Forensic Scientist II

Job Description

Job Ttitle: Forensic Scientist II

Company: State of North Carolina


Description: Description of WorkNot sure you meet all listed requirements? Let our team take a look. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.State Crime Laboratory — Helping Solve CrimesThe 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.This position is located at the State Crime Lab in Raleigh, N.C.Learn more about the lab here:The primary purpose of the Firearms Section is to provide the North Carolina Criminal Justice System with trained and experienced forensic scientists who analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations. The forensic services provided include laboratory analysis, expert witness testimony and training on evidence collection/handling in the areas of firearm examination/comparison, serial number restoration, function testing, and NIBIN entry. The primary purpose of this Forensic Scientist II is to perform journey level Firearms casework – an equitable share of the analyses performed by the unit, prepare written reports of the results of the analyses, and provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses. The position is also responsible for one or more collateral duties within the Firearms Section.The Forensic Scientist II performs casework on firearms evidence seized by law enforcement officers in the course of their investigations. Analysis of evidence consists of one or more of the following:

• Evaluation of a firearm to determine functionality, safety, and alterations
• Test firing of firearms
• Determination of caliber
• Determination of whether unknown ammunition components were fired from a particular firearm
• Determination of NIBIN suitability
• Restoration of obliterated serial numbers

The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of forensic firearms analysis to keep up with new firearms and ammunition being encountered, new technical and analytical procedures, and changes in the laws that would apply directly to the analysis.COURT TESTIMONY AND COMMUNICATION
The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence. The Forensic Scientist is, through education, training and experience, qualified by the court as an expert in the field off or forensic firearms analysis before being allowed to testify about the analysis. As an expert witness, the Forensic Scientist must explain and defend in detail the analysis, including the procedures and techniques used, the results of the analysis, and how the results of the analysis apply in the given case.PEER REVIEW OF CASEWORK
This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation. This position will perform administrative, clerical, technical and verification reviews on all types of cases.The Forensic Scientist II will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.The Forensic Scientist shall be required to obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within 18 months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entities.

• Selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes: credit and arrest checks; interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; verification of education achievement, fingerprinting and urinalysis drug screening.
• Out of state applicants: This may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense after the initial interview, in order to undergo the background investigation process.
• Transcripts are required at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency to be provided at the time of application.**

This position requires travel to testify in court.Note to Current State Employees:The salary grade for this position is NC16. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. Please detail ALL work history including non-state service experience. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY or MAY NOT result.THE STARTING SALARY FOR A NEW HIRE TO THIS POSITION IS LIMITED TO THE RECRUITMENT RANGE OF $55,000 to $76,756. Salary offers for the selected candidate are based on the candidate’s education and experience related to the position, as well as our agency budget and equity.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Employees must have knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
• Employees must have knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering and handling.
• Employees must have knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, and interpret methodology and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor’s degree with a major in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science (physics), mechanical engineering, criminal justice or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in firearms and tool marks; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.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.Management preferences: A fully trained firearms examiner.NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types. For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

Salary: $55000 – 94844 per year

Location: Wake County, NC

Date: Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:55:54 GMT


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