Section Chief, Forensic Fingerprint Science

ATF; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ATF in Beltsville, MD seeks a Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge) GS-14 to lead a laboratory section within the OST. The role includes supervision of staff, scientific oversight, and ensuring quality assurance in fingerprint examinations.

The position requires specialized experience in latent and visible fingerprint analysis, mentoring staff, and communicating findings clearly in writing and orally. Direct-Hire Authority is utilized for critical hiring needs.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience demonstrated in mentoring forensic examiners and leading project teams.
• Experience conducting complex fingerprint examinations including latent prints.
• Ability to perform comparative testing of fingerprint evidence to determine origin.
• Strong oral and written communication to convey forensic findings clearly.
• Apply quality assurance procedures for fingerprint exams per lab standards.

Responsibilities

• Establish general work goals and assignments; review team work.
• Lead, manage, and direct goals of supervised staff.
• Communicate to maintain effective relationships with staff and management.
• Serve as first-level supervisor providing scientific, technical, and administrative oversight.
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance procedures in the Section.

Skills

Mentoring forensic examiners

Leading project teams

Conducting complex fingerprint exams

Communicating results in writing

Quality assurance procedures in lab

Education

Physical science/engineering/math degree with 24 semester hours in physical science

Job description

ATF in Beltsville, MD seeks a Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge) GS-14 to lead a laboratory section within the OST. The role includes supervision of staff, scientific oversight, and ensuring quality assurance in fingerprint examinations.

The position requires specialized experience in latent and visible fingerprint analysis, mentoring staff, and communicating findings clearly in writing and orally. Direct-Hire Authority is utilized for critical hiring needs.