Senior Criminal Forensic Scientist (DPS #10115914)

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?

Forensic scientists are a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can absolve an innocent person from suspicion or assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime.

Forensic DNA/ Biology scientists examine evidence for the presence of body fluids and conduct DNA analysis on such evidence containing these body fluids and process samples for DNA. DNA profiles generated from evidence can then be compared to DNA samples from victims and other subjects involved in a case. Forensic biology analyzes evidence from a wide range of cases, including property crimes as well violent crimes such as sexual assaults, homicides, and robberies.

How does it get done?

using serology and DNA techniques. Operates specialized instrumentation, interprets results, and

prepares formal reports.

accuracy of findings and testifies in court as an expert witness.

techniques and participates in internal audits to ensure compliance with laboratory standards and protocols.

specialized roles such as CODIS Administrator, DNA Technical Leader, or Unit Safety Officer.

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

This safety sensitive position is subject to preemployment drug testing and random drug testing.

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.

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. This position is designated as safety sensitive.

Supplemental Information

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Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.