N.C. Department of Justice – Raleigh, NC

Forensic Scientist I

Description of Work

• As of June 1, 2022, the new pay grade and salary range will be NC 14 —  $47,959 to $83, 938.
•  For current State employees, please note that as of June 1, 2022, promotional priority and RIF priority will be based on the new salary/pay grade.
• Our posted range is $42,780 to $58,845.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR A NEW HIRE TO THIS POSITION IS LIMITED TO THE RECRUITMENT RANGE OF  $42,780 to $58,845. Salary offers are based upon the candidate’s education and experience related to the position, as well as departmental budget and equity considerations. 

State Crime Laboratory — Helping Solve Crimes

The State Crime Laboratory of the Department of Justice maintains a full service forensic science laboratory to assist all law enforcement agencies in North Carolina in the investigation of criminal matters. The Laboratory’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art forensic services in the areas of drug analysis, blood alcohol/drug content, firearms, latent prints, footwear and tire tracks, forensic biology, computer forensics, and trace evidence. The services are provided from a central laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. and regional laboratories located in Edneyville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

Learn more about the lab here:   State Crime Lab

Working at the State Crime Lab includes:

• Easy access to downtown Raleigh, local shopping centers, healthcare providers and highways (70, 40 and 440)
• Beautiful grounds with jogging/walking trails
• Free parking
• Patio dining
• Food trucks
• Fitness center on site
• 100% Paid parent leave compensation up to 8 weeks for eligible employees
• Annual Flu Shot Clinic
• Employee Engagement and Staff Development Activities
  

The primary purpose of the Digital Evidence Unit is to accept, find, preserve and provide scientific forensic analysis of evidence the following areas: Distribution of child pornography, recovery of evidence of the sexual exploitation of children on computers, search of computers for evidence such as e-mails or chats in crimes of violence or threats of violence, forensic analysis of security video recovered from a crime scene or surveillance video recorded by law enforcement personnel, forensic analysis of audio evidence in order to clarify audio which may be recovered at crime scenes or recorded in covert investigations by law enforcement personnel.

The unit also provides photographic services including crime scene photography, portrait photography, and graphic arts services including but not limited to crime scene sketches, court exhibits, investigative aids, lineups, timelines, reward posters, pamphlets, and brochures.

Meet a DIgital Evidence Forensic Scientist – VIew the video here: A Day in the Life of a  Digital Evidence Forensic Scientist

• Under general supervision, processes, examines and analyzes computer hardware, software, electronically stored data and other computer-related evidentiary materials
• Prepares and presents reports of findings, provides expert testimony, and performs a variety of crime laboratory duties.• Conducts thorough examinations of  electronic data storage media.
• Preserves and copies the original media.
• Prevents the transference of viruses, destructive programs, and inadvertent writes to and from the original media.
• Recovers deleted data.
• Accesses password-protected and secured files.
• Uses forensic hardware and software applications to analyze electronic media.
• Examines the contents of a computer’s firmware.
• Examines boot record data, system configuration, and operation command files.
• Verifies the correctness of the computer’s internal clock.
• Physically disassembles and examines electronic devices and related hardware components.
• Identifies evidence of computer-based crimes such as the theft and sabotage of data; fraudulent use of bank, credit, and telecommunications accounts; and the trafficking of pornography.
• Examines and analyzes text, graphics, multimedia, and digital images. 
• Labels evidence.
• Prepares and presents reports of examinations and findings.
• Works with court officers to prepare cases for trial.
• Provides expert opinion testimony in courts.
• Trains and instructs other employees.
• Provides advice and guidance regarding the seizure and handling of digital evidence.
•  Examines and analyzes digital and analog video recording and storage devices and media 
•  Examines and analyzes digital and analog audio recording and storage devices and media
• Analyzes digital and analog video Analyzes digital and analog audio
• Gives presentations to community groups.

Selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes: credit and arrest checks; interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; verification of education achievement, and urinalysis drug screening and polygraph, and a psychological evaluation.

• Out of state applicants: This may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense after the initial interview, in order to undergo the background investigation process.
• In accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. Sec. 126-1.1( c), effective July 11, 2016, employees who are hired by a State agency, department or university in a sworn law enforcement position or forensic scientist position and who are required to complete a formal training program prior to assuming law enforcement or forensic scientist duties with the hiring agency, department or university shall become career State employees only after being employed by the agency, department or university for 24 continuous months .
• Employees who transfer into forensic scientist positions from other positions within N.C. State government and are currently Career State employees will be required to complete a probationary period of 24 additional months.
• In accordance with Section 17.5 of Senate Bill 402, The Department of Justice shall not hire sworn personnel to fill vacant positions in the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the termination of sworn personnel, but as vacant positions in the State Laboratory are filled, they shall be filled only with non sworn personnel. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect North Carolina State Crime Laboratory personnel who are sworn and employed by the Laboratory as of the effective date of this section and who continue to meet the sworn status retention standards mandated by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission.
• Transcripts are required at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.  Foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency to be provided at the time of application.**

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

1. Employees must have a working knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources, and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
2. Employees must have a working knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering.
3. Employees must have a working knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
4. Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
5. Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
6. Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.
7. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in computer science, digital forensics, networking, information technology, cyber technology, criminal justice; or forensic science or multi-media studies with coursework in computer science or information technology; or biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry and other science degrees (if degree includes significant coursework in computer science or information technology); or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement (Digital): Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.
Such vendor-neutral certifications may include:
Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE) International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists,
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner (DFCP) Digital Forensics Certification Board (requires a minimum 5 years of verified experience prior to sitting for the exam),
 Global Information Assurance Certification Forensic Examiner (GCFE) SANS Institute,
Certified Video Technician (CFVT) Law Enforcement & Emergency Service Video Association (requires a minimum of 3 years of verified experience prior to sitting for the exam),
Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE) International Association for Identification (requires a minimum of 3-5 years of verified experience depending on applicant s education level).

Necessary Special Requirement Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Management preference: management prefers 2 years of related experience.Supplemental and Contact Information

Please be sure to complete the application in full.

Note the following: If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date

Resumes and cover letters:   To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.

Using the terms “See Resume” or “See Attachment” will not be accepted and your application will be rejected as incomplete.  Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.    

Transcripts:  Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. A copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application.

If a transcript has been requested, your application will be considered incomplete if  you do not provide one. Using a photograph of your diploma is not acceptable.
   
Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application.  Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

Any licenses or certificates must be included in the appropriate section of the application form.

Veterans Preference: Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 or discharge orders.

Application status: To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are “Under Review” and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.  All applicants will be notified by email once a position is filled.

NeoGov Help Line: If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the NC DOJ Human Resources office.

The NC Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NC Department of Justice uses Merit-Based Recruitment to select from among the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Department of Justice
Human Resources Office
Lisa Sasser, Recruitment Specialist
114 W. Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-716-6490