Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Firearms & Toolmarks - Northern Laboratory - CF656

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $62,845 - $110,393

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Northern Lab

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Northern Laboratory located in Manassas, VA.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Firearm and Toolmark examinations at the Northern Regional Laboratory, located in Manassas, Virginia.

This Forensic Scientist position examines, compares, and evaluates firearms, ammunition components, clothing, tools and objects bearing toolmarks. Responsibilities include the documentation of evidence, interpreting results, preparing reports of findings for use by the Criminal Justice System, preparing court exhibits and testifying in court as an expert witness. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide their own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must be eligible to apply for the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) membership, have completed a documented training program and demonstrate competency in Firearm and Toolmark comparison analysis.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the examination of firearms, ammunition components, serial number restorations, clothing examination for distance determination, tools and objects bearing toolmarks
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Certification by The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training

Trainee:
If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $53,057. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Firearms and Toolmarks training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses on evidence related to firearms and toolmarks. Upon successful completion of the Firearms and Toolmarks training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training will last approximately 24 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.
A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:
• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience in the comparative forensic sciences (i.e., Latent Prints, Impressions, Firearms, etc.)
• Experience using a comparison microscope
• Experience shooting firearms
• Experience in the assembly and disassembly of firearms

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position’s closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.

DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served. A probationary period of 12 or 24 months will be required.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including a fingerprint‑based criminal history check. Candidate(s) must also provide a DNA sample via buccal swab (saliva) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted and will include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.