Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To conduct forensic testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples in support of criminal and other investigations; to maintain assigned laboratory instruments to ensure their effective operations, use, and repair, and to provide related training and expertise in their use; to participate in forensic research as directed.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Conducting forensic testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples (e.e. firearms, ammunition components, documents,) for qualitative identification and comparisons, and quantative or semi-quantitative measurements of these items/samples by applying scientific techniques and utilizing sample processing and preparation systems and advanced analytical instrumentation; ensuring continuity and integrity of each item within established CFS policies and participtation in proficiency tests and conforming to accreditation requirements. This will entail testing and examination using a range of analytical equipment and techniques (e.g. electrostatic detection apparatus, video spectral comparator, comparison microscopes, and ancillary laboratory instrumentation and software.

As assigned:
- Documenting and processing incoming and outgoing case materials
- Examining case materials using a variety of microscopes to conduct preliminary examinations.
- Performing a range of functional tests on firearms, ammunition and ammunition components
- Acquiring, and assessing digital images and data of above noted materials into the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), as well as reconciliation of reports resulting from uploads.
- Providing liaison with CFS clients by discussing case submissions in order to assist with item submission(s) and type(s) of examination(s) available and required.
- Maintaining the collection of reference materials within the Section.
- Assisting with the planning, conducting, and co-ordination the imaging (still and video) of laboratory operations.
- Preparing reagents and working soutions, and completing logs of such preparations.

2. Generating and collecting test results, analyzing preliminary findings, and applying quality assurance processess to confirm findings, ensure relability and validity of results and ensure results conform to standards and procedures prior to providing observations, data findings, and detailed notes of observations of tests for interpretation and reporting by forensic scientists, or other authorized laboratory personnel as required.

3. Setting up, operating, maintaining, calibrating and validating assigned instrumentation to ensure effective operations and production of accurate and reliable results; installing new hardware; developing and maintaining the proficiency necessary to use computer application for instrument control, handling of items and samples, and data manipulation, storage and retrieval; drafting testing, validation, and operational procedures for new equipment; troubleshooting and performing repairs on equipment and arranging for service.

4. Maintaining the laboratory's inventory of supplies and purchasing supplies and equipment up to authorized limit; providing technical input to the preparation of specifications for the acquisition of major equipment.

5. Participating in validation of new instrumentation, development and validation of methods and improvements to existing methods and processes, and other in-house research in various aspects of forensic science and laboratory methodology as directed.

6. Providing testimony in a court of law, when required, regarding laboratory procedures, methods and protocols followed in the conduct of tests.

Knowledge :

Completed post-secondary education from a university (degree) or community college (diploma or certificate) in one of the physical, life, or forensic sciences, or equivalent.

Laboratory practices and techniques and scientific theories in such disciplines as document examination, digital imaging, firearms and toolmakrs and their application to forensic science to conduct the testing of a variety of forensic case exhibits and samples (e.g. documents, firearms, ammunition components).

Evidence handling procedures to ensure the preservation evidence in order to meet evidence requirements (e.g. continuity, chain of custody) of the courts of law of Ontario and accreditation protocols.

CFS standard operating procedures, practices, and policies to ensure compliance in all activities.

CFS quality assurance program to run assurance processes to confirm, validate and ensure reliability of test results.

Legislative authorities (e.g. WHIMIS, Occupational Health and Safety) to ensure compliance.

The court system and related protocols to ensure compliance when testifying in court if subpoenaed.

Accreditation standards (e.g. America Society of Crime Lab Directors, Laboratory Accreditation Board) to ensure all standards are met.

Skills :

Job Requires:
- Analytical reasoning skills to: consider available procedures and to determine optimal methods of testing materials by referring to procedural manuals and related literature or by discussing with scientific staff; analyze preliminary results of laboratory tests of forensic evidence and to conduct quality assurance processes to confirm findings, ensure reliability and validity of results and ensure results conform to standards and procedures; and, identify and reslove issues or problems related to samples or instruments (e.e. when a test result may be erroneous, inadequate or un-interpretable), and ensure appropriate logical interpretable scientific conclusions are arrived at to assist scientists in assessment of a case.
-Skills to recognize, troubleshoot, and rectify instrumental problems by assessing performance and doing required maintenance, or making recommendations about external repairs.
-Problem solving ability to identify precautions to be taken when handling potential biohazards, restricted and non-restricted firearms (long guns and hand guns), electrical hazards, or other materials that pose a health and safety risk, by applying quality control and laboratory principles and procedures.
- Manual dexterity to manipulated sensitive instrucments and samples with precision.
-Time management skills necessary to ensure efficient work flow of assigned tasks.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a team environment, and on a one-on-one relationship with staff above and below.
- Written communication skills to: prepare data summary findings, and detailed notes of observations and tests; draft analytical procedures; and, assist in the publication of research.
- oral communication skills to: discuss with scientific staff and manager detailed test findings and observations, and interpretation of test results which will form the basis of these case reports and testimony in court; demonstrate operation, and provide training on the use, of analytical procedures, methods and protocols followed in the conduct of tests.

Freedom of Action :

This job operates within the Centre of Forensic Science standard operating procedures, quality assurance standards and policies, as well as international accreditation standards within own area of speciality. This job requires freedom in organizing one's own work to meet established case priorities, and in determining what types of instrumentation and sampling techniques to use to achieve results. This job requires seeking second opinions or guidance from Scientists regarding the case-related work. The incumbent in this job may be the technical person responsible for an assigned instrument and is expected to ensure it is maintained and fully operational, and it is the responsiblity of the incumbent to ensure all test results are properly checked to ensure conformity with the CFS quality assurance program. The incumbent is required to advise the supervisor of such problems as health risks and equipment needs, operational contingencies and emergencies, and any deviations from standard methods and protocols.