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CBI Forensic Scientist Agent III (Trace Chemistry/Fire Debris) - Denver

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CBI Forensic Scientist Agent III (Trace Chemistry/Fire Debris) - Denver

Salary

$91,800.00 - $128,532.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

RAA-CBI-00296 05/2025

Department

Department of Public Safety

Division

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Opening Date

05/28/2025

Closing Date

6/16/2025 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

6000 West 54th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Lori Todacheene, HR Business Partner, [email protected], (303) 358-6495.

Type of Announcement

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Hiring Pay Rate

While the full salary range for this position is listed, the position will be hired within salary range: $91,800-$106,284 annually.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

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

While the full salary range for this position is listed, this position will be hired within the salary range $91,800-$106,284

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.

You’ll 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) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .

+ 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 (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.

+ CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-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 (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .

Description of Job

About the Work Unit

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. 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 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 Forensic Scientist III must 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. Additionally, this position may be called to provide expert courtroom testimony, serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline(s)/sub-discipline(s), and train and mentor newer employees. The Forensic Scientist III serves 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 established proficiency test(s) and through continued skills-based training and professional development. This position is responsible for regularly advising and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel, providing expert guidance as it relates to all technical, administrative and customer service aspects of the forensic scientist position.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Duties

This position is responsible for all aspects of the technical duties related to the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The following encompasses the facets of these technical duties related to a discipline/sub-discipline:

- Ensures the integrity of evidence by maintaining the chain of custody and security of the evidence at all times.

- Equipment and instrumentation necessary to perform the technical analysis must be utilized properly and efficiently, and all quality checks on this equipment must be performed in a timely, accurate manner. Ensures that all chemicals, reagents, solvents and standards needed to perform the analysis meet or exceed the quality requirements, and ensure that all safety standards and appropriate precautions are taken.

- Technical reviews of casework must be conducted thoroughly, systematically and in a timely manner.

- This individual can be called upon by management to work cases that are complex in nature. Seeks advice from peers and is capable of applying established theory, principles, professional standards and precedents to complete the analysis in complex cases.

- Adheres to the current approved procedures for their discipline/sub-discipline, or must obtain a deviation approval when cases require non-conforming testing. Documents and reports the uncertainty of measurement and sampling plan for the discipline/sub-discipline. Abides by the interpretation/opinion criteria established and approved for the discipline/sub- discipline. All casework must be approached efficiently and judiciously, taking into account all of the details furnished by law enforcement.

- Complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including, but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub discipline Training Manual.

- Advises, trains, mentors, and assists Forensic Scientist I/II level personnel as it relates to all technical aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.

- May serve as a lead trainer.

Administrative

Responsible for all aspects of the administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Liaison

Must demonstrate the highest level of customer service regarding all technical and administrative aspects of casework. Hones their customer service abilities as this skill set is vital to the success of the position.

Professional Development

Remains 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.

Other Duties as Assigned

The amount of time spent on the duties detailed below is dependent on the needs of the business. Other duties may encompass a variety of tasks including but not limited to: conducting training or facilitating presentations to Colorado law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s staff, peers or the general public; actively serving on the Technical Working Group for a particular discipline/subdiscipline; validating instrumentation or methodologies; reviewing or writing technical operating procedures for a specific discipline/subdiscipline and procurement of supplies.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.

AND

A minimum of two years of professional full-time forensic trace chemistry casework in a crime laboratory performing analysis for criminal cases excluding training and/or internships.

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

A master’s or doctorate degree in biology, chemistry or another closely related natural science field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the natural science bachelor’s degree.

There is NO substitution for the two years of full-time forensic trace chemistry casework experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Casework experience performing fire debris analysis.

+ Professional certification in trace chemistry from a CBI recognized certification organization, e.g. ABC, AFTE, IAI, etc.

+ Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

+ 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 t 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: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwZiY6G24U&feature=emb\_logo) .

+ 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 " [email protected] " 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

+ Virtual oral board exam

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Please provide the details of your forensic science casework experience on criminal cases, including what agency you worked for and approximately how many case reports you have authored. Please include the sub-discipline, ie. fire debris, paint, fiber, etc.

02

What forensic science accreditation standards have you worked under and who was the accrediting body?

03

How many times have you testified as an expert in your authorized discipline(s) in criminal court?

04

Are you currently certified in a forensic science area? If yes, which certification do you hold?

05

This position is accepting applications outside of the State of Colorado, however, if selected you would be required to be a resident of Colorado by your start date. Do you accept this as a condition of employment?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Pre-employment screening (which consists of fingerprinting, polygraph, psychological exam, drug screen and an extensive background investigation) will be conducted as part of the selection process. Felony convictions or convictions of crimes of moral turpitude or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your pre-employment screening reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide an official disposition of any charges. As a condition of employment, are you willing to submit to pre-employment screening?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Are you willing to travel to Denver at your own expense to participate in a post-referral background check process that might take up to 4 days?

+ Yes

+ No

08

I understand that I will be responsible for any travel related costs in completing phases of the hiring process and/or reallocation upon hire and that I will NOT be reimbursed for any of these costs by the Colorado Department of Public Safety

+ Yes

+ No

09

I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.

+ Yes, I understand that

+ No

10

If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".

11

If you were referred for this job by a CBI member, please list one name

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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