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	Gary Hamblin, Administrator • Biography
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Employment Opportunities

Positions at the laboratories are classified civil service positions and are filled via the regulations established by the Department of Employee Relations (DER). Job announcements are posted in DER's Current Employment Opportunities Bulletin. Information and applications for DoJ openings are handled by the Department of Justice, Human Resources Bureau. The contact person is:

The laboratory employs people in the following areas:

Support Staff
Support staff duties include answering phones, scheduling court appearances, initiating receipt of evidence, and typing laboratory reports. These positions are classified as Program Assistants. Data entry, telephone/receptionist, filing, and general office skills are required.

General Lab Technicians
General laboratory technicians assist the analytical staff by preparing reagents, cleaning glassware, making and replenishing drug test kits, handling the lab coat service, developing film, mounting photographic prints and other tasks that do not involve handling of evidence.

DNA Databank Technicians
DNA Databank technicians process the oral swabs received from persons convicted of sexual offenses. Samples are analyzed by the same procedures that are used for case work. The resulting DNA profiles create the Known Offender Databank which is used to identify suspects in future sexual assault cases.

Forensic Scientists
The Forensic Scientist series is sub-classed into the areas covered by each unit: Drug Identification, Toxicology, Trace, Firearm/Toolmark, Identification, Photography, Questioned Document, and Serology/DNA. Analytical positions are further divided into three levels: Forensic Scientist, Forensic Scientist-Senior, and Forensic Scientist-Advanced. These levels are distinguished by the amount of supervision required and the type of casework performed.

	Forensic Scientist Entry level positions require no forensic experience but some educational background. For the chemistry and biology related units, a Bachelor of Science degree will meet the basic requirements. An advanced degree, internships and work-study experience at a forensic laboratory are viewed favorably. Entry level staff receive on-the-job training program; the length varies from 1 to 2 years, depending on the unit. In addition to learning the analysis of evidence, the entry level person also learns how to handle evidence properly and how to testify as an expert witness. A probationary period of one year is required. Towards the end of their initial training they may perform casework under close supervision. After the probationary year, additional training and experience is gained over the next two years. As increasing mastery of knowledge and skills is demonstrated, supervision becomes correspondingly less direct. During this period the analyst's skills are expanded to cover all of the skills required for that unit. Casework will be performed under the supervision of a senior or advanced level forensic scientist. Forensic Scientist-Senior Objective level forensic scientists are capable of working all types of cases received by the unit under limited supervision. (S)he will also peer review the work of other forensic scientists at any level. The laboratory does have a recruiting procedure at the objective level. At least three years of experience in a forensic laboratory doing casework is a major requirement for application at the objective level.
	Forensic Scientist-Advanced The advanced level is reserved for the unit leader of each technical unit. This position performs casework and keeps the unit functioning smoothly. (S)he keeps the unit furnished with supplies and equipment, projects needs, assigns case work, reviews case files and manages the unit's quality assurance procedures. The laboratory also recruits at this level. A minimum of five years experience in a forensic laboratory and familiarity with all analytical procedures performed by the unit is required.

Supervision/Administration
Administrative positions include the Forensic Scientist Supervisors over each of the three laboratory sections: Chemistry, Serology/DNA and Criminalistics; an Administrative Assistant who supervises the clerical and lab tech staff and monitors the budget; a Program Assistant-Confidential who works with the director, handles purchasing and inventory; and the Laboratory Director. The forensic supervisor and lab director positions require a background in forensic science.

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