Do you have experience working in a routine, high throughput environment? Are you systematic in your work and able to follow protocols, yet confident and capable of solving problems on your own initiative when required? If you value quality and enjoy working within a team supporting the broad objectives of a large organization, we invite you to apply for the role of Forensic Analyst with the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS). Do not let the title of this position deter you.
The results of this competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill current and upcoming opportunities within the next 14 months following the competition completion.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals who are eligible for Targeted Direct Assignments (TDA) to apply and encourage TDA eligible applications from Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
• Receive, document, and handle forensic evidence items submitted from investigating agencies across Ontario.
• Ensure that evidence items and associated documentation are submitted in accordance with CFS policies and acceptance guidelines.
• Cross reference incoming and outgoing evidence against appropriate documentation to ensure all information is complete and accurate and that all necessary documentation has been provided.
• Use a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ancillary software to record receipt of evidence and to upload relevant case information.
• Ensure evidence items are properly packaged and uniquely identifiable.
• Initiate the chain of custody for all items and record evidence transfers.
• Follow documented evidence handling and processing procedures.
• Confer with CFS section managers and staff regarding specific requirements in non-standard cases and when processing priority cases.
• Advise investigators, coroners, and other law enforcement officials on the protocols, practices and guidelines for the acceptance, collection, handling, storage, submission, disposal and return of evidentiary items.
• Provide laboratory assistance and support services related to evidentiary items, laboratory consumables, and laboratory equipment.
How do I qualify?
Applicant Information Session
Information Session Details:
A voluntary, online information session will be conducted on Tuesday March 21, 2023, at 1:00p.m. EST to share information about these opportunities at the Centre of Forensic Sciences.
This is voluntary and will not impact the screening process. If you are interested in learning more about the Administrative Assistant and Forensic Analyst positions, please self-register via the following link.
MS Forms Information Session Registration
Access details to attend the information session will be provided to those who express interest via the above MS Forms page only.**IMPORTANT APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT**
Please read and respond to the following question. Your response must be less than 250 words and included with your application. Submit everything as one document (i.e., along with your cover letter and resume to Job ID 194823). Please note that if you do not include a response to this question your application will NOT be considered further.
The role of a Forensic Analyst at the Centre of Forensic Sciences is an extremely important one, requiring acute attention to detail while working in a time-sensitive, high-volume environment. The work can often be repetitive, and incumbents are required to adhere to strict procedures while demonstrating an ability to recognize non-conforming evidence submissions before taking independent action to resolve them. The role also requires excellent interpersonal skills to work within a team. Using examples, describe how your experiences and personal qualities match these requirements.Administrative Skills
- You have demonstrable experience working in a routine high-volume administrative environment.
- You can adhere strictly to administrative policies, procedures and protocols.
- You have demonstrable organization skills to determine work priorities, effectively manage time and respond to client and CFS staff needs in an environment of changing administrative pressures.
- You have knowledge of administrative procedures to process invoices, order supplies, and update inventory and asset control.
- You can prepare and proofread correspondence and other documents.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- You can accurately assess the acceptability, relevance and completeness of evidence samples on receipt, determine case priorities and, when applicable, the sequence of examinations between CFS sections.
- You can recognize non-conformances and take independent action to resolve them.
Communication Skills
- You have demonstrable written, oral and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with fellow staff, managers, clients and external vendors.
- You can maintain confidentiality when required.
- You have written communication skills to compose letters while ensuring accuracy in grammar and spelling.
Knowledge
- You have a general understanding of quality assurance practices and accreditation.
- You are able to gain and retain knowledge of quality assurance and accreditation standards specifically for forensic laboratories related to receipt, handling, storage and documentation of exhibits and evidence samples.
- You have a general understanding of health and safety practices and procedures to ensure safe handling and preservation of biological material.
- You are able to gain and retain knowledge of these practices and procedures specifically for forensic evidence samples.
- You have the ability to gain a general knowledge of the disciplines of forensic science and the scientific work of CFS sections in order to assess the acceptability and completeness of submitted evidence samples and to appropriately distribute items for analysis
Computer Skills
- You have experience using computer software programs including word-processing, spread sheets and databases (e.g. Word and XL) to the extent that you can enter and retrieve information and produce materials such as reports, tables and correspondences.
- You possess sufficient computer literacy to learn new task-specific computer applications.
