Forensic Science #69130

Forensic Science, #69130
Occupational Family: Public Safety
Pay Band Range: 3 - 8

Concept of Work

This Career Group provides career tracks for forensic science specialists and forensic scientists, who perform, supervise, manage or support the scientific evaluation of evidence involved in criminal cases. Cases include the following forensic science disciplines: forensic toxicology (including DUI and DUID); controlled substances; trace evidence; firearms & tool marks; questioned documents; latent prints and impressions (including image enhancement); forensic biology (DNA); breath alcohol; blood pattern analysis. Employees perform duties ranging from entry-level technician to management.

Roles Comprising This Group

These roles describe the collective characteristics of the work performed by employees in the Forensic Science Career Group. The roles define the typical career paths for technicians, specialists, and scientists who pursue careers in Forensic Science to include forensic photographers, fingerprint technicians, chemists, and forensic scientists.

Although all of these occupations represent forensic science, each warrants a separate career track. Each of these career paths requires different knowledge, skills, and abilities and would not naturally lead to the other for career progression. A role for each of these occupations represents different levels of work or career progression. Career paths may exist within a single role, extend to other roles in this Career Group, or to roles in other occupationally related Career Groups.

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	ROLE CODE	MANAGEMENT ROLES	ROLE CODE
3	Forensic Science Specialist I	69131
4	Forensic Science Specialist II Forensic Scientist I	69132
5	Forensic Science Specialist III Forensic Scientist II	69133
6	Forensic Scientist III	69134
7			Forensic Science Manager I	69135
8			Forensic Science Manager II	69136

Role Descriptions

These roles are distinguished based upon the Compensable Factors of Complexity, Results, and Accountability and are used for position classification. These factors should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated in the Employee Work Profile.

Forensic Science Specialist I

Code: 69131

Pay Band: 3

SOC: 19-4092*

The Forensic Science Specialist I role provides career tracks for fingerprint technicians and others that perform work in support of scientific analysis of crime scene evidence and the processes related to the chain of custody. Duties range from entry-level to advance-level fingerprint technician. Employees document the transfer of sealed evidence between examiners and evidence security staff and perform tests and analyses that follow clear protocols. Prepares evidence and testifies in court as an expert witness.

Forensic Science Specialist I

COMPLEXITY	Applies fundamental knowledge of forensic science/public safety procedures and processes. Applies knowledge of routine laboratory techniques and equipment, basic analytical procedures, and subject matter related to the support of a forensic science specialty area. May assist with the inputting of scientific data and in maintaining quality control procedures in the lab. May receive and verify complex identifications of printed and electronically submitted fingerprint pattern information from various sources and uses electronic and manual Henry classification systems to identify suspects. Frequent contact with forensic science laboratory staff, law enforcement officers, and/or forensic science pathologists to receive or release and document the chain of custody for evidence or laboratory results.
RESULTS	Proper application of procedures impacts the credibility of the chain of evidence and outcome of forensic science case analysis.
ACCOUNTABIITY	Follows established protocol in the application of procedures affecting forensic science evidence.

Forensic Science Specialist II	Code: 69132	Pay Band: 4	SOC: 19-4092*
Forensic Scientist I	Code: 69132	Pay Band: 4	SOC: 19-0000*

The Forensic Science Specialist II/Forensic Scientist I role provides career tracks for forensic science specialists who supervise technicians or provide technical support to professional forensic science staff or for scientists who are in a forensic scientist-training program. The first career track is for forensic science specialists who perform case-related analytical work on evidential material and equipment; and maintain, handle and distribute evidence and document chain of custody records. May supervise other technicians and provide expert guidance and training in identification techniques. The second career track is for the forensic scientist trainee who follows a prescriptive program leading to certification to independently perform forensic science analyses within a specific forensic discipline. Duties include examination and analysis of legal evidence, preparation of reports of examination results, maintain chain of custody and protect the integrity of evidence.

Forensic Science Specialist II

Forensic Scientist I

COMPLEXITY

May apply knowledge of forensic photographic procedures and techniques.

May apply knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment, analytical procedures, and subject matter related to a forensic specialty area.

May provide court testimony regarding work product and conclusions, and perform routine analyses on various types of samples in order to detect, isolate and confirm the presence of compounds using diverse scientific methods.

May use forensic photographic or electronic identification procedures and techniques to record, develop and/or enhance altered, obliterated or obscure documents or document entries, impression evidence, fingerprints and other related evidence to preserve and reproduce evidence in adequate detail and definition for forensic examination; develop film, make photographic enlargements to exacting dimensions and prepare exhibits for court use.

Frequent contact with forensic laboratory staff, law enforcement officers, lawyers, commonwealth’s attorneys, judges, juries and/or forensic pathologists to receive and explain evidence or results of examinations, and prepare for court testimony.

RESULTS	Proper application of procedures impacts outcome of forensic case analysis and the safety, health, and well being of the general public.
ACCOUNTABIITY	Exercises discretion in the selection and application of techniques and procedures to perform tests on legal evidence. Trainees follow prescribed procedures and protocols as part of an extensive training and certification program. May train other technicians and supervise a staff of technicians.

