Forensic Scientist 3 - Physical (12-1300)

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Company: State of Alaska

Location: Anchorage, AK 99504

Description:

Salary: $45.19 Hourly
Location : Anchorage, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 49778
Department: Public Safety
Division: Statewide Services
Opening Date: 03/25/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 22

Job Description
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Develop and document firearm toolmark evidence.
  • Collect known exemplars for comparisons (toolmark, firearm).
  • Analyze and compare specific characteristics that distinguish items. Evaluates strength of support between associated known/exemplar standards and questioned items of evidence.
  • Prepares laboratory notes and case reports.
  • Provide expert witness testimony.

OUR ORGANIZATION, MISSION, AND CULTURE:
The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory provides scientific support to the criminal justice system to help create a safer Alaska. We feel compelled to give the best of ourselves to fulfill our mission and purpose, we treat each other with dignity and respect, we never stop learning, and we remain positive in the face of change.
THE BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:
Initial work schedule start times are flexible (6AM-10AM) with each day being 7.5 hours, Monday-Friday. Scientists who are out of probationary status and meeting performance expectations may be eligible for alternate workweeks (e.g., four longer days per week) or up to 7.5 hours of telework depending on job duties and needs of the laboratory. The laboratory will provide on the job continuing education and training opportunities with a focus on technical content related to the scientist's discipline(s), quality assurance, and testimony.
THE WORKING CONDITIONS YOU CAN EXPECT:The primary location for work is the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory located in Anchorage, AK. Time will be spent in a laboratory environment testing forensic evidence and an office environment writing and reviewing reports as well as communicating with stakeholders and lab employees via email, Microsoft Teams, and face-to-face meetings. Will occasionally travel outside of Anchorage due to court obligations, stakeholder training, and/or external continuing education opportunities.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
  • Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
  • Forensics:Knowledge of procedures of civil, criminal, or administrative hearings, evidence collection, including the delivery and receipt of evidence, classes of evidence, and rules of evidence and legal procedures
  • Interpersonal Skills:Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations
  • Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Quality Assurance:Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a product fulfills functional requirements and standards.
The Department of Public Safety strives to preserve the peace, enforce the law, prevent and detect crime, and protect life and property. All positions support or carry out the Department's mission. If our mission interests you and this position embodies your strengths, please consider joining our team.More information about the Department of Public Safety can be found on our website: http://dps.alaska.gov/
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience as a Forensic Scientist 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

AND EITHER

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college which included 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours of science courses in the areas of chemistry, biology, physics, computer analysis, forensic sciences, or criminalistics.

OR
At least 500 hours of documented digital forensics training courses and a capstone certification in a digital forensics discipline. Please note: This option is not applicable for positions within the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory.

Special Note:
Certifications that can be used to meet the capstone requirement include: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or Certified Mobile Device Examiner (CMDE), International Society of Computer Forensic Examiners (ISFCE) Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), National White Collar Crime Consortium (NW3C) Certified Cyber Crime Examiner (3CE), Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME), or completion of National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) Basic Computer Evidence Recovery Training (BCERT) Program.

Recruitment and selection may be based on the areas of needed expertise in the agency.

Employees will be expected to successfully pass annual proficiency/competency tests.

Appointments to positions in a State-operated scientific crime detection laboratory and/or digital forensic laboratory are subject to background requirements per the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and the Department of Public Safety. A criminal background investigation, including fingerprinting, is required.
Additional Required Information
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

BACKGROUND CHECK
This position requires the incumbent to submit to a fingerprint based criminal history background check. Due to the sensitive nature of this position, and required access to APSIN, an applicant with criminal convictions will not move forward in the selection process.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTThe successful candidate will be required to read, understand, and agree to via signature, an agreement of confidentiality concerning the work commonly encountered within the Department of Public Safety to qualify for this position.

EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCE

Applications will be reviewed to determine if minimum qualifications are met. Therefore, all work experiences the applicant is using to meet minimum qualifications for this position must be documented in the application package. Please include the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether the employment was full or part-time. Applicants who submit packages that do not provide sufficient information to demonstrate minimum qualifications are met may not advance in the selection process.

NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES

This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed torecruitment.services@alaska.gov.

Contact Information

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
Kyle Klopfer

Administrative Assistant 3

Phone: 907-269-5535

kyle.klopfer@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits
  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
    • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
      • AVTEC
      • Confidential
      • Correctional Officers
      • Marine Engineers
      • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
      • Supervisory
      • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
      • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
    • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
      • General Government
      • Labor, Trades and Crafts
      • Public Safety Employees Association
      • Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits
  • Group-based insurance premiums for
    • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
    • Long-term and short-term disability
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
    • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
  • Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
  • Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
  • Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
  • Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
  • Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
  • Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits
  • Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01

Have you successfully completed a firearm/toolmark training program commensurate in content and duration with the National Firearm Examiner Academy?
  • Yes
  • No

02

In the last two years have you successfully completed an external proficiency test in firearm/toolmark comparison?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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