Location: Augusta,ME, USA
Senior Laboratory Scientist (Firearms-Toolmarks Unit) Repost
Augusta , Maine , United States | Management & Supervisory | Full-time
Apply by: Jan. 15, 2025
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Department of Public SafetyFirearms-Toolmarks UnitJob Class Code:4210
Grade: 29 - Supervisory
Salary: $72,987.20 - $103,280.32 (Salary includes a 10% Stipend)
Location: Augusta, Maine Opening Date: December 31, 2024Closing Date: January 15, 2025
Looking to make a difference in your career? Look no further than the Senior Forensic Scientist within the Firearms-Toolmarks Unit of the Maine Department of Public Safety. This critical role provides day-to-day direction of the Firearms-Toolmarks team, which performs firearm function tests, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, shooting reconstruction, physical match, distance determination and serial number restorations. The work of the Senior Forensic Scientist ensures the unit obtains and maintains necessary accreditation and ensures the integrity of analytical testing and results.
What you will do:
While no two days look the same, you can expect to:
+ Plan and direct section activities, including hiring, training, and supervising staff and developing and monitoring a section budget
+ Develops and recommends section goals, objectives, and standards in such areas as proficiency testing, quality assurance and controls, section specific policies and methods, safety, and validation studies in order to maintains proper accreditation
+ Function as a scientific resource to team members as well as law enforcement, medical, laboratory and legal communities;
+ Oversee and evaluate the work of section scientists and laboratory support personnel
+ Research, evaluate and oversee the calibration of laboratory equipment and other materials used in highly advanced laboratory analysis in order to ensure section practives meet national accreditation standards and is capable of performing accurate testing
+ Perform highly advanced laboratory analyses, including examining, analyzing and comparing various types of specimens and evidence using scientifically valid methods in order to identify and compare evidence to other known samples
+ Train law enforcement personnel in proper methods of handling firearms and related evidence in order to ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence and promote testing and analysis.
+ Serve as the onsite administrator for NIBIN
+ Develop scientific methodologies and analytical systems procedures
+ Explain and interpret test findings, their scientific basis, and statistical significance in criminal court proceedings and/or in order to provide consultation regarding laboratory procedures and the interpretation of results
+ Prepare written technical reports and interpretation of findings
+ Assist with the processing of crime scenes if requested and collect, package, mark, and receive evidence in order to identify and obtain physical evidence and ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence.
+ Manage section technical reviews and verification processes.
+ Research and develop methods and techniques to increase laboratory capacity and capability
+ Develop, implement and monitor section operations, including testing, quality assurance and controls, accreditation, and safety programs
Skills or knowledge required:
+ Knowledge of the makes, models, and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition
+ Knowledge of the equipment used to test and identify firearms and ammunition
+ Knowledge of the principles and practices of firearms and ammunition identification and comparison
+ Knowledge of the operations and handling of firearms and ammunition
+ Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws governing firearms.
+ Knowledge of laboratory techniques used in the performance of microscopic examinations as they pertain to firearms and ammunition
+ Knowledge of general principles of external and terminal ballistics
+ Knowledge of the rules of evidence and courtroom procedures
+ Knowledge of the procedures pertaining to chemical restoration
+ Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory procedures and technology.
+ Knowledge of laboratory specimen and evidence collection and preservation techniques.
+ Knowledge of scientific methods of investigation and research.
+ Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
+ Knowledge of administrative, personnel, and financial procedures.
+ Knowledge of photography and photographic equipment.
+ Ability to establish and monitor progress towards section goals and objectives.
+ Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinates.
+ Ability to technically and administratively review the analytical work of subordinates.
+ Ability to work in a team environment with proven leadership skills.
+ Ability to conduct and supervise research of forensic methods.
+ Ability to develop techniques which increase laboratory capacity and capability in response to disease outbreaks and bioterrorist threats.
+ Ability to present and defend findings in a court of law.
+ Ability to develop scientific reports for publication.
+ Ability to examine, analyze, identify, and compare various types of physical evidence and specimens.
+ Ability to prepare reagents and solutions.
Minimum qualifications:
A nine year combination of education, training, and/or professional experience comprising a Bachelors Degree in a biological, chemical, or forensic science which includes training or coursework in the areas of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology -AND- five years experience in clinical or forensic analysis which includes a minimum of two years experience in a forensic specialty or advanced research.
Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications in firearm functions, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, shooting reconstruction, physical match, distance determination and serial number restoration.
Applicants should have experience with discipline specific quality control and assurances and a minimum of five years of supervisory experience involving firearms and toolmarks criminal evidence in an accredited laboratory.
Contact information:
Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Michael Zabarsky at ...@Maine.Gov
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the Apply for this opening button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one here or contact our office at 207-###-####. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-###-####. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto- Dirigo or I lead -as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
+ Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
+ Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
+ Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
+ Retirement Plan- The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.
State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package ( , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness ( .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.