Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Firearms & Toolmarks - Central Laboratory - CF235

Commonwealth of Virginia; Richmond; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A state forensic science agency located in Richmond is seeking a qualified Forensic Scientist to perform examinations related to firearms and toolmarks. Responsibilities include documenting evidence, preparing court exhibits, and providing expert testimony. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree and have completed a relevant training program. This position offers a comprehensive role in a growing facility that emphasizes accuracy and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Must have completed a documented training program in Firearm and Toolmark analysis.
• Demonstrated competency in examining firearms and toolmarks is required.
• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform Firearm and Toolmark examinations at the Central Regional Laboratory.
• Document evidence and interpret results for the Criminal Justice System.
• Prepare reports of findings and testify in court as an expert witness.

Skills

Ability to testify in court

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Analytical reasoning

Good oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university

Job description

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is experiencing significant growth and is currently constructing a new, state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Upon completion, the facility will consolidate the Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner—currently located in Richmond. The transition is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Firearm and Toolmark examinations at the Central Regional Laboratory, located in Richmond, Virginia.

This Forensic Scientist position examines, compares, and evaluates firearms, ammunition components, clothing, tools and objects bearing toolmarks. Responsibilities include the documentation of evidence, interpreting results, preparing reports of findings for use by the Criminal Justice System, preparing court exhibits and testifying in court as an expert witness. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide their own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must be eligible to apply for the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) membership, have completed a documented training program and demonstrate competency in Firearm and Toolmark comparison analysis.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college / 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
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and / or training
• 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
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and / or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Certification by The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and / or familiarity with ISO / IEC 17025 : 2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• 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 in providing forensic related teaching / training

Trainee

If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50,531 . The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Firearms and Toolmarks training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses on evidence related to firearms and toolmarks. Upon successful completion of the Firearms and Toolmarks training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training will last approximately 24 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college / university
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and / or have other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations

• Experience in an ISO / IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and / or internship)
• Experience in the comparative forensic sciences (i.e., Latent Prints, Impressions, Firearms, etc.)
• Experience using a comparison microscope
• Experience shooting firearms
• Experience in the assembly and disassembly of firearms

Experience in the assembly and disassembly of firearms

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 ov 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.

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check as well as a federal background check for CODIS access. 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: Amanda Greene

Phone: [phone]

Email : ov

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.