Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Latent Prints - Northern Laboratory

                                                  Forensic Scientist or Trainee

                                                           Latent Prints Section

Position #CF372 and CF373

Forensic Scientist Salary: $61,015 – $107,174

Forensic Scientist Trainee Salary: $51,512

                                                         Location: Manassas, VA

This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Northern Laboratory located in Manassas, VA.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform a full range of functions to recover and examine friction ridge prints for identification purposes at the Northern Laboratory, located in Manassas, VA. The candidate will process evidence submitted to the Latent Print Section utilizing various chemical and physical techniques for the development of friction ridge prints. The candidate will utilize various light sources to examine evidence for the detection of friction ridge prints, use digital capture equipment to record friction ridge prints developed, be responsible for utilizing sound judgment on the application of correct sequential processing procedures, and be proficient at mixing various reagents in compliance with standard operating procedures. The candidate will document, evaluate, analyze, and preserve evidence and utilize various comparison techniques while maintaining the chain of custody. The candidate will conduct computerized database searches, as well as update databases as necessary, and utilize methods and equipment to enhance latent print evidence. In addition, the candidate will compose and complete reports, produce documentation of examination, provide information to investigators, and transport evidence and/or property to storage locations. Overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in Latent Print Examination.

The documented latent print training program and demonstration of competency in the latent print discipline from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local state, or federal forensic science laboratory must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Successful completion of a documented latent print training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the latent print discipline
• Employment experience with fingerprint pattern recognition, comparing latent prints with known finger, foot, and palm prints, developing and recovery of latent prints on physical evidence, and obtaining prints from living and deceased individuals
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from examinations
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations: 

• Employment 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
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI)
• Experience using systems such as AFIS and/or NGI
• 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 in forensic related teaching/training
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria

Trainee:

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $51,512. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete the Latent Print Examination training program. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

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

Trainee Additional Considerations: 

• Experience in an accredited laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience in other comparative sciences (i.e., Footwear and Tire Track, Firearms, etc.)

Special Instructions: 

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.   

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served. A probationary period of 12 months will be required. 

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.