Employment Opportunities
Criminalist
Fingerprint Examiner
Requistion #E29-0120
Agency: Office of Attorney General, Division of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Laboratory
Salary: E16-E18 $35,529.66 to $66,324.00 annually, DOQ
Closing Date: March 13, 2012
Position Purpose:
The Criminalist evaluates, examines, and identifies physical evidence from crime scenes utilizing established, standardized procedures and techniques. This will include forensic impression evidence (fingerprints, shoeprints, tire prints) and other assigned duties. The Criminalist will utilize or learn to utilize AFIS and IAFIS; chemical and microscopic techniques; and instrumentation which shall include computers, microscopes, alternative light sources, and forensic photography. Criminalist documents findings, prepares technical written reports of laboratory examinations, and discusses results with law enforcement officers and attorneys. Criminalist will provide expert testimony in various courts throughout the State of South Dakota. This position keeps abreast of scientific advancements in forensic fields by reading technical journals, attending conferences, seminars, and training sessions. This position responds to requests to collect and process evidence at crime scenes and provides general scientific information as requested by the Lab Director, Director of Criminal Investigation, and the SD Attorney General. This position also shares general laboratory duties (training, safety, and on call responsibilities), strives to accomplish professional certification, maintains laboratory safety, and participates with laboratory accreditation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- criminalistics and forensic science
- evidence collection, packaging, and preservation
- evidence examination and the types of chemicals and methods commonly used in the examination and identification of fingerprints, shoeprints, and tire prints
- laboratory safety
- photography as it applies to physical evidence
Ability to:
- deal tactfully with others
- utilize laboratory equipment properly
- prepare and utilize various chemicals
- conduct a variety of scientific procedures to examine physical evidence
- communicate both orally and in writing
- testify in court regarding test results and conclusions
Comments:
The Criminalist position in the Impression Evidence Section requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a science degree. This position is for a qualified fingerprint examiner with the ability to serve as technical leader for the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory Impression Evidence Section. Training and experience in shoeprint and tire print evidence examination and identification would be beneficial, but is not required. Current membership with the International Association of Identification (IAI) and IAI Latent Print Examiner certification would be desirable.
To Apply: Submit a letter of interest, transcripts, and resume or State Employment Application (available 2/13/2012 at a South Dakota Career Center and on the Internet at
www.state.sd.us/jobs )to:
Frans Maritz, Director
SD State Forensic Lab
1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 6
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605)773-3673 Fax: (605)773-5658
“EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”
Download Anouncement - Latent Fingerprint Examiner (02/13/2012)
Internship Opportunities (Due to budget restraints these positions may not always be available.)
We encourage interested college students to apply for an internship at the SDFL. According to SDFL policy, the internship program is open to full-time students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university. All intern applicants must meet the following criteria:
- United States citizen at least 18 years of age.
- In good academic standing with their college or university.
- Must be enrolled in school during the semester/quarter the student plans to return.
- Must pass a background check.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
The SD Bureau of Personnel Intern Program has three (3) sessions - spring, summer, and fall. Positions for each session are announced separately at http://bop.sd.gov/workforus/intern/.
Position Description: The intern will assist criminalists in evaluation, examination, and identification of physical evidence from crime scenes and known standards. This may include blood and other body fluids, hairs, fibers, paint, fire debris, firearms, fingerprints, photography, etc. Intern will utilize or learn to utilize chemical and microscopic techniques, instrumentation that may include gas chromatography, forensic photography, electrophoresis, thermal cycling, and polarized microscopy. Intern will also assist with administrative and case management tasks.
Qualifications: Applicants must be a full time student at a college or university and have sophomore standing or above by the end of the Spring 2009 semester, or must currently be enrolled at a vocational-technical school and have completed one year (nine months) by the start of the internship. A strong background in natural sciences including: laboratory experience in biology, microbiology, chemistry, photography, and computer knowledge. Interest and practical experience in law enforcement justice is preferred, but not required.