Responsibilities

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS), Northern Laboratory, is seeking a qualified individual to supervise technical staff and the day-to-day operations of the Latent Prints Section, to include management of the section’s backlog and compliance with accreditation standards, as well as 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; to recover and examine latent finger, palm and foot prints for identification purposes using state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques and instrumentation related to the analysis of latent prints. Other duties include: preparing reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system and testifying in court as an expert witness; 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 laboratory in latent print training program and demonstration of competency in the examination of latent finger, foot and palm prints
Experience as a Forensic Scientist qualified in Latent Prints examinations
Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
Knowledge and skill in fingerprint pattern recognition, comparing latent prints with known finger, foot, and palm prints, developing latent prints on physical evidence, and obtaining prints from bodies
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
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
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 as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI)
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
Knowledge and skill in tire and footwear impressions pattern recognition and analysis
Work experience using systems such as AFIS and/or NGI
Work experience using the Mideo Systems Latent Works software and conducting on-screen comparisons of latent prints to known exemplars
Experience in latent print photography, including technical experience with filters, light sources, and Adobe Photoshop
Experience supervising technical staff
Experience in forensic related teaching/training

Compensation

Hiring Range: $102,623 - $137,525

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

How to apply

https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/forensic-scientist-section-supervisor-latent-prints-northern-laboratory-cf682-manassas-virginia-united-states
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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