Forensic Scientist III (Latent Print Analyst)

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

The position is responsible for latent print analysis, which includes aspects of casework, accreditation, quality assurance and control programs within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The position ensures the technical aspects of the latent print analysis program are in compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards and is responsible for carrying out all aspects of latent print casework operations from evidence intake through reporting of results and communication with customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts routine to complex examination of latent print evidence in the laboratory. Performs evaluations of latent impressions to determine suitability for entry into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Compares suitable latent impressions to known standards, submitted through requests, or retrieved from AFIS candidate list, to render conclusion decisions.

Makes necessary recommendations to improve techniques in the laboratory and keeps up to date with friction ridge literature and the latest developments, techniques, and methods. Provides technical guidance to other latent print examiners and lower-level examiners on a continuing basis to ensure quality control. Supports quality control and quality assurance for the latent print unit, which involves participation in a Proficiency Testing Program. May be required to testify in courtroom exclusively as an expert witness.

Qualifications and Education

Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

Or

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

Latent Print Examiner Certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Working Conditions/Environment

This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS. The work environment includes office setting, laboratory conditions, training facility, and courtrooms. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, blood borne pathogens, and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, etc.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease. The nature of the work in the Forensic Science Laboratory requires safe handling and processing of chemicals and reagents within the laboratory, and standard health and safety processes must be constantly demonstrated and reinforced.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401-13

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Type of Appointment: Career Service - Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-09, and subject to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.”

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Essential and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.