Forensic Evidence Specialist I 

Position: CF582

Salary Range:  $31,745 – $40,482

Location: Richmond, VA – Central Laboratory

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified individual to perform evidence handling and building security duties at the Central Laboratory in Richmond, Virginia. Normal work hours are 40 hours per week within the hours of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and will be involved in responding to emergency call-backs to the laboratory during non-business hours. The position works closely with the laboratory’s technical and administrative staff.

Primary duties include receiving, storing, transferring and returning evidence for/to user agencies, forensic examiners and other DFS laboratories as well as maintaining access control within the building and property. Duties include initiating/maintaining the chain of custody for evidence using a computerized database, maintaining security of the evidence, responding to telephone and personal inquiries concerning laboratory capabilities, evidence collection, and submission and return procedures. Will be required to adhere to a dress code and wear Department-approved clothing.

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds
• Work experience conducting data entry into computer systems
• Work experience reviewing/verifying data for accuracy and completeness
• Work experience using computers and computer applications such as MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Work experience processing and maintaining confidential records and materials
• Knowledge of standard safety practices when handling evidence

Preferred qualifications:

• College coursework in forensic science or criminal justice
• Certified Property and Evidence Specialist or course work through an Evidence Management Program
• Work experience or knowledge initiating and documenting the chain of custody of evidence
• Work experience or knowledge with handling and packaging of evidence
• Work experience conducting inventories with inventory control systems and conducting independent audits with evidence
• Work experience utilizing access control to maintain physical security
• Knowledge of a Forensic Laboratory Scientific capabilities concerning evidence
• Work experience submitting evidence to a Forensic Laboratory

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by April 30, 2021. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Julie Smith at (804)588-4053 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forensic Scientist

Firearms & Toolmarks

Position CF656

Salary: $52,676 – $88,123

Location: Roanoke, VA

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a court qualified applicant to serve as a Forensic Scientist in the Firearms and Toolmarks Section in the Western Regional Laboratory, located in Roanoke, Virginia. The Forensic Scientist is responsible for examining, comparing, and evaluating a wide variety of items such as various firearms, unfired ammunition, fired ammunition components, clothing, tools and objects bearing toolmarks. The Forensic Scientist will document, evaluate, analyze and preserve evidence and utilize various comparison techniques while maintaining the chain of custody. In addition, they will issue reports, provide documentation of analysis, provide information to investigators and transport evidence and/or property to storage locations. The Forensic Scientist will also testify as an expert witness. Occasional overnight travel is required and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Qualified candidates must be eligible to apply for the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) membership, have completed a documented training program and/or demonstration of competency in at least one of the following categories:

1. Firearm and Toolmark comparison analysis or
2. Firearm comparison analysis

The documented training program and/or demonstration of competency, which can include relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified.  Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Candidates who qualify in only Firearms comparison analysis may be required by the Agency to successfully complete the in-house Toolmark training program.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Successful completion of a documented forensic scientist firearm  training program and/or demonstration of competency in the examination of firearms, unfired ammunition, fired ammunition components, serial number restorations, clothing examination for distance determination and expert testimony
• Experience documenting observations, writing and issuing reports, preparing exhibits of evidence for court and precisely explaining and defending scientific results
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from comparisons
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Preferred qualifications:

• Successful completion of a documented forensic scientist toolmark training program and/or demonstration of competency in the examination of tools and objects bearing toolmarks
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in forensic science, natural science,  physical science  or closely related field
• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Membership in and/or certification by The Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
• Experience testifying in court as an expert in the field
• Work experience in an accredited forensic science laboratory
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training

If a fully qualified candidate cannot be found, a Forensic Scientist trainee position may be offered at a salary of $44,472.  The candidate will be expected to successfully complete the Firearms and Toolmarks training program. The Trainee must meet the educational requirements stated in the qualifications.  Preferred qualifications include:

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

If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served.  A probationary period of 12 or 24 months will be required depending on the selected candidate’s qualification level.

Selected candidates must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample), be fingerprinted, drug tested, and pass a security background check

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by May 14, 2021. The RMS can be accessed using the link:https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com.  Contact Julie Smith at (804)588-4053 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Financial Specialist

Position # CF742

Salary: $46,087 – $70,000

Location: Richmond, VA

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking an experienced candidate with a strong understanding of internal controls and risk, excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, excellent customer service skills, and superior communications skills to join its Financial Management Services (Finance or FMS) team. The selected candidate will have primary responsibility for completion of all aspects of the annual Agency Risk Management and Internal Controls Standards (ARMICS) requirements as required by the Department of Accounts. Related to the ARMICS processes, the selected candidate will ensure all Finance processes are accurately documented and make recommendations for improvements to these processes in order to strengthen internal controls and/or to make processes more efficient and effect. Finally, as a member of the Finance team, the selected candidate will process accounts payable and employee reimbursements, assist with recording and controlling fixed assets, and serving as periodic backup to the other members of the Finance team.

Required Qualifications:

• Work experience assessing and testing internal controls
• Experience documenting processes and making recommendations for improvement
• Ability to effectively utilize spreadsheets and database applications to manage and analyze financial data
• Knowledge and experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable principles and best practices
• Ability to resolve issues and make independent logical decisions and recommendations in a complex operational environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting rigid deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with all levels of staff and management
• Experience providing excellent customer service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working for the Commonwealth of Virginia in an accounting or auditing position
• Working knowledge of the Commonwealth Accounting Policies and Procedures (CAPP) Manual
• Experience performing ARMICS requirements for a State agency or SOX requirements for a public company
• Proficiency in Cardinal

Selected candidates must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample), be fingerprinted, drug tested and pass a security background check

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by May 3, 2021. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com Contact Julie Smith at (804)588-4053 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER