Types of Operational and Case-working Chemists

• Chemist-Forensic Examiner (FE)
• Chemist
• Supervisory Chemist (FE)
• Chemist-Non Exam (Chemical Hazards Response)

Non-case working and analytical chemists conduct research, develop, and validate analytical methods to support FBI case work. These groups of chemists monitor and ensure compliance with quality assurance guidelines, initiate new analytical procedures, maintain scientific instrumentation, research and implement new technologies, perform network administration, and provide technical assistance to support FBI investigations.

Types of Non-Case Working Chemists

• Chemist-Non Exam
• Supervisory Chemist-Instrument Manager
• Research Chemist

The work is performed in a laboratory setting which may involve regular, recurring exposure to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood-borne pathogens. Employees are expected to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, and gloves, and use fume flow hoods as warranted. Depending on the assignment, they may be exposed to dangers associated with crime scene processing and/or the handling of explosive materials. For some positions, employees are required to be certified in the use of personal protective equipment (HAZMAT suit) and pass a HAZMAT physical.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Chemist candidates must have either (A) successful completion of a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 hours of physics, or (B) a combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to a major as shown in (A) above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Forensic examiners are probationary employees for two years and must sign a Forensic Examiner Training Agreement as a condition of employment. FEs must also successfully complete up to a two-year training program necessary for qualification as an FBI forensic examiner. Once qualified, the employee must remain in the FBI Laboratory for two years after the completion of training performing FE duties.

In addition to meeting the basic educational qualification requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is defined as experience which is in or directly related to work in a laboratory environment by (1) performing complex analyses utilizing a wide range of analytical methods, including sophisticated instrumentation in general chemistry; (2) professional knowledge of chemical principles, theories, concepts, and practices; and (3) experience applying established scientific and administrative analytical techniques to provide accurate technical information.

Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-7 (bachelor’s degree), GS-9 (master’s degree), and GS-11 (doctorate degree) levels.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.

Document analysts work within the Case Processing Center, assisting forensic examiners in supporting operational casework by processing incoming evidence submissions from FBI field offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. They conduct a wide variety of preliminary examinations of evidence, including those related to indented writings, typewriting, watermark, torn and cut documents, and transcribing office equipment ribbons. Document analysts also perform special examinations and make necessary test impressions of tire treads, shoe prints, and similar impressions. They compare and analyze materials in an effort to identify any distinguishing marks or features using available reference collections. Document analysts present findings to forensic examiners (FEs) for final comparisons, providing documentation for all preliminary examinations.

Document analyst-forensic examiners are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing forensic science activities in the FBI to include expert examinations, reporting of results, training, and testimony. FEs are assigned to either the Questioned Documents Group or the Footwear and Tire Group:

Questioned Documents Group (QDG) Forensic Examiner

The QDG conducts forensic examinations on documents as well as related items that include mechanical impressions, polyethylene film products, and office equipment. They review and interpret data provided by analysts, conduct examinations, draw conclusions, prepare final reports, and testify in court. They also provide on-site technical support at the full range of search and crime scenes in the field; conduct handwriting analysis to identify likely fraudulent documents; collect handwriting exemplars; assist with searches; and assist and advise others on the best methods for collecting, preserving, and preparing evidence for shipping.

Footwear and Tire Group (FTG) Forensic Examiner

The FTG conducts forensic examinations on footwear and tire impressions, which can be found in a wide range of mediums to include blood or other biological materials; in photographs; or in casts or lifts made from impressions in sand, mud, or snow. They create test impressions with known tires on vehicles to compare to the impression evidence. They also review and interpret data provided by analysts, conduct examinations, draw conclusions, prepare final reports, and testify in court. Like the QDG, the FTG provides on-site support and advises others on the collection, preservation, and shipping of evidence.

The work is performed in a laboratory setting inventorying and processing evidence, which requires walking, bending, stretching, bending, crawling, and lifting. Employees may have regular, recurring exposure to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood-borne pathogens. Therefore, employees are expected to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing to include, but not limited to: facial masks, safety glasses, and gloves, and use fume flow hoods as warranted.

Document analysts and document analyst-forensic examiners occasionally support real time operations which will require them to work long days and on short notice. The work can require manual dexterity and flexibility, and some assignments will require considerable, strenuous physical exertion, which may require lifting objects of up to 50 pounds or more.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Candidates must have either (A) successful completion of a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in physical and biological sciences, graphic arts, police science, criminology, or law; or (B) experience in one or more of the following:

1. Microscopic examination of materials or the conduct of laboratory tests and experiments that provided a knowledge of scientific techniques, procedures, and instruments. Such experience may have been gained as a physical science aid or technician, laboratory aid, or quality control inspector.
2. Investigation or law enforcement work that provided a familiarity and working knowledge of document identification and detection procedures and techniques.
3. Photography where the purpose was to show accurate details of objects or to show information not available to the unaided eye. Such experience may have been gained in such fields as scientific, engineering, technical, or medical photography.
4. Work that provided a technical knowledge of graphic arts, printing, illustrating, and other recording and duplicating processes, and of the related materials.

Forensic examiners must sign a Forensic Examiner Training Service Agreement as a condition of employment. FEs must also successfully complete up to a two-year training program necessary for qualification as an FBI forensic examiner. Once qualified, the employee must remain in the FBI Laboratory for two years after the completion of training performing FE duties.

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. For questioned documents positions, specialized experience includes examination and comparison of handwriting, printing, typewriting, and other mechanical impressions in order to make determination of identity or genuineness; analysis of inks, papers, and other recording instruments and materials by chemical, microscopic, and other methods in order to develop information useful in determinations of genuineness, integrity, security, origin, validity of date, or for restoration of mutilated or obliterated matter; and specialized document photography and preparation of photographic exhibits to be used for court demonstration purposes, or supervision of such work. For footwear and tire tread impressions positions, specialized experience involves work related to footwear and tire impressions analysis.

Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-7 (bachelor’s degree with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher), GS-9 (master’s degree), and GS-11 (doctorate degree) levels.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.

Technical Hazards Response - Operations

FOS in the operations programs work in the full range of environments at operational searches or crime scenes, as well as in FBI offices and warehouses. They employ specialized equipment and unique skills to assist responders, investigators, and operators accessing complex, high-hazard scenes such as hazardous materials/CBRN, confined spaces, unstable structures, treacherous terrain, and maritime environments. FOS are experts at technical rope, swift water, excavation, trench operations, and hazardous materials, and they provide a wide range of medical, site safety and logistical support in the field. Their work in the field includes on-site at crime scenes, which may be contaminated with hazardous materials/CBRN, explosives, or unknown toxins. In these conditions, FOS must be capable of wearing enhanced protective gear; they also provide decontamination services for responders in the field. They handle physical evidence, particularly if it is hazardous or suspected of being contaminated with hazardous/CBRN materials. They manage, maintain, and support large inventories of response equipment used in the field, performing preventative maintenance and repair and coordinating with manufacturers to replace and repair equipment when needed. FOS have advanced training and maintain certifications in several areas including aircrew on government aircraft, hazardous materials technician, advanced emergency medicine, operating large/oversized vehicles, and managing formal training programs.

Research and Technology - Evidence Response

FOS in the research and technology program work in the full range of environments in the field at operational search or crime scenes, as well as in FBI offices and warehouses. They plan, conduct, or participate in research studies with domestic and international academic counterparts, law enforcement, other government agencies, and public safety organizations in the areas of detection, recovery, and preservation of evidence. As subject matter experts, FOS also recommend future program objectives and improvements based on developed information, thereafter meeting with managers to persuade or effectively negotiate to accept and implement recommendations. FOS provide a wide range of on-site, logistical support for significant responses in the field, where they manage the shipping, receipt, purchase, setup, and breakdown of all equipment required at the site. They manage, maintain, and support large inventories of response equipment used in the field, performing preventative maintenance and repair and coordinating with manufacturers to replace and repair equipment when needed.

Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) Support Program

FOS in the USERT Support Program work in the full range of environments in the field at operational search or crime scenes, as well as in FBI offices and warehouses. They employ specialized equipment and unique skills to support FBI diving operations in a wide range of environments including ports, swift water, harbors, and waterways; urban areas; and at remote sites. They are experts at operating and servicing the full range of dive equipment and supporting underwater search operations. FOS typically provide surface support to the dive teams and provide assistance with emergency medicine and site safety. They provide on-site logistics for significant underwater search operations in the field, where they manage the shipping, receipt, purchase, setup, and breakdown of all equipment required at the site. They often fabricate unique equipment to solve novel problems or improve efficiencies in the field. They have advanced training and maintain certifications in operating dive boats at sea, driving large/oversized or trailered vehicles, and managing formal training programs. The FOS also provide training in their fields of expertise.

