Forensic Scientist

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy Job Posting closes: Required documents uploaded by: Kansas Bureau of Investigation The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is the premier criminal investigative agency in the state of Kansas. The KBI is committed to its critical mission of preventing crime and enhancing public safety in Kansas. We employ individuals who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, service, and dedication. Come feel like you're part of something bigger at the KBI.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
About the Position: Who can apply: Classified/Unclassified Service: Full/Part-time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Regular Work Schedule: Days Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes Search Keywords: Forensic Scientist, Latent Print Examiner, Latent Print Section, Finger Prints, Compensation: Annual Salary Range: $53,414 - $96,200 Hourly Pay Range: $25.68 - $46.25 Note: Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
Employment Benefits: Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the STAR Program Retirement and deferred compensation programs Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…
Position Summary & Responsibilities: Position Summary: A Forensic Scientist in the KBI Latent Print Section performs complex examinations of evidence including processing, developing, documenting, photographing, and analyzing latent friction ridge skin impressions. These examinations are completed utilizing specialized laboratory equipment and software programs. Comparisons of latent friction ridge impressions to known friction ridge skin impressions are performed and conclusions reached. Documentation and reports are completed for examination and expert witness testimony is provided, when required.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Forensic Scientist I (FSI) Receives training and instruction on Laboratory and Section specific policies and procedures. Receives training and instruction on the science of fingerprints, the physiology of friction ridge skin, recording friction ridge skin, the use of automated databases, and methods for analyzing, comparing, and evaluating friction ridge skin impressions. Training will be provided on how to examine, evaluate, and analyze evidence by the physical nature of the surface and nature of skin residue. Training will be provided on proper processing techniques to develop and preserve latent friction ridge skin impressions. Receives training on court room processes, testimony, presentation, and demonstrative exhibits. Written assignments, examinations, and oral presentations over the material covered will be completed and reviewed by the training officer. Examines and evaluates evidence to select the appropriate tests. Performs a series of complex and specialized scientific examinations on evidence with widely varied surfaces and residue using chemical, powder, photographic, electronic, casting, lifting, and/or imaging techniques to develop, visualize, and preserve latent friction ridge skin impressions on evidence. Evidence will be reviewed by senior scientists. Operates digital imaging hardware (computers, scanners, cameras) and software utilizing specialized lighting (forensic light sources) and filters to preserve, analyze, compare, and evaluate latent impressions. Evidence and photographs will be reviewed by a senior scientist. Performs complex examinations of latent friction ridge skin impressions to known friction ridge skin impressions considering such factors as color or position reversal, pattern area/ridge flow, receiving surface, and pressure distortion, utilizing magnification and/or computer software. Carefully analyze and compare friction ridge flow, path, and structure to form a basis for expert opinion for the purpose of providing conclusions relating to the examination of evidence. Receives, records, retains, inventories, inscribes, and returns evidence according to laboratory operating procedures to maintain protection of the chain of custody. Completes supporting documentation including notes, photographs, and mark-ups that document data used and the tests performed. Prepares draft laboratory reports to document evidence and results of the examinations. Documentation will be reviewed by senior scientist. Operates the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) and its interfaces (e.g. Next Generation Identification (NGI) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol AFIS) to enter, search, and verify latent prints against the existing known print databases. Search responses will be reviewed by a senior scientist. Add unsolved latent prints into the unsolved latent file (ULF) and on a routine basis verify the responses. Perform other duties which may include but not limited to: training other agencies in proper evidence collection techniques, laboratory tours, presentations, event photography, research projects, equipment performance verifications and maintenance, validation studies, and evidence transport as assigned. Forensic Scientist II & III (FSII; FSIII) based on experience Examines and evaluates evidence to select the appropriate tests. Performs a series of complex and specialized scientific examinations on evidence with widely varied surfaces and residue using chemical, powder, photographic, electronic, casting, lifting, and/or imaging techniques to develop, visualize, and preserve latent friction ridge skin impressions on evidence. Operates digital imaging hardware (computers, scanners, cameras) and software utilizing specialized lighting (forensic light sources) and filters to preserve, analyze, compare, and evaluate latent impressions. Performs complex examinations of latent friction ridge skin impressions to known friction ridge skin impressions considering such factors as color or position reversal, pattern area/ridge flow, receiving surface, and pressure distortion, utilizing magnification and/or computer software. Carefully analyze and compare friction ridge flow, path, and structure to form a basis for expert opinion for the purpose of providing conclusions relating to the examination of evidence. Receives, records, retains, inventories, inscribes, and returns evidence according to laboratory operating procedures to maintain protection of the chain of custody. Completes supporting documentation including notes, photographs, and mark-ups that document data used and the tests performed. Prepares draft laboratory reports to document evidence and results of the examinations. Documentation will be technically reviewed by other scientists. Operates Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS) to enter, search, and verify latent prints against the existing known print databases. Add unsolved latent prints into the unsolved latent database (ULD) and on a routine basis verify the responses. Testify in court as to qualifications to be an expert witness. Present laboratory findings in court. Explain laboratory procedures used, testing completed, results of the tests, and interpretations made. Testify to the sequence of the chain of custody and processing techniques and the results of laboratory testing. Assemble materials to support testimony and prepare exhibits, when needed, to demonstrate the examination process and data used to support conclusions. Testimony may be reviewed by management or other scientists. Reads literature, attends/instructs at seminars, workshops and conferences. Reviews journals and books and consults with other professionals to learn new procedures, policies, and techniques of analysis. Aids in the maintenance of equipment, instruments, reagent preparation, processing of crime scenes, and inventory/ordering of chemicals and solutions. Perform other duties which may include but not limited to: training other agencies in proper evidence collection and latent print processing techniques, laboratory tours, presentations, event and other photography, research projects, equipment performance verifications and maintenance, validation studies, and evidence transport as assigned.
Qualifications: Education Must possess a Bachelor's degree. Degrees in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related are preferred. Minimum Qualifications FS I
Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. FS II
Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. Training to competency and yearly performance monitoring. FS minimum time: 24 months, or equivalent work experience. FS III
Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. Training to competency and yearly performance monitoring. FS minimum time: 5 years, or equivalent work experience. Knowledge, skills and ability beyond the Journeyman level. Provides forensic training, sit on the board of a Forensic Science Organization, publish research within the discipline, or other similar professional contribution to the section, division or discipline. Preferred Qualifications Job knowledge in forensic science is preferred. Knowledge of laboratory accreditation is preferred . Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements As a condition of employment, you will be subject to a pre-employment process to include a polygraph examination, fingerprint based records check, and comprehensive background investigation, including reference check of past and present employers. The pre-employment process will be waived for current KBI personnel who have previously completed the screening requirements Recruiter Contact Information: Name : Luci Zieman Email : Phone : Mailing Address : 1620 SW Tyler; Topeka, KS 66612 Required documents for this application to be complete: On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and upload new if needed. Tax Clearance Certificate, valid Transcripts DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference) Inside your Job Application upload these documents: Resume (or choose existing if you have one) Cover Letter Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate Required: Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. All applicants, including current state employees, are responsible for submitting a valid certificate with all other application materials to the hiring agency. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact .
Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.
Job Application Process Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new one to apply. Complete or review your contact information on the My Contact Information page. Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of the job posting to the appropriate location. Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter. Email – sent to the preferred email listed on the My Contact Information page Notifications – view the Careers - My Job Notifications page To assist in completing your application, please see helpful links below: Instructions: Job Search Registration & User Account Application Frequently Asked Questions How to Claim Veterans Preference Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the recruiter.