• Strategic & Service
      Area Plans
• DNA Databank Statistics
• Employment Opportunities
• Field Test Kits
• Frequently Asked
      Questions
  General Questions
  Breath Alcohol
  Forensic Biology
  Forensic Toxicology
  Forensic Training & the Forensic Academy
  Questioned Documents
  Trace Evidence
• Laboratory & Forensic
      Services
• Links
• Publications &
      Presentations
• Regional Labs
• Regulations
• Forensic Training
• Manuals

Human Resources Questions

Questions

1. How are job openings advertised?
2. How do I apply for employment?
3. How do I apply for an unpaid internship?
4. What information should I include on my application?
5. How will my application be evaluated?
6. When will I be notified if I’m selected for an interview?
7. How can I check my status for a position
8. Are there any special conditions involved with working at DFS
9. How often is the job list updated?
10. What are the work hours?
11. What benefit programs are available?
12. What if I need help applying?

Answers

1. How are job openings advertised?
   
   

   All available vacancies are listed on our website at: http://www.dfs.virginia.gov/jobs/jobs.cfm and are posted on the state’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) website at: https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov.
   Vacancies for classified (salaried) and wage (part-time hourly) positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) working days. Each job advertisement includes the title, department, pay range, and a brief description of job duties, qualifications and requirements. Any special conditions of employment, such as restricted funding, position ending dates, or special work schedules will also be stated in the ad.

2. How do I apply for employment?
   
   

   To be considered for employment you must apply on-line through the RMS at: https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov.
   
   Before applying for any advertised vacancy, carefully read the job advertisement to be sure you possess the requirements for the job, especially our Forensic Scientist positions. Those positions require prior certification as a forensic examiner.

3. How do I apply for an unpaid internship?
   
   

   We generally do not have staff available to handle the training of forensic science students. However, our four regional laboratories do occasionally have very limited opportunities for unpaid internships.

   To express interest in an internship, submit a state application form, available at this link: http://jobs.virginia.gov/emplApplication.html (you’ll need to compete the application on the state’s electronic application system, click “preview application”, then print it). Please direct your application or letter of interest with a resume to the lab director at the regional lab for which you have interest. The addresses of the labs are elsewhere on our website. Please include the area(s) of interest, your degree program, and the dates which you are available. If for credit, please provide information regarding your university’s requirements and expectations. Priority for any available internship opportunities is given to graduate students in Virginia Commonwealth University’s forensic science program, then graduate students in forensic science programs at other colleges, and finally to college students in science programs at the undergraduate level.

4. What information should I include on my application?
   
   

   You should describe in detail all of your training and experience on your application, to include both paid and volunteer work. Ensure that all sections of the application are completed, including employment eligibility status, veteran status, salary history, and criminal convictions. It is very important that you provide complete and detailed information about your qualifications so your application can be accurately evaluated.
   
   To further describe your job duties and/or experience, you may attach a cover letter, resume, curriculum vitae, or other documents. Please note, however, that attaching a resume or CV does not substitute for a completed application.

5. How will my application be evaluated?
   
   

   The qualifications contained in your application, along with those of all other applicants, will be compared against the knowledge, skills, abilities and other qualifications needed for the position.

6. When will I be notified if I’m selected for an interview?
   
   

   The hiring section will contact you if you have been selected for an interview. This may take as long as a few weeks after the job posting closes. You will be notified via email if you are not selected for an interview.

7. How can I check my status for a position
   
   

   You may review the status of your application at any time by choosing the "Application Status" link in your personal account in RMS.

8. Are there any special conditions involved with working at DFS
   
   

   Criminal Conviction Investigation: In order to protect its interests and the well being of its staff, affiliates, and the public, the Department conducts a comprehensive criminal investigation on all selected candidates. A determination of either a job-related conviction or falsified conviction information on the application may result in denial of employment.
   
   The state application for employment requires applicants to describe any convictions of law violation(s), including moving traffic violations, but exclude offenses committed before the eighteenth birthday.

   DNA sample: Because of working in the proximity of crime scene evidence, it is necessary for all employees of the agency to have their DNA sampled and filed. The DNA sample is obtained via buccal swab (saliva sample).

   Legal Eligibility for Employment: The Department of Forensic Science hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Within the first three days of employment, you will be required to present evidence of your identity and legal authorization to work.

   Grant funded (restricted) positions: Some positions are grant funded (restricted). This means the salary and other costs associated with the position are paid from grant funds rather than general funds. If the position you are offered is a restricted position, the ramifications of being in a restricted position will be explained to you.

   Wage employment: A wage employee (part-time hourly) is limited to working 1500 hours in a 365-day period and is excluded from participating in the state's vacation, retirement, health, and life insurance programs.

9. How often is the job list updated?
   
   

   The list of vacancies in the “Employment Opportunities” section of our website at www.dfs.virginia.gov is kept current.

10. What are the work hours?
    
    

    The work hours for most classified positions in our labs are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Alternate work schedules are available for most positions.

11. What benefit programs are available?
    
    

    A summary of benefits plans available to Virginia employees is available at: http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/genlbenefits/benefitsdescription.html

12. What if I need help applying?
    
    

    If you need assistance with the application/interview process or have a question about a position, contact the Human Resource Office at 804.786.0150.