The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory in South Charleston, WV is hiring for a Firearm Examiner trainee. Any trained examiner applicants will also be considered and pay scale adjusted accordingly along the laboratory's career progression system.
If you have any additional questions you may contact me by email or phone at calissa.n.carper@wvsp.gov or 304-746-2275.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1 (FS 1) (Firearm Section) | Apply with link
FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1 (FS 1) (Firearms Section) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)Description
This is an entry level position which also serves as a probationary period. The FS 1 includes successful training to completion in the assigned discipline of forensic science (or designated subcategories). The FS 1 works under the direction of a trained analyst until authorized by the Laboratory Director or designee to work independently. Upon authorization, the FS 1 will begin testing evidence, issue forensic reports at the conclusion of testing and offer expert testimony when needed. Performs related work as required. This is a full-time position with state benefits.
Job Duties
Learns methodology in performing critical analysis of evidence in criminal cases. Accepts and receives evidence. Conducts basic examinations of suspected evidence such as controlled substances, biological materials, latent fingerprints, firearms and tool markings, toxicology samples, ignitable liquids, gunshot residues, glass fractures and other trace evidence. Documents the examination results. Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement and security of all personal and individual issue equipment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic sciences, natural sciences, or related field. Discipline specific educational requirements as specified. Based on laboratory need, the trainee applicant may be required to attend the ATF’s National Firearms Examiner Academy in Maryland as part of the required two-year firearm/toolmark examiner training program.
Special Requirements: Ability to complete a successful background check and polygraph examination. Possession of valid driver’s license.
Additional Information
Paygrade: $60,250 Base Salary for Trainee Position Forensic Scientist 1
*There are six levels of Forensic Scientist paygrades within WVSPFL's career progression system with incentive pays for Master's degree, AFTE certification, and additional section duties. In addition to career progression promotions, all full-time employees receive a yearly $500 longevity salary increase.
Benefits:
As an agency of State Government, the West Virginia State Police provides a wide variety of benefits to its employees. As a WV public employee, some benefits are mandatory to all public employees, while some are completely voluntary. Some benefits are free to employees while others require a monthly premium.
Current year details regarding plan options and monthly premium costs can be obtained by logging onto the PEIA website at PEIA (wv.gov)
Life Insurance:
PEIA offers $10,000 life insurance policies for all fulltime employees. PEIA also offers Optional Life Insurance of varying amounts that include $5,000 to $500,000 worth of coverage, subject to an insurability screening. For first time PEIA participants, PEIA allows up to $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance coverage for employees to enroll without the insurability screening. PEIA offers Dependent Life coverage, please visit the PEIA website for plans and pricing PEIA (wv.gov)
The WV State Police also offers a $4,000 life insurance policy through UNUM Provident Life Insurance.
Retirement Plan:
As WV public employees, all full-time public employees are required to participate with the Public Employees Retirement Plan, regulated by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board. Employees hired on or after July 1, 2015 will be members of the PERS II plan, contributing 6% of their gross monthly salary. WV State Police contributes 10% of the member’s gross monthly salary for a combined total of 16%. Please visit
https://www.wvretirement.com/PERS-TierII.html to explore the Retirement Benefits and Requirements.
An additional retirement option is available with Empower Retirement and functions as a 457 Retirement Plan. Please visit
https://www.empower-retirement.com/ to learn more about the retirement options for both pre- and post- tax contributions.
Additional Benefits:
Mountaineer Flexible Benefits offers additional insurance such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, Legal, Short- and Long-term disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (for qualifying employees who enroll in the PPB Plan C Health Plan offered by PEIA). To explore the variety of plans and prices, please visit Mountaineer Flexible Benefits (wv.gov)
All full-time employees for the WV State Police recieve a yearly $500 longevity salary increase.
All full-time employees earn 15-24 paid vacation days per year depending on longevity.
All full-time employees earn 1.5 sick days per month.
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