Forensic Scientist II

Description of Work

Not sure you meet all listed requirements? Let our team take a look. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS LIMITED TO $55,823 - $76,756. Salary offers for the selected candidate are based on the candidate's education and experience related to the position, as well as our agency budget and equity.

The primary purpose of the Forensic Scientist II is to perform advanced level Digital Evidence casework which will be in both of the two disciplines in the Section: computer forensics and audio/video. Also, this position is required to prepare written reports of the results and provide expert testimony in court on the results of analyses.

This position is responsible for technical review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance.

Travel, including some overnight stays are required.

Selected candidate will undergo a background and records check.

Note to Current State Employees:

The salary grade for this position is NC16. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. Please detail ALL work history including non-state service experience. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY or MAY NOT result.

The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.

Division Information:

The primary purpose of the State Crime Laboratory is to accept, find, preserve and provide scientific forensic analysis of evidence for the criminal justice community. The forensic services provided include in-lab analyses, technical field assistance, and expert witness testimony in the following areas: Digital Evidence, Drug Chemistry, Firearm & Tool Mark, Forensic Biology,?DNA?Database, Latent Evidence, Toxicology and Trace Evidence.

The primary purpose of the Digital Evidence Unit is to accept, find, preserve and provide scientific forensic analysis of evidence for the criminal justice community. The forensic services provided include in-lab analyses, technical field assistance, and expert witness testimony in the following areas: Distribution of child pornography, recovery of evidence of the sexual exploitation of children on computers, search of computers for evidence such as e-mails or chats in crimes of violence or threats of violence, forensic analysis of security video recovered from a crime scene or surveillance video recorded by law enforcement personnel, forensic analysis of audio evidence in order to clarify audio which may be recovered at crime scenes or recorded in covert investigations by law enforcement personnel.

The unit also provides photographic services including crime scene photography, portrait photography, and graphic arts services including but not limited to crime scene sketches, court exhibits, investigative aids, lineups, timelines, reward posters, pamphlets, and brochures.

Department Information:

The North Carolina Department of Justice works to prevent crime and support law enforcement, to safeguard consumers, and to defend the State, its people, and their constitutional rights.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.

Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.

Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in computer science, digital forensics, networking, information technology, cyber technology, criminal justice; or forensic science or multi-media studies with coursework in computer science or information technology; or biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry and other science degrees (if degree includes significant coursework in computer science or information technology); or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in science; and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in digital evidence.

Necessary Special Requirement (Digital): Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity. Such vendor-neutral certifications may include: Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE) International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists, Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner (DFCP) Digital Forensics Certification Board (requires a minimum 5 years of verified experience prior to sitting for the exam), Global Information Assurance Certification Forensic Examiner (GCFE) SANS Institute, Certified Video Technician (CFVT) Law Enforcement & Emergency Service Video Association (requires a minimum of 3 years of verified experience prior to sitting for the exam), Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE) International Association for Identification (requires a minimum of 3-5 years of verified experience depending on applicant s education level).

Supplemental and Contact Information

Note the following: If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.

Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.

Using the terms "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted, and your application will be rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.

Transcripts: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. A copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application. If a transcript has been requested, your application will be considered incomplete if you do not provide one. Using a photograph of your diploma is not acceptable.

Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

Any licenses or certificates must be included in the appropriate section of the application form.

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 or discharge orders.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if you are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If you are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, you must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.

Application status: To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks. All applicants will be notified by email once a position is filled.

If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at . If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the NC DOJ Human Resources office.

The NC Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NC Department of Justice uses Merit-Based Recruitment to select from among the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NC Department of Justice

Human