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This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.
While the full salary range for this position is listed, this position will be hired within the salary range $94,572-$108,941.16
An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Our Mission -Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.
Our Vision -Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.
Our Core Values – Unity, Honor, Service
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Classification and Salary:
FORENSIC SCIENTIST III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,881 - $9,078.43/month; $94,572 - $108,941.16/year
Full Salary Range: $7,881 - $11,035/month; $94,572 - $132,420/year
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.
About the Work Unit
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services maintains four operational forensic science laboratories throughout the state: Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction and the Northern Region. Forensic Services is responsible for the scientific analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes. The role of our scientists is to evaluate and examine the evidence using the latest state of the art techniques, and objectively testify for the prosecution or defense for the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that we serve. In order to best serve the citizens of Colorado, we strive to build and maintain partnerships not only with law enforcement agencies but also within the communities we serve.
Work Environment
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100% in-person, Office, sedentary, Typical work unit core business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
About the Job
The Forensic Scientist III is the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) technical expert in a specific forensic discipline(s) or sub-discipline(s). This position is responsible for the preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Forensic Scientist III must perform all technical and administrative aspects of the work at the highest level of quality, ensuring the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 are met. Technical aspects of this position include, but are not limited to: proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework. Administrative aspects include, but are not limited to: evidence tracking, entering accurate and complete case documentation into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems, and accurate, factual and timely report writing detailing the findings of the analysis. Additionally, this position may be called to provide expert courtroom testimony, serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline(s)/sub-discipline(s), and train and mentor newer employees. The Forensic Scientist III serves as a liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS and must demonstrate the highest level of customer service, both internally and externally. This individual must demonstrate competency by successfully passing established proficiency test(s) and through continued skills-based training and professional development. This position is responsible for regularly advising and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel, providing expert guidance as it relates to all technical, administrative and customer service aspects of the forensic scientist position.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Duties
This position is responsible for all aspects of the technical duties related to the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The following encompasses the facets of these technical duties related to a discipline/sub-discipline:
Ensures the integrity of evidence by maintaining the chain of custody and security of the evidence at all times.
Equipment and instrumentation necessary to perform the technical analysis must be utilized properly and efficiently, and all quality checks on this equipment must be performed in a timely, accurate manner. Ensures that all chemicals, reagents, solvents and standards needed to perform the analysis meet or exceed the quality requirements, and ensure that all safety standards and appropriate precautions are taken.
Technical reviews of casework must be conducted thoroughly, systematically and in a timely manner.
This individual can be called upon by management to work cases that are complex in nature. Seeks advice from peers and is capable of applying established theory, principles, professional standards and precedents to complete the analysis in complex cases.
Adheres to the current approved procedures for their discipline/sub-discipline, or must obtain a deviation approval when cases require non-conforming testing. Documents and reports the uncertainty of measurement and sampling plan for the discipline/sub-discipline. Abides by the interpretation/opinion criteria established and approved for the discipline/sub-discipline. All casework must be approached efficiently and judiciously, taking into account all of the details furnished by law enforcement.
Complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including, but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub discipline Training Manual.
Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel as it relates to all technical aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
May serve as a lead trainer.
Administrative
Responsible for all aspects of the administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
All current and approved policies and procedures detailing evidence tracking must be adhered to. All evidence in the possession of this individual must be accounted for at all times utilizing the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
All reports pertaining to a particular case must be written precisely, accurately, in a timely manner and within established policies and procedures for that discipline/sub-discipline.
All deviations from current and approved policies and procedures must be brought to the attention of a member of management immediately.
In order to maintain competency within a discipline/sub-discipline, the assigned proficiency test(s) must be completed and passed within the designated time frame.
Assists or participates in regularly scheduled audits including, but not limited to: vault, instrumentation/equipment, section and system audits.
When errors arise, this individual must participate in a root cause analysis to isolate the problem.
Provides expert witness courtroom testimony or serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline/sub-discipline in courts throughout Colorado.
Complies with all administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub-discipline Training Manual.
Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II and Intern level personnel as it relates to all administrative aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
Liaison
Must demonstrate the highest level of customer service regarding all technical and administrative aspects of casework. Hones their customer service abilities as this skill set is vital to the success of the position.
Serves as the initial liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS, assisting and effectively problem-solving to ensure the needs of law enforcement have been met or exceeded.
Interacts with a variety of internal and external customers and requires the individual to work effectively and collaborate in a professional, knowledgeable manner in all circumstances. These customers may include, but are not limited to: vendors, CBIFS staff, laboratory management, law enforcement agencies, district and defense attorneys’ staff.
When asked to provide expert witness courtroom testimony, this individual must be respectful, courteous, timely and accurate in both written and verbal communication with the law enforcement agencies, attorneys and courts.
Advise, train, mentor, and assist Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel as it relates to all customer service aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
Professional Development
Remains up to date regarding the most current information pertaining to a particular discipline or subdiscipline is critical to effectively performing the required functions of this position.
Other Duties as Assigned
The amount of time spent on the duties detailed below is dependent on the needs of the business. Other duties may encompass a variety of tasks including but not limited to: conducting training or facilitating presentations to Colorado law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s staff, peers or the general public; actively serving on the Technical Working Group for a particular discipline/subdiscipline; validating instrumentation or methodologies; reviewing or writing technical operating procedures for a specific discipline/subdiscipline and procurement of supplies.
NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Education and Experience, Knowledge, Skills
Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.
AND
A minimum of two years of professional full-time forensic drug chemistry casework experience in a crime laboratory performing analysis for criminal cases excluding training and/or internships.
A copy of your official or unofficial college or university transcripts must be provided at the time of application or your application will be disqualified.
Substitutions
A master’s or doctorate degree in biology, chemistry or another closely related natural science field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the natural science bachelor’s degree.
A copy of your official or unofficial college or university transcripts must be provided at the time of application or your application will be disqualified.
There is
NO substitution for the two years of professional full-time forensic drug chemistry casework experience in a crime laboratory.
Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
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Professional forensic science certification in drug chemistry from a CBI recognized certification organization, e.g. ABC, AFTE, IAI, etc.
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Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
Conditions of Employment
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This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.
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Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP) assessment, psychological evaluation, driving history, and drug test.
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Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire. This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide expert courtroom testimony statewide. This position may be required to drive state vehicle.
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This position may be required to handle, package, store and perform analysis on item of evidence that contain hazardous materials or items that have been exposed to hazardous materials. Toxic chemicals are utilized throughout the laboratory during analyses.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Are you in need of an accomodation?
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department at
[email protected].
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
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Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
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Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
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Application Tips: For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.
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Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted: will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
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Notifications All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
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Comparative Analysis Steps may include:
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Structured application review by a panel of SMEs
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Virtual oral board exam