Forensic Science Specialist III	Code: 69133	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 19-4092*
Forensic Scientist II	Code: 69133	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 19-0000*

The Forensic Science Specialist III/Forensic Scientist II role provides career tracks for forensic science specialists who provide expert technical support to professional forensic science staff or for forensic scientists performing entry-level to advanced-level scientific duties. The first career track is for forensic science specialists who: perform case-related analytical work on evidential material and equipment, may provide court testimony regarding work product and conclusions, and perform routine analyses on various types of samples in order to detect, isolate and confirm the presence of compounds using diverse scientific methods. The second career track is for forensic scientists who independently examine physical evidence and conduct appropriate analysis of a wide variety of samples, prepare certificates of analysis, provide expert testimony in criminal courts regarding evaluation and interpretation of the evidential material, and conduct peer review of other examiner’s work.

Forensic Science Specialist III

Forensic Scientist II

COMPLEXITY	Applies extensive knowledge of principles, practices, procedures and techniques for the assigned forensic discipline. May apply knowledge of expertise in a secondary forensic discipline or instrument specialty such as scanning electron microscope, or mass spectrometer. Performs a variety of forensic examinations, proposes solutions to forensic legal case analyses and serves as an expert witness in criminal trials. May provide technical guidance or serve as a technical expert. May provide technical support to other staff, function as a statewide subject matter resource, possess secondary expertise in a forensic science specialty, or instrument specialty (scanning electron microscope/x-ray, mass spectrometer, XRD), serve as a trainer; and/or serve in a regional lab as a singular scientist in a forensic specialty. Frequent contact with law enforcement officers, lawyers, commonwealth’s attorneys, judges and juries and forensic pathologists to receive or explain evidence gathering methods, discuss results and implications of examinations, and provide expert testimony regarding criminal investigations and prosecutions.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, and appropriate test and methodology design and court testimony affect case analysis, the accuracy of certificates of analysis and criminal court proceedings.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Performs forensic/legal scientific analyses and prepares certificates of analysis for assigned cases. May seek advice on more complex or unusual cases. May serve as lead workers or technical experts, reviewing work products and the accuracy of test results and case analyses. Responsible for providing expert testimony in criminal court proceedings.

Forensic Scientist III

Code: 69134

Pay Band: 6

SOC: 19-0000*

The Forensic Scientist III role provides career tracks for forensic scientists who are either technical experts or supervisors. The first career track is for technical experts who perform quantitative and qualitative analysis work including: analyses of human body fluids and tissues to determine the presence, concentration and effects of chemical substances; conducting research and methods development on new DNA methodologies and techniques; evaluating alternative DNA methodologies and procedures for use on casework and convicted offender samples. The second career track is for supervisors who provide: supervision and guidance to staff conducting methods development and research on new forensic DNA technologies; or, supervise a forensic work unit within a discipline by assigning work, evaluating performance, training and supervising examinations, proficiency testing and special research, and supervising unit safety and quality assurance activities.

Forensic Scientist III (Technical expert)

COMPLEXITY	May apply knowledge of various wet chemical and instrumental methodologies, pharmacology, physiology, and pharmacokinetics. May apply knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic scientific research and method development. May apply extensive specialized knowledge of one or more forensic disciplines and/or advanced knowledge of lab instrumentation. Applies technical expertise in multiple programs and projects. Provides technical guidance and serves as a technical expert to lower level Scientists. Provides expert testimony in courts of law on population frequency issues such as paternity index calculations; or, are assigned to a laboratory within a forensic discipline and handle or advise on the most complex cases, possess advanced knowledge of lab instrumentation, lead research projects, investigate, research and evaluate new and emerging equipment technology, validate new techniques, and/or serve as mentors. Frequent contact with law enforcement personnel, criminal investigators, lawyers, commonwealth’s attorneys, judges, juries, the general public; state and local government officials to share information, provide consultation, research findings or court testimony.
RESULTS	Accurate and appropriate scientific testing and test and methodology design ensures the accuracy of case analysis, certificates of analysis and criminal court proceedings. Evaluation and implementation of new scientific methodologies and procedures affects the quality of case analyses. Significant impact on the public safety of citizens.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for technical decisions and judgment that may affect lab productivity, the legal resolution of criminal cases, the timely provision of lab services or research projects. May allocate staff, funding and equipment resources. Provides guidance and training to other scientists and serves as lead workers and experts who may be responsible for the review of work products and the accuracy of results.

Forensic Scientist III (supervisor)

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, and administration. Applies extensive knowledge of forensic specialty and technical expertise. Provides technical guidance and serves as a technical expert to lower level Scientists. Supervisors in a forensic discipline also carry a diverse forensic case load performing the more complex examinations and analyses of legal evidence, preparing certificates of analysis, and providing expert testimony in court regarding evaluation and interpretation of the evidential material. Frequent contact with law enforcement personnel, criminal investigators, lawyers, commonwealth’s attorneys, judges, juries, the general public; state and local government officials to share information, provide consultation, research findings or court testimony.
RESULTS	Accurate and appropriate supervision of scientific testing and test and methodology design ensures the quality and accuracy of case analysis, certificates of analysis and criminal court proceedings. Evaluation and implementation of new scientific methodologies and procedures affects the quality of case analyses. Significant impact on the public safety of citizens on a daily and long-term basis.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Provides supervision and technical direction to staff in a forensic discipline laboratory or technical and research area. May allocate staff, funding and equipment resources. Technical decisions and judgments may affect lab productivity, the legal resolution of criminal cases, the timely provision of lab services or research projects. Provides guidance and training to other forensic scientists.

