State Patrol Forensic Scientist I, II, or III

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska State Patrol is developing a list of qualified candidates to fill a Forensic Scientist I, II, or III vacancy in the Latent Prints Section as determined by previous experience. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory has held accreditation since 2004 and is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. We provide services to law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Nebraska. We welcome applications from interested forensic scientists with previous experience in forensic latent print casework. As a member of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab team, forensic scientists participate in a variety of scientific activities including latent print processing, latent print examinations, expert witness testimony, and training for law enforcement and the general public. Interaction with attorneys and law enforcement personnel provides Nebraska State Patrol forensic scientists with a broad spectrum of criminal justice experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.
Two years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent, to include time devoted to a relevant training program provided by that laboratory; possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type and successful completion of at least one relevant proficiency test AND Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.
Six years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent; Possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type, successful completion of at least five proficiency tests; experience providing testimony in a court setting as a forensic expert in the relevant discipline AND Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.
A valid driver's license is required.
Resume and transcripts required.
This position must meet minimum requirements for Forensic Scientist.
Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to your applicant information.
Failure to complete all areas of your employment application may result in your application being disqualified from our selection process.
Regular and reliable attendance is expected.
If selected for this position, you must meet the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services employment eligibility requirements by completing an EEV (I-9) Form.
The agency does not sponsor H1-B Visa's.
Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check, before a final offer of employment is made.
Applicants must be free of felony convictions.
Applicants cannot maintain a continuous association or dealings with persons, groups, or organizations that they know, or should know are persons or groups or organizations under criminal investigation or indictment or who have a reputation for present, ongoing involvement in felonious or criminal behavior.
Applicant must successfully complete an extensive background screening prior to being employed, which includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire.
Selection process will include an interview and assessment test.
KNOWLEDGE of: The principles of chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, genetics, biology, physics, physical, natural, and/or other sciences related to the work assigned
Laboratory procedures, analysis methods, and material/substances used
The methods used to illustrate information and support court testimony
The practices and protocols of the forensic science work assigned
SKILL in: Selecting, using, and maintaining laboratory equipment, instrumentation, materials, and chemicals used in conducting analyses of substances and items submitted as a part of the investigation of a criminal case
Visual acuity
Clearly providing complex scientific information both verbally and in writing.
ABILITY to: Follow laboratory procedures and conduct tests using laboratory equipment, instrumentation, materials, and chemicals to obtain results
Observe and compare size, shape, quantity, color, small details, and reactions
Interpret observations and record results of analysis of items/substances submitted for examination and arrive at conclusions
Communicate technical explanations and information to others in person and by telephone, email, and other means of correspondence
Comprehend and apply knowledge from scientific and technical journals and textbooks
Formulate legally valid interpretations and conclusions on the basis of tests performed, and testify and defend those interpretations in courts as an expert witness
Pass competency tests, moot court and annual proficiency tests in the assigned forensic science field.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of two years' experience in fingerprint classification/10 print comparison work and/or a minimum of one year working as a qualified latent print examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory is desirable.
Minimum one year experience operating an AFIS; experience providing presentation, testifying in court, and using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) program is desirable.

Responsibilities

Examine and/or process evidence to visualize/develop friction ridge detail
Analyze, compare and evaluate friction ridge detail
Utilize Adobe Photoshop for digital latent image processing
Compare received/developed latent impressions with known inked fingerprints, and/or enter latent prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for Next Generation Identification System (NGI) comparisons
Compose objective reports and provide clear court testimony regarding examination results
Provide instruction to the law enforcement community by developing curriculum and reviewing, coordinating and conducting training on an on-going basis
Obtain and maintain access to federal databases deemed necessary to perform the assigned duties