Talent Pool - Forensic Technologist, Physical Sciences

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 6,199,000 - 7,332,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Public Service – Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto seeks a Forensic Technologist (Physical Sciences) to conduct firearms testing and examinations, generate results, and assist in linking crime scenes to firearms. The role emphasizes accuracy, quality assurance, and safe handling of evidence.

The position supports state-of-the-art facilities in a dynamic laboratory, requiring strong analytical, reporting, and teamwork skills to maintain chain-of-custody and deliver reliable results.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of physical, life, or forensic sciences or related discipline.
• Microscopy/comparison microscopy and firearms/toolmarks knowledge applied to forensic science.
• Ability to perform functional tests on firearms, ammunition and components.
• Ability to acquire, assess and compare digital images.
• Understanding of evidence handling, chain of custody.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic firearms testing and microscopic examinations.
• Generate and analyze test results and apply quality assurance processes.
• Use IBIS to acquire information linking items to firearms.
• Conduct mechanical evaluation and test fires of firearms.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation for accurate results.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and supplies.

Skills

Forensic science

Microscopy

Image analysis

Evidence handling

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Time management

Communication

Tools

IBIS

Microscopes

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Talent Pool - Forensic Technologist, Physical Sciences

Public Safety Division, Centre of Forensic Sciences

City: Toronto

Position(s) language:

Job term: Permanent, Temporary

Job code: 16063 - Technologist 2, Medical Lab

$1,362.39 - $1,611.47 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Showcase your passion for forensic science and consider this great opportunity to conduct forensic testing and examinations with the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) with the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Note: This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming temporary and permanent opportunities within the next 21 months following the date of recruitment completion.

About the job

Working at the state-of-the-art Forensic Services and Coroners Complex, you will:

• Conduct forensic firearms testing and microscopic examinations on a variety of case-related items (eg. firearms, fired ammunition components)
• Generate and collect test results, analyze preliminary findings and apply quality assurance processes
• Acquire information from bullets and cartridge/shotshell cases on the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) to assist in linking crime scenes, or crime scene items to firearms
• Conduct mechanical evaluation and perform test fires of submitted firearms
• Set up, operate, maintain and validate assigned instrumentation to ensure effective operations and production of accurate and reliable results
• Maintain the laboratory's inventory of supplies and equipment

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

Manual dexterity to manipulate sensitive instruments and samples with precision.

Technical Knowledge

• You have demonstrated knowledge of either physical, life, or forensic sciences, or a related discipline
• Knowledge and experience of laboratory practices and techniques including microscopy/comparison microscopy and scientific understanding of firearms and toolmarks as applied to forensic science
• You can perform a range of functional tests on firearms, ammunition and ammunition components
• You can acquire, assess and compare digital images
• You understand the court system and related protocols including knowledge of evidence handling practices to ensure the preservation of evidence (i.e. continuity, chain of custody)

Laboratory Experience

• You have demonstrated ability to understand and follow policies, methods, and standard operating procedures as well as relevant health and safety legislation
• You have knowledge of quality assurance in order to ensure compliance with quality assurance programs and accreditation standards
• You can take appropriate precautions when handling potentially biohazardous firearms or other materials that pose a health and safety risk

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You are able to analyze preliminary results of laboratory tests and conduct quality assurance processes
• You can confirm findings, ensure reliability and validity of results, and ensure results meet standards and procedures including the critical evaluation of analytical data.
• You can solve problems including trouble-shooting analytical and equipment problems.
• You have the ability to participate in the validation of new instrumentation and/or develop new methods or improve existing laboratory processes

Communication (oral and written) and Interpersonal Skills

• You have experience preparing data summary findings and taking detailed notes of observations and test
• You are able to draft analytical procedures and assist in the publication of research
• You can discuss test findings with scientific staff and management and convey technical information to non-technical audiences
• You are able to work effectively in a team environment with all levels of staff and contribute to the overall productivity of the team

Time Management Skills

• You demonstrate effective time management skills necessary to ensure efficient workflow of assigned tasks
• You are able to multi-task and respond to changing work priorities
• You are able to meet service needs for internal and external customers

Don't meet every qualification?

We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

Additional information:

• English Permanent, 25 Morton Shulman Ave, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
• English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 25 Morton Shulman Ave, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
• The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time. This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next 21 months following the closing date of the job ad posting.
• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
• OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
• If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please ContactUs to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.