Forensic Scientist or Trainee

Job Summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified Forensic Scientist or Trainee to perform Firearm and Toolmark examinations at the Eastern Regional Laboratory. This position involves examining, comparing, and evaluating firearms, ammunition components, clothing, tools, and objects bearing toolmarks.

Responsibilities

• Document evidence and interpret results
• Prepare reports of findings for use by the Criminal Justice System
• Prepare court exhibits and testify in court as an expert witness
• Occasional overnight travel may be required

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the examination of firearms, ammunition components, serial number restorations, clothing examination for distance determination, tools, and objects bearing toolmarks
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• 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 analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Certification by The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• 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
• Experience in providing forensic-related teaching/training

Trainee Opportunity

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Firearms and Toolmarks training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses on evidence related to firearms and toolmarks.

Probationary Period and 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.