Senior Forensic Scientist

North Dakota Office of Attorney General; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision options

State retirement plan (NDPERS)

457 deferred compensation plan

Medical spending account

Paid annual leave & sick leave

Job summary

The North Dakota Office of Attorney General invites applications for a Senior Forensic Scientist in the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit. The role provides technical guidance, validates new equipment, and ensures QA/QC in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ANAB standards.

Responsibilities include performing firearms and tool mark analyses, test firing, and documenting findings. The incumbent will train staff, manage casework, and testify in court as an expert witness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field; or criminal justice with certification.
• AFTE training program equivalent to AFTE Training Manual.
• Minimum 6 years of firearms/toolmarks analysis experience with court testimony.
• Preference for technical leader or supervisory experience.
• Ability to work with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and perform specialized firearms/toolmarks examinations.
• Lead training for new unit staff and oversee QA/QC across procedures.
• Prepare detailed notes, write reports, and testify as an expert witness.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Time management

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field

AFTE training program (or equivalent)

6+ years firearms/toolmarks experience

Tools

None

Job description

Summary Of Work

This position will serve as the Senior Forensic Scientist of the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit. Under supervision of the Laboratory Director, this position will provide technical and analytical guidance, and perform highly specialized forensic examinations related to firearms and tool mark identification. Responds to all inquiries in matters of procedure, to include approving and submitting changes to analytical procedures from staff. Coordinates and conducts validation of all new equipment and methods. Organizes proficiency testing for scientists within the unit. Serves as the primary trainer for new employees within the unit and also maintains an individual caseload.

Casework duties include performing examinations of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, tool marks, and other firearms or tool related evidence utilizing bullet recovery systems, comparison microscopes, scales, calipers, cameras, and other laboratory equipment. Such examinations shall include examination and test firing of all types of firearms, recovery and comparison of fired bullets and cartridge cases, trigger pull analysis, serial number restoration, tool mark identification, and fracture match identifications. The technical leader may also design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues and will interpret and evaluate examination results to determine their validity, scientific significance, and evidentiary value. Create detailed notes on all examinations performed, prepare written reports, and testify as an expert witness in a court of law.

Maintain instrumentation and equipment used for analysis of evidence including required performance checks. Determine analytical equipment needs for the Unit. Research new instrumentation and changes in existing instrumentation in the specialty field and recommend purchase of new instruments and/or equipment to the Laboratory Director. Monitor the quality of analysis, including compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Forensic Science Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation Requirements, and make recommendations for quality improvement. Provide feedback to unit members regarding technical procedures, training program requirements, novel technologies, national forensic science discipline trends and issues, and QA/QC standards. Performing review of casework within the discipline to evaluate consistent use of technical procedures within the discipline and compliance to quality assurance standards.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family, the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plan as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, as well as paid annual leave and sick leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational background and experience:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, a closely related natural science; or a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice plus a current nationally recognized certification in an applicable forensic discipline.
• Successful completion of a documented Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner training program equivalent to the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners' (AFTE) Training Manual.
• A minimum of 6 years of forensic laboratory experience conducting firearms/toolmarks analysis and experience testifying in court as an expert witness.
• Preference will be given to applicants with previous Technical Leader or supervisory experience.
• Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and with emphasis on customer service.
• Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Display interpersonal skills in dealing with customers and co-workers, utilize appropriate telephone etiquette, demonstrate appropriate written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate ability to perform standard office tasks and operate standard office equipment.
• Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform forensic scientist tasks.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards:

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.