CBI Forensic Scientist I (Drug Chemistry) - Denver

Department Information This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
A n eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities. Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado. Our Core Values Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans! Careers with a purpose:

If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!

We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.

Youll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!

When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.

Unmatched Benefits:

We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.

• State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.

• Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (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 other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.

• We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.

• CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.

• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.

• Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.

• Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits .

Description of Job

About the Work Unit The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) maintains four operational forensic science laboratories throughout the state: Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction and Greeley. 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. About the Job The trainee position is accountable for reading and understanding all information as it relates to the following: safety and security, CBI/CDPS policies and procedures, administrative processes, information relating to hardware, software and computer applications and the CBIFS Quality Manual. Likewise, this position is responsible for learning all aspects, including safety, processes, operations, procedures, techniques, rules and regulations for the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Forensic Scientist I must learn and perform all technical and administrative aspects of the work at the highest level of quality, ensuring the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 are met. Technical aspects of this position include, but are not limited to: proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework. Administrative aspects include, but are not limited to: evidence tracking, entering accurate and complete case documentation into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems, and accurate, factual and timely report writing detailing the findings of the analysis. Once the trainee begins to perform mentored casework, the individual will serve as a liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS and must demonstrate the highest level of customer service, both internally and externally. This individual must demonstrate competency by successfully passing the discipline training plan and competency test(s), and must participate in continued skills-based training and personal professional development. This position is responsible for regularly consulting with and deferring to Forensic Scientist II & III personnel to ensure their understanding of system or discipline/sub-discipline specific policies, procedures and practices and to obtain assistance with challenging customer service scenarios as it relates to all aspects of the forensic scientist position. Overall the trainee position prepares the individual to assume the full responsibilities associated with the Forensic Scientist II position. Key Responsibilities Discipline Specific Training Plan The skills and knowledge of the trainee may be assessed with an initial skills evaluation pertinent to the discipline in which the trainee has been hired. Depending on the results and competency shown, the discipline-specific training plan will be modified accordingly. At the completion of the training plan, the trainee will be required to exhibit their overall skills and abilities in that discipline through comprehensive competency testing and a mock court. The intended result must be achieved. Any variations or discrepancies in the competency must be reviewed and assessed and retraining will be conducted to ensure that the desired results are obtained. Mentored Casework Upon successful completion of the competency test, the trainee will complete mentored casework. The number and types of cases assigned to the trainee will be determined by the discipline Technical Leader and the primary trainer. Mentored casework will be worked independently by the trainee, but technically reviewed by the discipline Technical Leader or authorized personnel. Reviewers will confirm that the casework complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to. The trainee is responsible for all aspects of the technical and administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. New Employee Overview This position is responsible for satisfactorily completing the CBI Forensic Services New Employee Overview. The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the policies, procedures, processes and applications that are relevant to employment with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Forensic Services and the Colorado Department of Public Safety. In addition, this training will ensure that the trainee acquires a basic foundation in order to successfully transition to the CBIFS. This will be accomplished through required readings, tasks and assignments. Professional Development & Other Duties as Assigned Staying up to date regarding the most current information pertaining to a particular discipline or subdiscipline is critical to effectively performing the required functions of this position. The Forensic Scientist Trainee is responsible for their ongoing professional development utilizing a variety of educational resources including but not limited to: annual participation in forensic-related or discipline specific professional groups and organizations; annual participation in forensic-related or discipline-specific training conferences, classes and seminars, including mandatory continuing education courses required by certification and accreditation bodies; active participation in any training event sponsored by the CBIFS; writing and submitting the required synopses detailing the learning derived from various resources in a timely, professional manner; discussing and sharing the knowledge derived from all the resources described above during weekly/monthly discipline or laboratory meetings. The resources utilized must be chronicled and/or submitted by the Forensic Scientist Trainee for the purpose of tracking on-going training or for review by management. As a change in policy or procedure may be recommended based on the acquired learning, the Forensic Scientist Trainee is responsible for alerting the Technical Working Group and management of the necessity or recommendation to revise current practices and policies/procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.

*A copy of your official or unofficial college or university transcripts must be provided at the time of application or your application will be disqualified. SUBSTITUTIONS

• None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current CDPS employee
• Current or past CBI Forensic Services Intern
• Current or past CBI Forensic Services temporary employee

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be Colorado resident at the time of application
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, psychological evaluation and drug testing.
• A valid driver's license is required. This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide expert courtroom testimony statewide. This position may be required to drive state vehicle.
• This position may be required to handle, package, store and perform analysis on item of evidence that contain hazardous materials or items that have been exposed to hazardous materials. Toxic chemicals are utilized throughout the laboratory during analyses.
  

APPEAL RIGHTS If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb . A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: .... Phone: .... The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Supplemental Information ARE YOU IN NEED OF AN ACCOMODATION?

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: ...

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department at ....
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT NOTICES

• Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
• Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.

• Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

• Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.

• Application Tips : For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video .
• Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted: will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
• Notifications All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " ... " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
• Comparative Analysis Steps may include
  • Structured application review by a panel of SMEs
  • Oral Board examination