Forensic Science Manager I

Code: 69135

Pay Band: 7

SOC: 11-9121*

The Forensic Science Manager I role provides career tracks for technical managers in a forensic science discipline having statewide responsibility, for managers of all forensic disciplines within a regional laboratory, or for deputy directors of a statewide forensic science program. Technical managers establish protocols; develop, implement and interpret objectives, policies and procedures; manage safety, quality assurance and training programs and provide consultation to central and regional laboratories for a forensic discipline. Regional laboratory managers are responsible for the operation of a forensic science regional laboratory including the development and implementation of policies and procedures; directing forensic examination operations; recommending allocation of staff and resources; and managing fiscal and administrative activities. Deputies administer and manage statewide operational issues of the forensic science program activities including maintaining ASCLD/LAB accreditation, budget development and implementation, capital outlay project planning and implementation, development and implementation of uniform data automation systems and administration the lab information management system, inter-laboratory coordination of procedures and training, and quality assurance/quality control.

Forensic Science Manager I

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principles and methods of scientific research or analysis for a particular discipline(s). Manages multiple and/or diverse disciplines. Applies knowledge of national ASCLB standards and federal and state criminal laws statues. Applies knowledge of personnel and project management. Frequent contact with state and local government officials; national or international forensic and/or scientific organizations; officers of the criminal court, and the public, to provide technical assistance and consultation, develop research protocols and present new/innovative research findings, provide training, make presentations, and/or provide court testimony as an expert witness.
RESULTS	Decisions and actions have major and direct affect on public safety. Actions effect laboratory efficiency and effectiveness; compliance with Federal and state laws, and compliance with accreditation standards. Proper management of programs, laboratory operations and staff ensures scientific accuracy, timeliness and quality of services and impacts public health, safety.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Decision making and judgment effect legal resolution of criminal cases. Responsible for the management of a professional staff. Responsible for the provision of quality and timely laboratory and program operations, quality assurance and safety.

Forensic Science Manager II

Code: 69136

Pay Band: 8

SOC: 11-9121*

The Forensic Science Manager II role provides career tracks for directors of a statewide forensic science program. Managers are responsible for long range forensic science goals and objectives, legislative and funding/policy issues involving the General Assembly or the Virginia State Crime Commission, representing the agency on regional and national forensic task forces and associations, and responding to legal orders for production of information, data and/or personnel.

Forensic Science Manager II

COMPLEXITY	Applies extensive knowledge of forensic science disciplines. Applies knowledge of federal and state regulations and national ASCLB standards. Applies knowledge of administration and management principles and practices, personnel and project management. Manages a complex and diverse forensic workload encompassing multiple programs. Frequent contact with Federal and State officials and the public; national or international forensic and/or scientific organizations; and officers of the criminal court to provide technical assistance and consultation, develop research protocols and present new/innovative research findings, provide training and make presentations, and provide court testimony as an expert witness.
RESULTS	Actions effect reliability and accuracy of all statewide forensic services. Decisions and actions have major and direct affect on public safety.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Decision-making and judgment affect proper/expeditious legal resolution of criminal cases. Designs and manages assigned programs independently. Accountable for allocation of funds, staff and equipment. Exercises independent judgment and decision making for assigned research programs.

*Statistical Reporting

This Career Group includes, but is not limited to, those in the following Standard Occupational Classifications:

11-9121	Natural Science Managers
19-0	Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations
19-1000	Life Scientists
19-1020	Biological Scientists
19-1021	Biochemists
19-1022	Microbiologists
19-1029	Biological Scientists, All Others
19-1099	Life Scientists, All Others
19-2031	Chemists
19-4092	Forensic Science Technicians
27-4021	Photographers

New Effective Date: 11/01/01

History

Previous class titles (listed by new role title)

Forensic Science Specialist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
71091	Fingerprint Technician	7
71092	Fingerprint Technician Senior	8

Forensic Science Specialist II and Scientist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
35046	Forensic Photographer	9
53044	Forensic Scientist Trainee	10
71093	Fingerprint Technician Supervisor	10

Forensic Science Specialist III and Forensic Scientist II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53045	Forensic Scientist	12
53046	Forensic Scientist Senior	13
53047	Forensic Scientist Supervisor	14

Forensic Scientist III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53047	Forensic Section Chief	15
53037	Forensic Molecular Biologist	16

Forensic Science Manager I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53055	Forensic Manager	18
53053	Deputy Director of Forensic Science	19

Forensic Science Manager II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53054	Director of Forensic Science	21