This announcement is for a Forensic Scientist 2 (FS2) or Forensic Scientist 1 (FS1) position, with the FS1 serving as an underfill. The role involves performing scientific examinations and analyses of evidence samples and/or individual characteristic database samples according to current laboratory protocols. It is a full-time state position supported by grant funding through the US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) and DNA Laboratory Efficiency Improvement and Capacity Enhancement Grant Programs.
Responsibilities
Perform scientific examinations and analyses of evidence samples and/or individual characteristic database samples per current laboratory protocol
Employ a range of increasingly technical and complex methods of scientific analysis
Maintain the integrity of evidence
Develop professional and analytical communication skills
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of uses, functions, and limitations of analytical tools
Perform routine quality control duties as assigned
Perform technical review and/or technical verification of others' work
Maintain established standards of laboratory cleanliness, safety, and efficiency
Perform routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment
Maintain specific levels of proficiency and certification in assigned discipline(s)
Demonstrate proficiency through routine proficiency testing
Optionally respond to crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, and autopsies to provide assistance, knowledge and expertise, including assistance with recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence/samples for analysis (requires specialized training program)
Work closely with advanced forensic scientists to complete the discipline-specific specialized training program
Acquire new skills and improve techniques, perform scientific analysis per the current laboratory protocol, gain greater knowledge of scientific instrumentation
Provide detailed explanations/testimony regarding the methods of analysis performed and communicate and support the results of analysis
Demonstrate concepts and teach cutting-edge technology in courtroom settings
Educate officers, attorneys, and investigators
Instruct in the proper techniques and procedures used to collect, maintain, and submit evidence
Respond to supervisors, technical leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits
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Perform biological screening and DNA analyses on forensic samples
Perform mixture interpretation and use mixture interpretation software
Interpret DNA profiles and make comparisons of DNA profiles
Author reports on forensic biology screening and forensic DNA analysis
Perform technical review of screening and DNA reports
Testify in court about forensic biology screening and DNA analysis
Import casework samples into CODIS (COmbined DNA Index System) and evaluate potential matches
Complete any required training on new techniques or instrumentation (FS2)
Train Forensic Scientists 1 in the utilization of analytical techniques and methods of scientific analyses utilized in the specific discipline (FS2)
Train police officers in collection and packaging of evidence (FS2)
Provide background information training for police officers, attorneys, and general public (FS2)
Interpret findings for prosecutors and defense attorneys (FS2)
Prepare attorneys for presentation of expert's findings (FS2)
Testify as an expert witness in trials and other criminal hearings (FS2)
Qualified to offer opinions and answer hypothetical questions (FS2)
Requirements
Meet the education/skills requirements for the discipline(s) in which they are required to work
Education of each employee required to possess a secondary degree shall be verified prior to being hired by Forensic Services
Applicants with education obtained at a foreign institution must, at their expense, have credential evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., Milwaukee, WI; International Education Research Foundation, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; or World Education Services, Inc., New York, NY. Reports must be sent directly to ISP Human Resources by the evaluating organization. These degrees may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, in lieu of a US or Canadian degree, upon review of the evaluation report.
When performing DNA analysis and where applicable, analysts shall meet the educational requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories per the Federal DNA Identification Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. §14132{b})
For Forensic Scientist 2: at least two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the specified discipline, including:
Working independently, planning, managing, and prioritizing caseloads or individual characteristic database samples (as applicable), successfully engaging in independent research, evaluation, and validation activities
Performing and documenting a range of examinations regarding forensic evidence
Providing training and consultation services to professional criminal justice and scientific audiences
Testifying as an expert regarding the forensic examinations performed in the specified discipline
A minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing forensic biology screening and/or DNA casework
For Forensic Scientist 2: required to obtain specialty certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) in Forensic DNA or ABC equivalent certification within three (3) years of being selected for or promoted to a Forensic Scientist 2 position
Pass extensive background investigation and polygraph test
May be required to pass a physical examination, including periodic biological and medical testing
Attach official transcripts to the application by the closing date
Attach a detailed resume outlining education and experience to the application by the closing date
The successful applicant will be required to complete a background investigation and polygraph examination, which includes drug screening
The candidate selected for hire will be required to submit a DNA sample after starting work. The DNA profile generated from the sample will be entered into the Idaho State Police Forensic Services staff DNA elimination database.
Nice to have:
Graduate degree in biological science
Qualifying work experience in forensic biology screening and/or DNA analysis
Certification with the American Board of Criminalistics
Member of related professional organization(s)
Experience performing audits under the FBI's DNA quality assurance standards and/or ISO 17025 standards
Experience using automation as it applies to the analysis of DNA samples in a forensic laboratory
Experience using CODIS as an analyst or administrator and knowledge of the NDIS operation procedures as it applies to DNA eligibility requirements
Benefits
Medical, vision, and dental insurance
PERSI retirement benefits
Paid sick, vacation, and parental leave
11 paid holidays per year
Project CHOICE (Creating Hope, Opportunity, and Incentive for Career Employment) plan designed to provide incentives for recruitment and retention, distributing pay increases for attainment of certificates and other achievements relevant to the job class and the ISP mission. Examples include:
Bachelor Degree - $1.25/hour
Master Degree - $1.75/hour
Doctorate - $2.25/hour (only the highest college degree attained is awarded)
Completion of Probation/Independent Casework- $1.00/hour
Proficiency Test in two Disciplines - $.30/hour
Clan Lab/Crime Scene - $.45/hour
Serve as an ISO 17025 or ISO 17020 Assessor - $.30/hour
Forensics Specialty Areas Certification: $.50/hour for up to 2 areas of expertise (American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Fingerprint Analyst, Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Firearms Examiner or equivalent, American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) or equivalent, IAI Footwear Examiner)
Lab Safety Officer - $.30/hour
Deputy Quality Manager - $.30/hour
CODIS Administrator - $.30/hour
Important Details
This is a full-time state position
FS1 is an entry-level position and an approved under-fill for the Forensic Scientist 2 classification
Upon completion of the specified specialized discipline training program, approval to perform independent analysis and two (2) years of experience, incumbents may be certified as a Forensic Scientist 2
Incumbents are expected to meet requirements and successfully undergo routine proficiency testing and certification specific to their discipline
Incumbents routinely handle toxic/carcinogenic chemicals and biological hazards and may be exposed to graphic or disturbing images
Circumstances may require physical exertion and the ability to lift heavy objects
An experienced scientist who meets the minimum qualifications and qualifying work experience of the FS2 must successfully complete a qualifying examination and a six-month probationary period of 1,040 hours
About the Company
All Idaho State Police Forensic Laboratories are accredited to the ISO 17025 Standard. State police Forensic Laboratories serve state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies; state and county prosecutors; and public defenders.
