This technical lead role in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services focuses on latent prints, serving as the technical expert in this forensic sub-discipline. The position combines the regular duties of a Forensic Scientist with additional leadership responsibilities, including guiding a technical working group, providing expert advice on policy and procedure, and conducting analysis of physical evidence from criminal cases.
Responsibilities
Provide guidance to scientists with complex technical situations, including resolving conflicts during technical review processes
Lead the technical working group (TWG) in meeting ISO/IEC 17025 and/or FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) standards
Serve as an advisor, advocate, and model for all staff concerning accreditation standards, quality policies, and technical procedures
Monitor system activities for compliance and approve deviations when necessary
Mentor new and current employees in conjunction with management and the Discipline Liaison
Solicit feedback from TWG for improvements to Discipline Operations Manual (DOM)s
Review and update all discipline operations manuals annually or as needed, ensuring ISO/IEC 17025 and/or FBI QAS standards are met
Maintain and update discipline/sub-discipline training plans
Review previous training, transcripts, and initial skills tests and modify training plans accordingly
Serve as primary trainer or assign lead trainer(s)
Technically review mentored casework
Provide clear feedback to trainees and their supervisors regarding progression and performance throughout the training plan, in conjunction with the Quality Unit
Develop and provide remediation when necessary
Review technical quality incident review (QIR) workflows and provide appropriate troubleshooting direction to scientists or technicians
Monitor, evaluate, and implement Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) standard recommendations
Make recommendations to the TWG and management regarding major changes
Plan and lead monthly TWG meetings to discuss issues, proposed discipline/sub-discipline changes, new trends, or technologies
Interpret and discuss journal articles
Recommend and approve continuing education opportunities for the TWG
Attend and actively participate in monthly Technical Leader group meetings
Conduct or oversee validations, performance checks, and material modifications when new instruments or procedures are incorporated into casework
Participate in internal audits and external assessment activities, including preparation, performing audit activities, and helping correct identified issues
Ensure the integrity of evidence by maintaining the chain of custody and security at all times
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Utilize equipment and instrumentation properly and efficiently, and perform all quality checks in a timely, accurate manner
Ensure all chemicals, reagents, solvents, and standards meet or exceed quality requirements, and that safety standards and precautions are taken
Conduct technical reviews of casework thoroughly, systematically, and in a timely manner
Work complex cases as requested by management
Seek advice from peers and apply established theory, principles, professional standards, and precedents to complete analysis in complex cases
Adhere to current approved procedures for their discipline/sub-discipline, or obtain deviation approval for non-conforming testing
Document and report the uncertainty of measurement and sampling plan for the discipline/sub-discipline
Abide by the interpretation/opinion criteria established and approved for the discipline/sub-discipline
Approach all casework efficiently and judiciously, considering all details furnished by law enforcement
Comply with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure adherence to all CBIFS policies and procedures
Advise and assist Forensic Scientist personnel at all levels on technical aspects of the position, seeking management advice when uncertain
Adhere to all current and approved policies and procedures detailing evidence tracking
Account for all evidence in possession at all times using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Write all case reports precisely, accurately, in a timely manner, and within established policies and procedures
Bring all deviations from current and approved policies and procedures to management's attention immediately
Complete and pass assigned proficiency test(s) within the designated timeframe to maintain competency
Assist and participate in regularly scheduled audits, including vault, instrumentation/equipment, section, and system audits
Assist in root cause analysis when errors arise
Provide expert witness courtroom testimony or serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline/sub-discipline in courts throughout Colorado
Comply with all administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure adherence to all CBIFS policies and procedures
Advise and assist Forensic Scientist personnel at all levels on administrative aspects of the position, seeking management advice when uncertain
Demonstrate the highest level of customer service for all technical and administrative aspects of casework
Handle complex customer service issues related to the intricacy of casework
Conduct training or facilitate presentations to Colorado law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s staff, peers, or the general public
Review or write technical operating procedures for a specific discipline/sub-discipline
Procure supplies
Support coworkers throughout the laboratory system by assisting with complex cases, providing operational coverage, or helping Evidence Technicians
Serve on various boards or committees
Assist with the internship program
Support management with projects as they arise
Support special projects such as developing new INFAUXPATH worksheets, OSAC Gap analysis, creating external training presentations, database updates, addressing section-specific questions from law enforcement, or writing white papers to legislature
Requirements
Residency in the State of Colorado at the time of application submission
Unofficial copy of transcripts if education is used as qualification
Transcripts from outside the US must be assessed for US equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service
DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter (if applicable) for military veterans
Successfully pass established proficiency test(s) and through continued skills-based training and professional development
Benefits
Medical and dental options 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
Unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
11 paid holidays annually
Accrued annual and sick leave
Four annual wellness days
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) for short-term counseling, referrals, resources, training, and organizational development services
Tuition reimbursement
Reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility
Important Details
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Employment type: majority in-person position
Application deadline: All applications received by the closing of this announcement
Eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months
Application Process
Responses to Supplemental Questions should directly relate to professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches
Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for US equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service
Military personnel stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form
Comparative Analysis Steps may include structured application review by a panel of SMEs
About the Company
The Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) aims to safeguard lives and provide diverse public safety services to local communities. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services maintains four operational forensic science laboratories throughout the state: Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and the Northern Region. Forensic Services is responsible for the scientific analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes, evaluating and examining evidence using state-of-the-art techniques, and testifying for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Serve the needs of the State of Colorado through a number of subdivisions.
