Forensic Scientist I

North Carolina Association of Official Court Reporters; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice, through the State Crime Lab in Raleigh, seeks an entry level Forensic Scientist I to perform latent evidence casework. Responsibilities include processing evidence, image work, and latent print comparisons, with reporting and potential court testimony.

The position requires a latent evidence degree and may require certification within 18 months; some overtime may be required to meet laboratory needs.

Qualifications

• Latent evidence experience or training is preferred.
• Experience in a forensic laboratory is desirable.
• Certification: Certified Latent Print Examiner - IAI CLPE is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry level latent evidence casework including chemical and physical processing of evidence.
• Carry out image processing and latent print comparisons.
• Conduct fingerprint database searches and prepare written reports of results.
• Provide expert testimony in court on analyses.
• Offer technical field assistance as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Justice Division State Crime Lab Investigation Job Classification Title Forensic Scientist I (S) Position Number 60010692 Grade NC14

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

Description of Work

Recruitment Range: $55,000 - $60,619

IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.

The State Crime Laboratory of the Department of Justice maintains a full service forensic science laboratory to assist all law enforcement agencies in North Carolina in the investigation of criminal matters. The Laboratory’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art forensic services in the areas of drug analysis, blood alcohol/drug content, firearms, latent prints, footwear and tire tracks, forensic biology, computer forensics, and trace evidence. The services are provided from a central laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. and regional laboratories located in Edneyville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

The primary purpose of the Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level Latent Evidence casework to include:

• chemical and physical processing of evidence
• image processing
• comparison of latent prints
• conducting fingerprint databases searches
• preparing written reports of the results
• providing expert testimony in court on the results of analyses
• providing technical field assistance

This position may be required to work overtime based on the business needs of the laboratory.

The selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete.

The background investigation includes:

• polygraph
• credit and arrest checks
• interviews with associates to include personal and business references, past employers, and neighbors
• verification of education achievement
• fingerprinting
• urinalysis drug screening

Out of state applicants: After the initial interview, this may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense to undergo the background investigation process.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

• Prior latent evidence experience
• Prior experience in a forensic laboratory
• Certified Latent Print Examiner- IAI CLPE

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Latent Evidence Bachelor's degree with a major in forensic science, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physical science, criminal justice or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Supplemental Information

Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer. Using the terms “See Resume” or “See Attachment” will not be accepted, and your application will be rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required. Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

CONTACT INFORMATION

NC Department of Justice Human Resources [e-mail]

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.