Forensic Lab Jobs in Waterbury, CT (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 2 to work within the Division of Scientific Services, assigned to the Digital Forensics Unit's ICAC Unit, located in Cheshire, CT.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Tihs position is full-time, onsite, 8:00am. - 4:30pm, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.
• In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals and forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details are in the class specification and the Examples of Duties section below.

DUTIES:
The Forensic Science Examiner 2 will play a key lead role within the laboratory and will be responsible for a broad range of technical, operational, and administrative duties, including:

• Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff and laboratory operations;
• Provides staff training and assistance;
• Determines priorities and plans unit work;
• Establishes and maintains unit procedures and quality assurance/control programs;
• Develops or makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards;
• Acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures;
• Prepares complex comprehensive reports and correspondence;
• Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence;
• Maintains chemicals, supplies and inventory; ensures laboratory safety;
• Conducts proficiency testing and participates in internal audits;
• Attends court trials to evaluate testimony of subordinates;
• Represents the laboratory as a scientific expert in court and before legislative bodies;
• Participates in or leading advanced scientific research related to forensic science disciplines; Contributes to building and facility security as part of laboratory operations;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures;
• considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
• Extensive knowledge of current laboratory facilities, methods, equipment, instrumentation and material used in forensic analysis;
• Proficiency in the methods of criminal investigations and forensic identification;
• Expertise in the examination, analysis, and interpretation of evidentiary materials using appropriate scientific techniques;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within and across teams;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings clearly;
• Ability to conduct complex technical, analytical, and research activities independently;
• Proficiency with relevant computer software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS); Ability to provide expert testimony in court on complex and sensitive forensic matters;
• Demonstrate ability to oversee staff performance, training, and workflow management.

ABOUT US
The DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence

• Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
• Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct-i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
• Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility

• Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
• Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
• Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability

• Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
• Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
• Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
• Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

• Chemical Analysis Section - encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry.
• Forensic Biology/DNA Section - specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling.
• Identification Section - including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis.

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

• Quality Section - responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards.
• Laboratory Support Services Section - which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions.

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut's criminal justice system.
For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
• For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees:

• Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
• Cover letter
• A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)

Non-State Employees:

• Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
• Completed CT-HR-13
• Cover letter
• A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rachel Allsop at rachel.allsop@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for acting as a working lead of a section consisting of specialized activities and conducting a variety of highly, advanced technical and complex tests in the analysis of physical evidence.
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.
TOXICOLOGY SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for acting as a working lead and performing the most complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plans unit workflow