Most FOS positions require a pre-employment physical, depending on the area of assignment. Must be willing to work irregular and/or odd-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays. The work environment involves moderate everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of crime scenes, offices, meeting and training rooms, residences, aircraft, boats, and commercial facilities. Operations and practical exercises are conducted outdoors in high and low temperature extremes and other adverse weather conditions. Investigative responses and practical exercises can include long periods of travel in aircraft and automobiles with extended periods of outdoor activity. These activities may include long periods of running, prolonged walking, climbing, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying of response equipment.

A portion of the work may also be performed at the sites of high-hazard investigations where there are technical hazards and potential for exposure to hazardous materials, requiring protective measures depending upon the known or potential nature of the hazards. Some of the work may also be conducted in other high-hazard environments to include: confined spaces, structural collapse sites, rope operations, above/below grade elevations, unstable structures, treacherous terrain, excavations, trenches, swift water, open water, and on/around fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is work directly relating to the advertised position. Examples of specialized experience for FOS positions include:

• Served on a hazardous materials response team. Experience in hazardous materials response including CBRN hazards.
• Experience in technical operations including rope, confined space, excavations, trenching/shoring, structural shoring, swift water, dive support, maritime, and technical operations tools and equipment.
• Experience in evidence recovery, preservation procedures, and investigative and operational methods in order to support investigative activities, operations, and training.
• For positions required to perform medical services, experience in the use of emergency medical care principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and concepts in order to provide emergency medical and/or contingency treatment. National Registered Paramedic Certification is required.

Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-9 (master’s degree) and GS-11 (doctorate degree) levels. All degrees must be from an accredited college or university and must be directly related to the position to be filled.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.

The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Some travel may be required for this position.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. Specialized experience is defined as experience in communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; preparing complete, clear, and concise formal and informal reports, correspondence, briefings, charts, tables, and graphs that are distributed; adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to the measurement and improvement of program effectiveness and/or organizational productivity to develop new or modified work methods; and conducting studies, analyzing findings, and making recommendations on operating programs.

Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-7 (bachelor’s degree with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher), GS-9 (master’s degree), and GS-11 (doctorate degree) levels.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.

Photographer - Laboratory

Photographers that perform photographic processing services in forensic photography studios and laboratories use a wide variety of software tools to enhance photographs to meet the needs of the requester. These photographers are highly skilled in processing negatives and developing film and digital images. These photographers may be required to photograph congressional hearings, dignitary functions, special events, and FBI personnel for official portraits, credentials, or passports. Other responsibilities of photographers in this discipline may include scanning, printing, and laminating various products, mounting and labeling a wide range of flat art, and duplicating and labeling CDs and DVDs.

Photographer - Scientific and Technical

Scientific and Technical (S&T) photographers apply specialized photographic technologies to investigations concerning espionage, acts of terrorism, and other criminal and homeland security matters. S&T photographers have different job requirements based on their assigned program specialty.

S&T photographers provide conventional photography and specialized forensic photography techniques in evidence and crime scene documentation; create images of evidence for analysis purposes; capture obliterated and indented writing; and produce 3D microscopic still and video imaging. Photographers within this discipline can also provide high speed video services for the research, demonstration, and investigation purposes of explosives and firearms. They provide direct on-site photographic support for field operations; and provide support and training to FBI offices and other federal, state, local and tribal agencies, as well as foreign governments.

The Laboratory Division also has S&T photographers who can provide direct vertical and oblique aerial photography, aerial mapping, and operational site surveys to include special events, venue photography, and spherical video and photography. The photos can be geo-referenced, which enables the unit to prepare crime scene diagrams, digitally interactive scenes, and scenario reconstruction.

