Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Trace Evidence - Central Laboratory - CF362

Forensic Scientist or Trainee

• Trace Evidence
• Central Laboratory
• CF362 Department of Forensic Science
• 4.5 Hanover, VA Job Details Full-time $59,851
• $105,134 a year 3 days ago Qualifications Investigative forensic analysis Gas chromatography Record keeping Laboratory safety Laboratory instruments Organic chemistry ISO standards Writing skills X-ray diffraction Driver's License Quality assurance Bachelor's degree Task prioritization QA/QC Data interpretation Mass spectrometers (MS) Chemistry Proper evidence handling Chemical analysis Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy Microscopy Communication skills Teaching Bachelor's degree in chemistry Entry level Time management Full Job Description 5103645 Hanover, Virginia, United States, 23069 Department of Forensic Science Public Safety Full-Time (Salaried) Closing at: Apr 30 2026•23:55

EDT Department of Forensic Science Title:

Forensic Scientist or Trainee

• Trace Evidence
• Central Laboratory
• CF362

State Role Title:

Forensic Scientist II Hiring Range:

$59,851

• $105,134

Pay Band:

5

Agency:

Department of Forensic Science Location:

Central Lab Agency Website:

www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type:

General Public

• G Job Duties The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is experiencing significant growth and has moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County.

The facility houses staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director's Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This is a re-advertisement; previous applicants will need to re-apply to be considered. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Trace Evidence examinations in Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape at the Central Regional Laboratory, located in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete an intensive training program in one of the above disciplines within the first year of employment. The candidate will subsequently train in at least one additional Trace Evidence sub-discipline, based on the Agency's needs at the time. Once trained and qualified as a Forensic Scientist, the successful candidate will: 1) use current state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation to analyze evidence material; 2) prepare Certificates of Analysis on findings for use by the criminal justice system; 3) testify in criminal court proceedings as a qualified expert on laboratory findings and results; and 4) communicate with, and instruct, law enforcement agencies and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and evidence handling guidelines. The position requires occasional overnight travel, and employee will provide own transportation as required. To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in Explosives., Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape 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. Candidates who are considered qualified will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate and will subsequently be required to successfully complete in-house training programs in additional sub-disciplines. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry 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 Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape Experience in a forensic Trace Evidence laboratory environment performing forensic examinations in Explosives, Glass, Paint, Fibers, or Tape Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze trace evidence (e.g., Microscopy, GRIM, MSP, IC, XRD, XRF, GC, GC/MS, FTIR) Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures 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 in providing forensic related teaching/training 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

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 Trace Evidence training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the Trace Evidence training program, the trainee's salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. Subsequently, there will be training in at least one additional Trace Evidence sub-discipline. 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 in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry 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 a Trace Evidence laboratory environment 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 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 now uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information Name:

Amanda Greene Phone:

804-588-4163

Email:

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. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note :

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022

• February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.