Senior Criminal Forensic Scientist (DPS #10101711)

Posting Details

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic analysis to 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony throughout New Mexico in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Controlled Substance Analysis. The Forensic Laboratory Bureau encompasses three forensic laboratories: Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Hobbs. The mission is to provide unbiased scientific results to client agencies, including federal, state, local and tribal agencies on criminal cases submitted for forensic analysis.

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to provide critical forensic analysis of firearms, ammunition, and tool mark evidence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions. The forensic scientist specializing in firearms and toolmarks applies scientific methods to identify and compare ballistic evidence, determine firearm operability, and link weapons or tools to specific crimes. By delivering accurate, unbiased results and expert testimony in court, this role ensures the integrity of forensic evidence and contributes directly to the administration of justice and public safety.

How does it get done?

evidence to determine characteristics, operability, and potential associations using comparative microscopy

and other validated methods.

witness testimony in court regarding examinations, conclusions, and scientific methodologies.

to ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, accreditation standards, and quality assurance procedures.

to lab operations by assisting with validations, audits, safety practices, and training of personnel or law

enforcement partners.

Who are the customers?

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Agencies in New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Agencies in New Mexico.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.

Employment Requirements

Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all

terms and conditions of Federal and State Law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results.

Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice

Information Systems Security Policy.

In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive

Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate.

This safety sensitive position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to Visual/Video Terminal (VDT) and exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft will be required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; and exposure to noise from equipment and instruments utilized in the laboratory is required. Statewide travel will be required. This position is designated as safety sensitive, and employment will be subject to randon employment drug testing.

Supplemental Information

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For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.