Photographer - Forensic

Forensic photographers within the FBI Laboratory capture detailed images of available latent prints supporting various case-working units within the division. Forensic photographers often work with chemicals, lasers, and light sources to identify and photograph prints from a wide range of evidentiary items, such as questioned documents, weapons, and, in some cases, potential components of terrorist explosive devices or materials at ranges. Photographers within this field produce permanent visual evidentiary records that can be used in court.

Work conditions will vary from each photographic discipline; however, work is performed primarily in professional laboratory settings, but can be in a variety of often-demanding and uncontrollable conditions, indoors and out, when conducting field assignments. Work will require some physical exertion, such as prolonged standing, stooping, crouching, lifting, and/or carrying heavy equipment often exceeding 50 pounds. Some incumbents may be subjected to working conditions where disease and sanitation issues are uncontrolled, in remote areas, and under less-than-ideal conditions. Tasks may be unscheduled and/or require other than normal working hours.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-grade level. This includes experience in operating standard and specialized camera and film processing equipment related to the position to be filled. Knowledge of the subject matter being photographed may also be required for some positions (e.g., crime scene and aerial assignments, or working in an investigative or law enforcement environment). For positions that require a high degree of artistic or creative ability, samples of work or other suitable evidence of technical competence may be required.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.

Multimedia, Art and Design Program (MADP)

VISs in the Multimedia, Art and Design Program work in an office setting, as well as travel to support field investigations. They design and produce graphic products such as infographics, investigative aids, and technical illustrations, and support criminal trials as needed. These projects often include the creation and manipulation of very complex animations and interactive features. They also provide direct, on-site support at crime scenes to include collecting detailed measurements and other physical characteristics of materials and objects at the scene. This can include a broad range of situations, such as mass shootings, confined spaces, rural areas, and post-blast scenes. Some VISs are forensic artists, which includes hand-drawing features or retouching photographs on a computer to depict human faces with precise features, used to identify unknown persons.

Technical Design and Documentation Program (TDDP)

VISs in the Technical Design and Documentation Program work in offices and fabrication shops at the FBI Laboratory, as well as travel to support field investigations. Three-dimensional products produced by these VISs can be either physical or digital. Physical products are made at a variety of scales and using a wide array of materials, including wood, vinyl, and glass. All scale models are highly accurate and are representations of either a structure or outdoor location. They also replicate various objects, such as evidence items, vehicles, human bones, and skulls. These VISs provide direct, on-site support at crime scenes in the field, where they work with others to collect detailed measurements and other physical characteristics of materials and objects at the scene. Crime scenes in the field can include a broad range of situations, such as mass shootings, confined spaces, rural areas, and post-blast scenes. The VISs provide support for total station mapping as well as laser scanning at crime scenes and venues in preparation for special events. Some VISs also provide GIS support by producing geo-referenced products.

Anthropology Program

VISs in the Anthropology Program work primarily in offices and forensic laboratories at the Laboratory Division. They create clay or resin models of human faces based on intact or, sometimes, pieces of unidentified skulls. They also reconstruct facial features of decomposed or partially-decomposed human remains from photographs to an ante-mortem state. They provide this support to a wide range of customers of the FBI Laboratory.

VISs travel to outdoor locations, which expose the employee to all types of weather conditions. The site survey of crime scenes may involve a large geographic area, which may expose the employee to insects, snakes, automobile traffic, and high crime areas. Exposure to hazardous materials requires that employee wear bulky protective clothing. Work also requires the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds of equipment. Workshop conditions require that protective eye glasses, steel-toed shoes, respiratory filters, and ear auditory protection be worn. Work performed in an office setting requires sitting, standing, stooping, and working with printing equipment.

All candidates must be United States citizens. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-grade level. Specialized experience is work directly relating to the advertised position. Examples of specialized experience for Laboratory Division positions include:

• Preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.
• Design and development of visual presentations or products.
• Conceptualize layouts using computer-aided design systems.
• Fabricate products with wood, plastic, and/or metal components.
• Design products or exhibits based upon architectural standards.
• Prepare detailed drawings, collect topographic and terrestrial data, and post processed total station laser surveying and/or terrestrial laser scanning data.

Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-9 (master’s degree) and GS-11 (doctorate degree) levels. All degrees must be from an accredited college or university and must be directly related to the position to be filled. Degrees should include one of the following as a major study: commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position.

Note: Please review each job announcement for the specific qualifications and specialized experience.