Job Description

Physical Scientists - Trace Evidence

RECRUITMENT ONLY

PURPOSE: To review and evaluate non-standardized incoming evidence submissions, using knowledge of explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and their components, to determine the nature and extent of examinations requested. To provide specialist support to assist supervisors or senior workers in IED exploitation and examination of evidence.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Receives, inventories, maintains chain-of-custody, and prepares documents pertaining to evidence and submitted items. May photograph evidence. Engages in the decision making process to determine the nature and extent of scientific examinations that should be conducted on items of evidence.

• Serves as liaison and coordinates evidence examination with participating entities within a multi-agency laboratory and field environment. Handles inquiries from outside agencies and other elements to decide and provide guidance about which items of evidence present probative value for examination purposes. Ensures evidence accounting system is sustained to provide immediate status reports when necessary.

• Properly classifies and identifies evidence to meet the standards of the laboratory and the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) community. May provide basic instruction and guidance to new or less experienced employees regarding evidence processing procedures and understanding of the complexities that may be encountered during the processing and analysis of the evidence.

OTHER JOB DUTIES: 

• Handles and uses explosives to meet the analytical, research, training, and related mission support functions of the laboratory. Uses knowledge of a variety of forensic science subjects to carry out moderately complex assignments that may involve independently initiating and completing tasks by employing established methods and procedures.

• Assists senior personnel within the laboratory and related entities with research studies by collecting data, conducting routine tests/experiments and participating in reconstruction of IEDs or related scientific studies and experiments.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college with a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in physical or life sciences (chemistry, biology, geology, etc.) and a minimum of five years experience required. Prefer five (5) years recent experience working as an Evidence Control Technician in an accredited laboratory may be substituted for minimum education and minimum/general experience requirements. For three of the five (5) years immediately prior to applying for the specific contract position, the individual must have 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capability; or 3) be a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas. These individuals must, however, be United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Must have experience handling, processing, or collecting explosives evidence. Must have experience with industry accepted procedures for the use and handling of explosives. Must have a professional knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts and practices of physical science. Must have the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Must have functional knowledge of the characteristics and use of scientific equipment, instrumentation, and tools used to gather reliable data. Must have knowledge of Laboratory scientific examination techniques and skill in applying established methods to provide technical information about evidence being examined and to solve problems and recommend quality improvements. Must have a moderate level of knowledge about collecting, transporting, and processing of evidence to provide sound foundation to coordinate the delivery and receipt of evidence. Must possess a valid driver’s license for the state in which he/she resides. Must be able to drive and operate a forklift and other warehouse equipment. Must be able to lift and carry items weighing approximately 25 lbs. An active or reinstatable TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance is required for this position.