CBI Forensic Scientist III (Latent Prints) - Statewide

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) Forensic Scientist III serves as a technical expert in latent prints and is responsible for preserving, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The scientist performs technical and administrative work to the highest quality standards, including compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and CBIFS policies and procedures. Duties may include complex casework, technical review, accurate documentation and reporting, and expert courtroom testimony. The position also advises, trains, and mentors Forensic Scientist I/II staff and interns, serves as a liaison to law enforcement and other customers, and maintains competency through proficiency testing, training, and professional development. The position is based in Colorado and is 100% in person in an office environment. Typical core business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position may require work at another laboratory in the state, statewide courtroom testimony, driving a state vehicle, and handling evidence or laboratory materials that may involve hazardous substances. Applicants must establish Colorado residency if selected and accepting the position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or another natural science field; a master's or doctorate in biology, chemistry, or a closely related natural science field may substitute for the bachelor's degree.
At least two years of professional full-time forensic latent prints casework experience, including processing and comparisons, in a crime laboratory; training and internships do not count, and this experience requirement has no substitution.
Submit official or unofficial college or university transcripts with the application when relying on education to qualify.
Successfully complete a background investigation, including a polygraph exam, fingerprint-based criminal history search, Personnel Evaluation Profile assessment, psychological evaluation, driving history review, and drug test.
Hold a current valid driver's license at hire and obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within six months of hire.
Establish residence in Colorado if selected and accepting the position.
Successfully pass required proficiency testing and maintain competency in the assigned discipline.
Be able to perform duties that may involve handling, packaging, storing, and analyzing evidence containing or exposed to hazardous materials, and using toxic chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Latent Print Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).
Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.

Responsibilities

Preserve, analyze, and interpret physical evidence, including latent print evidence, collected in criminal cases.
Maintain evidence integrity, security, chain of custody, and accurate evidence tracking in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Use laboratory equipment and instrumentation properly, complete quality checks, and ensure chemicals, reagents, solvents, and standards meet applicable requirements.
Conduct thorough, systematic, and timely technical reviews of casework, including complex cases.
Follow approved discipline procedures and applicable ISO/IEC 17025, CBIFS, evidence, quality, LIMS, and training requirements.
Document and report analysis, findings, measurement uncertainty, and sampling plans accurately and in a timely manner.
Complete assigned proficiency tests within the designated timeframe and participate in ongoing skills-based training and professional development.
Participate in audits and root cause analyses when errors arise.
Provide expert witness testimony or serve in an advisory capacity in courts throughout Colorado.
Advise, train, mentor, and assist Forensic Scientist I/II staff and interns in technical, administrative, and customer-service aspects of the work.
Serve as an initial liaison to law enforcement partners and collaborate professionally with internal and external customers.
As needed, conduct training or presentations, serve on technical working groups, validate instrumentation or methods, review or write procedures, and procure supplies.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage options for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Life insurance, including legal resources and discounts.
State contribution to a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
Paid medical leave benefits and job-protected leave under FMLA and Colorado FAMLI.
Mandatory PERA defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
11 paid holidays annually, accrued annual and sick leave, and four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program offering short-term counseling, referrals, resources, training, and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.
Training and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.