Forensic Scientist I, Ii Or Iii

The Nebraska State Patrol is developing a list of qualified candidates to fill a Forensic Scientist I, II, or III vacancy in the Latent Prints Section as determined by previous experience.

Hiring Rate:
Forensic Scientist I: $26.689 per hour
Forensic Scientist II: $28.691 per hour
Forensic Scientist III: $30.843 per hour

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory has held accreditation since 2004 and is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. We provide services to law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Nebraska.

As a member of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab team, forensic scientists participate in a variety of scientific activities including latent print examinations, expert witness testimony, and training for law enforcement, and the general public. The Nebraska State Patrol allows forensic scientists to take responsibility for all aspects of casework providing our scientists with challenge and career satisfaction. Interaction with attorneys and law enforcement personnel provides Nebraska State Patrol forensic scientists with a broad spectrum of criminal justice experience.

Examine and/or process evidence to visualize/develop friction ridge detail; analyze, compare and evaluate friction ridge detail; photograph all latent prints; utilize Adobe Photoshop CS6 for digital latent image processing; compare received/developed latent impressions with known inked fingerprints, and/or enter latents into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for Next Generation Identification System (NGI) comparisons; formulate own conclusions and verify the conclusions of other examiners; maintain the chain of custody of evidence; communicate findings through written laboratory reports to law enforcement officials; testify in court as necessary; provide instruction to the law enforcement community by developing curriculum and reviewing, coordinating and conducting training on an on-going basis; provide tours of the Latent Print Section/Crime Lab to the public and offer presentations of the latent process; perform routine maintenance of all Latent Print Section equipment. Other related duties as assigned. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to various federal databases deemed to be necessary to perform assigned duties. Databases may include but are not limited to CODIS, AFIS (NGI), NIBIN and NCJIS.

REQUIREMENTS:
Forensic Scientist I: Bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist II: Two years' experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent, to include time devoted to a relevant training program provided by that laboratory; possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type and successful completion of at least one relevant proficiency test. AND Bachelor's degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist III: Six years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent; Possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type, successful completion of at least five proficiency tests; experience providing testimony in a court setting as a forensic expert in the relevant discipline. AND Bachelors degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

PREFERRED: Minimum of two years' experience in fingerprint classification/10 print comparison work and/or a minimum of one year working as a qualified latent print examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory is desirable. Minimum one year experience operating an AFIS; experience providing presentation, testifying in court, and using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) program is desirable. Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment visual acuity test.

OTHER: A valid driver's license is required. Resume and transcripts required. This position must meet minimum requirements for Forensic Scientist. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to your applicant information. Failure to complete all areas of your employment application may result in your application being disqualified from our selection process. Regular and reliable attendance is expected. If selected for this position, you must meet the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services employment eligibility requirements by completing an EEV (I-9) Form. The agency does not sponsor H1-B Visa's. Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check, before a final offer of employment is made. Applicants must be free of felony convictions. Applicants cannot maintain a continuous association or dealings with persons, groups, or organizations that they know, or should know are persons or groups or organizations under criminal investigation or indictment or who have a reputation for present, ongoing involvement in felonious or criminal behavior. Applicant must successfully complete an extensive background screening prior to being employed, which includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire. Selection process will include an interview and assessment test.

KNOWLEDGE of: the principles of chemistry, genetics, biology, physical, natural and/or other sciences related to the section assigned; the equipment and processes used in state crime laboratory analyses; the methods used to illustrate information and support court testimony; laboratory analysis and reporting procedures.

ABILITY to: mentally rotate, inspect and modify an image; determine the differences in curvatures, width, minute details, tonal reversal and orientation of images; distinguish between different and gray scales commonly encountered in casework. Ability to work with minute detail for an extended period of time. Ability to follow laboratory procedures and conduct latent examinations using laboratory equipment/instrumentation and material/chemicals to obtain results; interpret observations and record results of analysis of items submitted for latent examination and arrive at conclusions; communicate technical explanations and information to others; formulate legally valid interpretations and conclusions on the basis of tests made and testify and defend these in courts as an expert witness.

SKILL in: the selection and use of laboratory equipment/instrumentation and material/chemicals used in conducting analysis of substances/items submitted to the laboratory as a part of the investigation of a criminal case. Skill and ability to successfully complete assigned competency and proficiency tests.