CBI Forensic Scientist III (Latent Prints) - Statewide.

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. If selected and you accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

About the Organization

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. Our mission is to safeguard lives and provide diverse public safety services to local communities, creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado. We value unity, honor, and service, and are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic self.

Benefits

• Medical and dental options for permanent employees and their dependents
• Short- and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance including legal resources and discounts
• State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP
• Job-protected medical leave under 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 flexible work arrangements based on role
• Unmatched retirement benefits: mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• 11 paid holidays annually, accrued annual and sick leave, and four annual wellness days
• Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) providing short-term counseling, referrals, and resources
• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University
• Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility

Pay

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).

Schedule

100% in-person, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Sedentary office environment.

About the Role

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 role ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards and involves both technical and administrative duties, including expert courtroom testimony, mentoring newer employees, and serving as a liaison with law enforcement partners.

Responsibilities

Technical Duties

• Ensure the integrity of evidence by maintaining chain of custody and security at all times
• Properly and efficiently utilize equipment and instrumentation, performing quality checks in a timely manner
• Ensure all chemicals, reagents, solvents, and standards meet or exceed quality requirements while adhering to safety standards
• Conduct thorough, systematic, and timely technical reviews of casework
• Work complex cases, applying established theory, principles, and professional standards
• Adhere to approved procedures or obtain deviation approval for non-conforming testing
• Document and report uncertainty of measurement and sampling plans for the discipline/sub-discipline
• Abide by interpretation/opinion criteria established for the discipline/sub-discipline
• Approach casework efficiently and judiciously, considering all details provided by law enforcement
• Comply with ISO/IEC 17025 and CBIFS policies and procedures, including the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), Quality Manual (QM), Evidence Policies (EP), and Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS)
• Advise, train, mentor, and assist Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel on technical aspects
• Serve as a lead trainer when required

Administrative Duties

• Adhere to all current and approved policies and procedures for evidence tracking
• Account for all evidence in possession using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Write precise, accurate, and timely reports within established policies and procedures
• Report deviations from policies and procedures to management immediately
• Maintain competency by completing and passing assigned proficiency tests within designated time frames
• Assist or participate in regularly scheduled audits (vault, instrumentation/equipment, section, and system audits)
• Participate in root cause analysis when errors arise
• Provide expert witness courtroom testimony or serve in an advisory capacity within qualified discipline/sub-discipline
• Comply with all administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and CBIFS policies and procedures
• Advise, train, mentor, and assist Forensic Scientist I/II and Intern level personnel on administrative aspects

Liaison Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the highest level of customer service in all technical and administrative aspects of casework
• Serve as the initial liaison with all law enforcement partners of CBIFS, assisting and problem-solving to meet or exceed their needs
• Interact professionally and collaboratively with internal and external customers, including vendors, CBIFS staff, laboratory management, and law enforcement agencies