CBI Forensic Scientist III (Firearms Examiner) - Statewide

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Scientist III is the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) technical expert in a specific forensic discipline(s) or sub-discipline(s). This position is responsible for the preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Forensic Scientist III must 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 include proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework. Administrative aspects include 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. Additionally, this position may be called to provide expert courtroom testimony, serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline(s)/sub-discipline(s), and train and mentor newer employees. The Forensic Scientist III serves 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 established proficiency test(s) and through continued skills-based training and professional development. This position is responsible for regularly advising and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel, providing expert guidance as it relates to all technical, administrative and customer service aspects of the forensic scientist position.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.
A minimum of two years of professional full-time law enforcement firearm and toolmark casework experience in a crime laboratory performing analysis for criminal cases excluding training and/or internships.
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.
Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP) assessment, psychological evaluation, driving history, and drug test.

Nice To Haves

Professional forensic science certification from a CBI recognized certification organization, e.g. ABC, AFTE, IAI, etc.
Experience or training in related firearms sub-disciplines such as distance determination, tool marks, or serial number restoration.
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Responsibilities

Ensures the integrity of evidence by maintaining the chain of custody and security of the evidence at all times.
Utilizes equipment and instrumentation necessary to perform technical analysis properly and efficiently, and performs all quality checks on this equipment in a timely, accurate manner.
Ensures that all chemicals, reagents, solvents and standards needed to perform the analysis meet or exceed quality requirements, and ensures that all safety standards and appropriate precautions are taken.
Conducts thorough, systematic, and timely technical reviews of casework.
Can be called upon by management to work cases that are complex in nature.
Seeks advice from peers and is capable of applying established theory, principles, professional standards and precedents to complete the analysis in complex cases.
Adheres to the current approved procedures for their discipline/sub-discipline, or must obtain a deviation approval when cases require non-conforming testing.
Documents and reports the uncertainty of measurement and sampling plan for the discipline/sub-discipline.
Abides by the interpretation/opinion criteria established and approved for the discipline/sub-discipline.
Approaches all casework efficiently and judiciously, taking into account all of the details furnished by law enforcement.
Complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensures all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including, but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub discipline Training Manual.
Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel as it relates to all technical aspects of the position.
Seeks advice from management when uncertain.
May serve as a lead trainer.
Responsible for all aspects of the administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Adheres to all current and approved policies and procedures detailing evidence tracking.
Accounts for all evidence in possession at all times utilizing the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Writes all reports pertaining to a particular case precisely, accurately, in a timely manner and within established policies and procedures for that discipline/sub-discipline.
Brings all deviations from current and approved policies and procedures to the attention of a member of management immediately.
Completes and passes assigned proficiency test(s) within the designated time frame to maintain competency within a discipline/sub-discipline.
Assists or participates in regularly scheduled audits including, but not limited to: vault, instrumentation/equipment, section and system audits.
Participates in a root cause analysis to isolate problems when errors arise.
Provides expert witness courtroom testimony or serves in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline/sub-discipline in courts throughout Colorado.
Complies with all administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensures all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub-discipline Training Manual.
Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II and Intern level personnel as it relates to all administrative aspects of the position.
Seeks advice from management when uncertain.
Demonstrates the highest level of customer service regarding all technical and administrative aspects of casework.
Hones customer service abilities as this skill set is vital to the success of the position.
Serves as the initial liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS, assisting and effectively problem-solving to ensure the needs of law enforcement have been met or exceeded.
Interacts with a variety of internal and external customers and requires the individual to work effectively and collaborate in a professional, knowledgeable manner in all circumstances.
When asked to provide expert witness courtroom testimony, must be respectful, courteous, timely and accurate in both written and verbal communication with law enforcement agencies, attorneys and courts.
Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel as it relates to all customer service aspects of the position.
Seeks advice from management when uncertain.
Remains up to date regarding the most current information pertaining to a particular discipline or subdiscipline.
Conducts training or facilitates presentations to Colorado law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s staff, peers or the general public.
Actively serves on the Technical Working Group for a particular discipline/subdiscipline.
Validates instrumentation or methodologies.
Reviews or writes technical operating procedures for a specific discipline/subdiscipline.
Procurement of supplies.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
Optional 401K and 457 plans.
11 paid holidays annually
Accrued annual and sick leave
Four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.