and Phone Number) and a completed CT-HR-13 form.

We will also ask all candidates to bring a copy of their unofficial transcript(s).

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.

Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records. Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Samantha Rivera via email, Samantha.Rivera@CT.Gov

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks receiving, examining and conducting complex analyses of physical evidence resulting from all manners of criminal actions.

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.

TOXICOLOGY SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description;
Photographs evidence;
Removes trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of criminalistics and identification;
Conducts complex criminalistic forensic analysis of evidence utilizing conventional wet chemistry methodologies and/or technical instrumentation relating to gas chromatography, ultra/violet spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrography, liquid thin layer and column chromatography, electrophoresis, scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, alternate light sources, photographic equipment and computer technology;
Assists in reconstruction of crime scene;
Conducts forensic identification in areas of documents, firearms and latent fingerprints;
Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence;
Participates in research programs;
Conducts on-scene collection and preservation of evidence;
Handles materials and samples before and after analysis in order to maintain them for safekeeping;
Prepares comprehensive reports;
Provides explanations and interpretations of results;
Testifies in court as an expert witness;
May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel;
Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of
- modern methods utilized in crime scene processing and evidence identification;
- applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials;
- physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques;
Skills
- oral and written communication skills;
- interpersonal skills;
Ability to
- conduct laboratory analysis;
- utilize computer software;
- act as an expert witness in a court of law;
- utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
A Master's degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
A Ph.D. in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in forensic analysis of electronic media including cellphone and computers;
• Experience in interpretation of electronic data;
• Experience in the analysis of electronic data using extraction software;
• Experience in using filters to sort data;
• Experience in recognizing digital file types and researching players or metadata

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for permanent appointment.