Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Firearms and Toolmarks - Western Laboratory - CF326

Title: Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Firearms and Toolmarks - Western Laboratory - CF326

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist III

Hiring Range: $97,737 – $130,977

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Western Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified individual to supervise technical staff and the day-to-day operations of the Firearms and Toolmarks Section in the Western Laboratory, located in Roanoke, Virginia. The Section Supervisor will manage the section’s backlog, maintain, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards, state, and Department policies and procedures. In addition, the Section Supervisor will independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a diversity of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies; using state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques and instrumentation related to the analysis of firearms & toolmarks. Other duties include interpreting and preparing reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system; preparing court exhibits and testify in court as an expert witness; maintain the firearms reference collection and technical reference files; communicating with medical and legal officials concerning testing procedures, results, and conclusions; and instructing law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or 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
• Experience as a Forensic Scientist qualified in firearms and toolmarks Examinations
• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• 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
• Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze firearms & toolmarks
• Willingness and ability to foster and mentor staff and promote a positive teamwork environment
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Certification by The Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• 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 working in an accredited forensic science laboratory
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training
• Experience supervising technical staff

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

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.

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.

Contact Information

Name: Alanna Meekins

Phone: (804) 588-4010

Email: alanna.meekins@dfs.virginia.gov

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.