Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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

Compensation

Hiring Range: $97,737 – $130,977

This position qualifies for full-time state employee benefits. Benefits can be viewed here: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

How to apply

http://jobs.virginia.gov/cw/en-us/job/5019128?lApplicationSubSourceID=

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).

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