CBI Forensic Scientist III (Drug Chemistry) - Greeley.
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
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.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Duties
- 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.
- 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 d