Friction Ridge Examiner - District Attorney Forensic Laboratory

About the role

The Cumberland County DA’s Office Forensic Laboratory is seeking a detail-oriented and analytically skilled Friction Ridge Examiner to join the six-disciplined forensic laboratory. This position is responsible for the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of latent and known fingerprints. The ideal candidate has prior experience in friction ridge examination and holds, or is actively working toward, certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) through the International Association for Identification (IAI). The examiner maintains compliance with accreditation standards and the laboratory’s quality management system. All work is to be performed in an unbiased objective manner and supports the mission of the laboratory and the Office of the District Attorney as necessary. The position reports to the Forensics Supervisor, does not supervise others, is classified as Exempt (FLSA), full‑time, and is deemed safety‑sensitive, requiring successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening. Current County Employees will follow the County Promotion/Demotion Policy.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, compare, evaluate, and verify (ACE‑V methodology) latent fingerprints recovered from crime scenes and evidentiary items
• Search for unknown friction ridge skin impressions to known prints contained in various databases
• Document the results of all examination activities
• Prepare and furnish authoritative oral and written reports on opinions and findings
• Testify in court regarding lab findings and may be required to testify as to the procedures and methods used to obtain data
• Plan and design court exhibits/electronic media displays and provide technical support to the District Attorney’s Office for trial preparation each court term
• Maintain chain of custody for all evidence handled
• Participate in proficiency testing, technical review, and verification of other examiners' conclusions
• Stay current with advances in latent print technology, techniques, and IAI/SWGFAST standards
• Maintain case files and records in accordance with agency policy and accreditation standards ISO/IEC 17025
• Serve as a technical consultant to the laboratory director, District Attorney staff, and the law enforcement community of Cumberland County
• Support the mission of the laboratory and the District Attorney’s Office
• Perform other related duties as required
• Assist the laboratory director with other duties and projects as needed

Qualifications

• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred
• Work experience: Three to five years of experience in latent fingerprint examination/comparison; prior law enforcement, crime scene investigation, or forensic laboratory experience preferred
• Certification: Hold or be actively working toward Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) through the International Association for Identification (IAI)

Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance, Health Savings Account, Wellness program with wellness incentives, Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance, United Concordia Dental Insurance
• Retirement Benefits: County Retirement Pension (5% minimum pre‑tax contribution required, with option to increase up to 15% post‑tax), fully vested after 5 years of credited service, normal retirement options (age 55 with 20 years credited service or age 60 with any credited service), Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, Military Time Buy Back Options
• Paid Time Off: Vacation – 10 days per year (Non‑Exempt) / 15 days per year (Exempt), accrued per pay period; increase of 5 days per year after 2 years of service for both categories. Personal – 3 days per year, pro‑rated. Sick – 5 days per year, pro‑rated. 12 Paid County Holidays, no waiting period.
• Additional Benefits: Educational Assistance – 80% of tuition and books up to annual IRS limit per calendar year (after 6 months of full‑time employment); Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements; Employee Assistance Program (childcare, eldercare, legal, financial, coaching); Flexible Spending Account; Dependent Care Account; Short Term Disability; Long Term Disability; Life Insurance

Pay

The starting salary is negotiable based on relevant years of work experience and education in a similar position.