Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Latent Prints - Northern Laboratory - Cf682

Title: Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor

• Latent Prints

• Northern Laboratory

• CF682

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist III

Hiring Range: $102,623 - $137,525

Pay Band: NV 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Northern Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public

• G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS), Northern Laboratory, is seeking a qualified individual to supervise technical staff and the day-to-day operations of the Latent Prints Section, to include management of the section's backlog and compliance with accreditation standards, as well as state and Department policies and procedures. In addition, the Section Supervisor will independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a diversity of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies; to recover and examine latent finger, palm and foot prints for identification purposes using state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques and instrumentation related to the analysis of latent prints. Other duties include: preparing reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system and testifying in court as an expert witness; communicating with medical and legal officials concerning testing procedures, results, and conclusions; and instructing law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university

• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic laboratory in latent print training program and demonstration of competency in the examination of latent finger, foot and palm prints

• Experience as a Forensic Scientist qualified in Latent Prints examinations

• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria

• Knowledge and skill in fingerprint pattern recognition, comparing latent prints with known finger, foot, and palm prints, developing latent prints on physical evidence, and obtaining prints from bodies

• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation

• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training

• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses

• Willingness and ability to foster and mentor staff and promote a positive teamwork environment

• Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI)

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

• Knowledge and skill in tire and footwear impressions pattern recognition and analysis

• Work experience using systems such as AFIS and/or NGI

• Work experience using the Mideo Systems Latent Works software and conducting on-screen comparisons of latent prints to known exemplars

• Experience in latent print photography, including technical experience with filters, light sources, and Adobe Photoshop

• Experience supervising technical staff

• Experience in forensic related teaching/training

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position's closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Special Requirements:

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization

Contact Information

Name: Alanna Meekins

Phone: (804) 588-4010

Email: alanna.meekins@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.