Forensic Science Examiner 2 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Meriden, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Division of Scientific Services, is hiring a Forensic Science Examiner 2 for its Identification Section in Meriden. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, first-shift position scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The examiner will conduct forensic casework and work alongside laboratory professionals and forensic science examiners, collaborating with law enforcement partners as needed. The role acts as a working lead for specialized activities and conducts advanced, complex analysis of physical evidence. It will develop, coordinate, and oversee standardized training programs across Identification disciplines, including Latent Prints, Firearms and Toolmarks, the RAPID Response Team, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), Lottery, and the Digital Forensics Unit. The position also supports laboratory operations through training development, procedure revisions, competency assessments, quality assurance, and continued casework in assigned areas of expertise. The Division of Scientific Services serves as Connecticut's forensic laboratory, supporting local, state, and federal law enforcement. The Identification Section includes firearms and toolmarks, latent prints, and digital/computer crimes analysis. Candidates selected for employment are subject to a detailed background investigation, including fingerprint-supported state and federal criminal history checks and reference checks. Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours and travel, and may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Requirements

Seven years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.
One year of the required general experience must have been at the full working level, independently performing complex forensic analysis of evidentiary material.
Considerable knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, instrumentation, and materials; modern methods of criminal investigations and identification; techniques and procedures for analyzing evidence; physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints, and crime reconstruction techniques.
Interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to independently conduct technical, analytical, consultative, and research activities; use computer software; act as an expert witness in court on complex and sensitive cases; and reconstruct crime scenes.
Supervisory ability.
Selected candidates must satisfactorily complete a detailed background investigation, including fingerprint-supported state and federal criminal history checks and reference checks.
College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology, or a closely related field may substitute for general experience at 15 semester hours per half-year of experience, up to four years for a bachelor's degree.
A master's degree in a listed or closely related field may substitute for one additional year of general experience.
A Ph.D. in a listed or closely related field may substitute for one additional year of general experience.
Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours and travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience with forensic science training programs, including standardized training manuals, competency assessments, practical exercises, and training records.
Experience with forensic examination techniques in Identification disciplines, including latent print examination, firearms and toolmark examination, or comparative forensic analysis.
Experience developing and revising forensic laboratory standard operating procedures, including training protocols and quality records, to align with OSAC recommendations and accreditation standards.
Experience preparing and evaluating forensic training materials, including mock casework, proficiency exercises, known comparison samples, and competency testing materials.
Experience with forensic laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including method validation, performance verification, preventive maintenance, and technical training.

Responsibilities

Oversee development, implementation, and standardization of forensic training programs across Identification disciplines, including training manuals, competency assessments, practical exercises, and training documentation.
Review, revise, and maintain training standard operating procedures and quality records in line with current practices, applicable accreditation requirements, and OSAC recommendations.
Develop and maintain structured training exercises, including latent print practice cases, firearms and toolmark test-fire sets, comparison materials, and Lottery examination training cases.
Coordinate with discipline-specific subject matter experts to incorporate training methodologies and maintain consistent training expectations and competency evaluations.
Provide technical training, guidance, and assistance to forensic science personnel, including instruction on specialized laboratory instrumentation and examination techniques.
Oversee development and completion of equipment and method validation activities, including training and validation associated with Virtual Comparison Microscopy (VCM).
Monitor completion and documentation of laboratory equipment maintenance, including monthly preventive maintenance checks and applicable quality control procedures.
Oversee technical projects supporting laboratory operations, including digital imaging initiatives, equipment maintenance coordination, and forensic examination workflow improvements.
Perform forensic casework within assigned areas of technical competency, including examination, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of physical evidence.
Participate in quality assurance activities, including proficiency testing, internal audits, training record reviews, and implementation of corrective actions.
Prepare technical reports, training documentation, validation summaries, and correspondence related to laboratory operations.
Maintain laboratory instrumentation, equipment, supplies, and physical evidence according to established procedures and safety requirements.
Provide expert testimony in court proceedings within established areas of technical competency.
Participate in research, method development, and implementation of advancements in forensic science examination practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.