Forensic Laboratory Specialist II – Western – CF720

FORENSIC LABORATORY SPECIALIST II
Forensic Biology Section
Position CF720
Salary Range: $29,770 – $42,000
Location: Roanoke, VA

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified applicant at the Western Regional Laboratory to assist forensic biologists / DNA examiners. Duties include assisting examiners with evidence preservation, handling evidence, and supervised recovery of evidentiary crime scene materials; providing DNA casework support functions such as sample preparation, operation of the robotic DNA extraction workstation (which includes DNA quantitation, dilutions and amplification set-up); assisting with support functions such as quality control of critical reagents and equipment, preventive and routine maintenance on equipment including minor repair, reagent preparation, maintaining QA/QC documentation, autoclaving glassware and inventorying and/or purchasing supplies; and general laboratory upkeep including helping to maintain the tidiness of the laboratory and restocking consumable supplies.

Required qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent with college courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry and other related science course work
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory environment using basic laboratory equipment, techniques, and laboratory safety procedures
• Ability to accurately record data and maintain records, follow written protocols and oral instructions, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Preferred qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a natural science area or a scientific related field
• Experience handling human physiological fluids
• Experience with PCR-DNA amplification
• Experience with sample-handling robotics
• Experience in a forensic science laboratory
• Experience with computers in a laboratory environment

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.

Disabilities:
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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800- 552-5019.
Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by August 30, 2022. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Markeisha Lewis at (804)588-4008 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forensic Scientist- Toxicology- Western Laboratory- CF801

Forensic Scientist- Toxicology Section

Position # CF801

Salary: $52,676 – $92,529

Western Laboratory

Location: Roanoke, VA

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified applicant to perform toxicology analyses at the Western Laboratory located in Roanoke, VA. The successful candidate will independently perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies, prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system, and provide court testimony on analytical results. Occasional overnight travel is required and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with coursework in general, organic and analytical chemistry
Experience handling human biological samples
Work experience in a forensic toxicology laboratory that includes successful completion of a documented training program and/or demonstration of competency
Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples
Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID and GC/NPD)
Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze, interpret data and develop conclusions
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and defend scientific findings in court
Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Preferred qualifications:

Advanced degree in related field
Experience using advanced laboratory equipment/instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS, LC-QTOF-MS
Experience presenting testimony in a court of law as an expert witness
Certification by a national forensic toxicology certification board, such as, American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate cannot be found, the position will be filled as a Forensic Scientist Trainee at a salary of $44,472. The training will last approximately 9 to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree and course qualifications listed above. Preferred qualifications include:

Experience in a Toxicology laboratory environment
Experience in an accredited laboratory (working and/or internship)

Probationary Period:

If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new 12- month probationary period be served.

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.

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by August 2, 2022. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Markeisha Lewis at (804)588-4008 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Procurement Specialist – CF369

State Procurement Specialist
Procurement Officer I
Position: CF369
Salary Range: $38,894 – $55,000
Location: Richmond, VA
*Open to State Employees Only*

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Procurement Officer I for the agency’s Procurement Department. This position is responsible for procuring a broad range of materials, supplies, equipment, and services using appropriate methods of procurement, with the goal of obtaining the best quality and price in accordance with state guidelines. The candidate will solicit request quotes, issue solicitations for small dollar purchases, review, and evaluate responses to determine responsiveness, completeness and compliance and issue purchase orders. This position will also maintain and track term contracts, issue contract renewals, contract administration, and manage disposition of goods in support of the Department’s overall objective in accordance with state guidelines.

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent
Experience procuring a variety of goods and services ensuring compliance with state procurement regulations
Knowledge of and experience with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and Virginia government procurement policies and procedures
Experience with eVA (the Commonwealth’s electronic procurement system)
Working knowledge of statewide initiatives such as Small, Woman-owned, and Minority businesses (SWAM) and Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC) program
Excellent customer service, interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to communicate to internal and external customers
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel)
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize in a multifaceted professional environment, work independently with minimal supervision, as well as with a team, with flexibility to provide assistance as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration or related field; or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
Certification as a Virginia Contract Associate (VCA)
Certification as a Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO)

Economic Interest Statement:
The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. Additionally, the statement is to be filed annually by February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 60 days of employment and every two years thereafter.

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by July 29, 2022. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Tracey Kazelskis at (804) 588-4000 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forensic Scientist – Firearms and Toolmarks – Western Laboratory – CF656

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Firearms & Toolmarks

Position CF656

Salary: $52,676 – $92,529

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:

Firearm and Toolmark comparison analysis or
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

Trainee:

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.)

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 or 24 months will be required depending on the selected candidate’s qualification level.

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by August 15, 2022. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Markeisha Lewis at (804)588-4008 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forensic Laboratory Specialist II – Toxicology – Western Laboratory – CF211

FORENSIC LABORATORY SPECIALIST II

Toxicology Section

Position # CF211

Salary: $29,772 – $42,000

Location: Roanoke, VA

This is a grant funded position. The Grant Funding is approved through September 30, 2023.

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified applicant to assist the Toxicology section of the Western Regional Laboratory. Duties of the position include: administrative support to include scanning, copying, and filing data; routine laboratory maintenance such as cleaning glassware, waste disposal, and changing compressed gas cylinders; preparation of reagents; transfer of evidence, maintaining a secure and intact chain of custody; and assistance typing and distributing Certificates of Analysis to agency customers. This position will also include training to perform evidence receiving and handling, alcohol analysis using headspace gas chromatography, drug screening using ELISA immunoassay, and carboxyhemoglobin saturation determination using uv-vis spectrophotometry.

Required qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent with courses in math and science and college-level courses in chemistry, biochemistry, or other closely related scientific area
Experience preparing solutions and reagents for use in a laboratory setting
Familiarity with a scientific laboratory environment, including standard laboratory equipment and safety procedures
Proficiency in MS Office Suite programs
Valid driver’s license or other means of reliable transportation

Preferred qualifications:

BS degree in chemistry, biochemistry or other closely related scientific field with sufficient chemistry courses
Experience working in a laboratory environment operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation
Experience performing and documenting QA procedures
Experience handling biological fluids in a forensic or clinical toxicology laboratory
Experience using laboratory information management software

Applicants must apply electronically using the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) by August 1, 2022. The RMS can be accessed using the link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com. Contact Markeisha Lewis at (804)588-4008 for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER