Forensic Science Examiner 3 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Meriden, CT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), is seeking a Forensic Science Examiner 3 in the Chemical Analysis Section within the Division of Scientific Services, located in Meriden, CT. This role provides operational leadership, supports technical and quality functions, assists with staffing and workload priorities, and ensures timely, accurate, and scientifically reliable forensic services for law enforcement, courts, and public safety partners across Connecticut. The Division of Scientific Services is the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, supporting law enforcement agencies with three primary analytical sections: Chemical Analysis (toxicology, controlled substances, general chemistry), Forensic Biology/DNA, and Identification (firearms/toolmarks, latent prints, digital/computer crimes). It is also supported by a Quality Section and a Laboratory Support Services Section. DESPP is committed to protecting and improving public safety through various services, training, guidance, and scientific services, guided by three strategic pillars: Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence; Shared Fiscal Responsibility; and Ethics and Accountability.

Requirements

• Eight (8) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.
• One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, instrumentation and material.
• Considerable knowledge of modern methods of criminal investigations and identification.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials.
• Considerable knowledge of physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and crime reconstruction techniques.
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Considerable oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to independently conduct technical, analytical, consultative, and research activities.
• Ability to utilize computer software.
• Ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law on complex and sensitive cases.
• Ability to reconstruct crime scenes.
• Supervisory ability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Forensic Chemical Analysis Section Management (Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology, and Breath Analysis), including daily task assignments, case assignment, and unit workflow development.
• Experience in training Forensic Chemical Analysis Section (including Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology and Breath Analysis) analysts.
• Experience with a Laboratory Information Management system.
• Experience writing and editing forensic standard operating procedures associated with the forensic Chemical Analysis Section (including Controlled Substances, Chemistry, Toxicology and Breath Analysis).

Responsibilities

• Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff and laboratory operations.
• Provides staff training and assistance.
• Conducts performance evaluations.
• Determines priorities and plans unit work.
• Establishes and maintains unit procedures and quality assurance/control programs.
• Develops or makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards.
• Acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures.
• Prepares complex comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence.
• Maintains chemicals, supplies and inventory.
• Ensures laboratory safety.
• Conducts proficiency testing.
• Attends court trials to evaluate testimony of subordinates.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of the laboratory program budget.
• Handles the most complex cases in the section.
• Serves as State Police scientific representative.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness and before legislative bodies.
• Carries out advanced scientific research in appropriate fields.
• Maintains building security.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance
• Qualifying student loans may be forgiven after 10 years of service (Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager