Forensic Science Examiner

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for one (1) Forensic Science Examiner 1 to join our team within the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT. If you possess a Bachelor's Degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology or a closely related field, we highly encourage you to apply!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• This position is full time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, and scheduled Monday through Friday.
• As a general recruitment, the Forensic Science Examiner 1 will be recruited to work within the Toxicology Section.
• In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals and forensic science examiners.
• As a Forensic Science Examiner 1 you will also collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. 

PLEASE NOTE: For more responsibilities, please see the class specification and/or scroll down to the Examples of Duties Section below.

ABOUT US 

The DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence

• Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
• Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
• Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility

• Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
• Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
• Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability

• Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
• Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
• Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
• Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

• Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
• Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
• Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

• Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
• Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• A Ph.D. in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.