CBI Forensic Scientist Technical Lead (Latent Prints)
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CBI Forensic Scientist Technical Lead (Latent Prints)
Salary
$108,420.00 - $151,776.00 Annually
Location
Statewide, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
RAA-CBI-218 05/2026
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Opening Date
05/07/2026
Closing Date
5/21/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Lori Todacheene, HR Business Partner, lori.todacheene@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Primary Physical Work Address
6000 W 54th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002, 2797 Justice Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81506, 2329 115th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634, 79 N Silicon Dr, Pueblo West, CO 81007
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
THIS POSTING IS ONLY OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO AT THE TIME OF SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.
A n eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
While the full salary range for this position is listed, this position will be hired within the salary range $108,420.00 - $130,104.00
Our Mission -Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.
Our Vision -Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.
Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.
CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave) and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services maintains four operational forensic science laboratories throughout the state: Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction and the Northern Region. Forensic Services is responsible for the scientific analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes. The role of our scientists is to evaluate and examine the evidence using the latest state of the art techniques, and objectively testify for the prosecution or defense for the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that we serve. In order to best serve the citizens of Colorado, we strive to build and maintain partnerships not only with law enforcement agencies but also within the communities we serve.
Work Environment
Typical work hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Primary work will be out of an office. Majority in-person position.
About the Job
The Technical Leader is the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) technical expert in a specific forensic discipline(s) or sub-discipline(s). This position is responsible for all regular duties of a Forensic Scientist along with the additional responsibilities and authority of the Technical Leader. These responsibilities include leading the discipline technical working group; serving as the discipline expert for policy and procedure questions; and the preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Technical aspects of this position include, but are not limited to: appropriate technical procedures, relative case approach, proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework.
Administrative aspects include, but are not limited to: discipline operations manual development and updates, training plan development and updates, organizing and leading regular technical working group meetings, evidence tracking, entering accurate and complete case documentation into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems, and accurate, factual and timely report writing detailing the findings of the analysis. Additionally, this position may be called to provide expert courtroom testimony or serve in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline(s)/sub-discipline(s) to peer scientists, members of management, court personnel, and law enforcement. The Technical Leader serves as a liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS and must demonstrate the highest level of customer service, both internally and externally. This individual must demonstrate competency by successfully passing established proficiency test(s) and through continued skills-based training and professional development. This individual will be responsible for regularly advising and assisting all personnel, including less experienced personnel, peers, and management as it relates to technical, administrative and customer service aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Lead Duties
Provide guidance to scientists with complex technical situations. This could include resolving conflicts that arise during the technical review processes.
Leads the technical working group (TWG) in meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and/or FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) standards and serves as an advisor, advocate and model for all staff concerning accreditation standards, quality policies, and technical procedures. This includes monitoring system activities for compliance and approving deviations when necessary.
Mentors new and current employees in conjunction with management and the Discipline Liaison.
Solicit feedback from TWG for improvements to Discipline Operations Manual (DOM)s. Reviewing and updating all discipline operations manuals on an annual basis or as needed ensuring the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and/or FBI QAS standards are met.
Maintains and updates discipline/sub discipline training plans. Reviews previous training, transcripts and initial skills test and modifies training plan accordingly. Serves as primary trainer or assigns lead trainer(s). Technically reviews mentored casework. In conjunction with the Quality Unit, provides clear feedback to the trainee and the trainee's supervisor regarding their progression and performance throughout the training plan. Develops and provides remediation when necessary.
Reviewing technical quality incident review (QIR) workflows and providing appropriate troubleshooting direction to the scientist or technician. Reviews may include determining the scope of the incident, remediation steps, proper documentation, evaluation of impact to DOM and monitoring QIR trends.
Monitoring, evaluating, and implementing Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) standard recommendations, and making recommendations to the TWG and management regarding major changes.
Planning and leading monthly TWG meetings to discuss issues encountered and proposed discipline/sub-discipline changes, new trends or technologies. Interprets and discusses journal articles.
Recommends and approves continuing education opportunities for the TWG.
Attend and actively participate in the monthly Technical Leader group meetings.
Conducts or oversees validations, performance checks, and material modifications every time a new instrument or procedure is incorporated into casework.
Participating in internal audits and external assessment activities. This can include preparing for activities by gathering documentation, performing the audit activity, and helping correct issues identified during audit activities.
Technical Casework Duties
Responsible for all aspects of the technical duties related to the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The following encompasses the facets of these technical duties related to a discipline/sub-discipline:
Ensures the integrity of evidence by maintaining the chain of custody and security of the evidence at all times.
Equipment and instrumentation necessary to perform the technical analysis must be utilized properly and efficiently, and all quality checks on this equipment must be performed in a timely, accurate manner. Ensures that all chemicals, reagents, solvents and standards needed to perform the analysis meet or exceed the quality requirements, and ensure that all safety standards and appropriate precautions are taken.
Technical reviews of casework must be conducted thoroughly, systematically and in a timely manner.
This individual can be called upon by management to work cases that are complex in nature. Seeks advice from peers and is capable of applying established theory, principles, professional standards and precedents to complete the analysis in complex cases.
Adheres to the current approved procedures for their discipline/sub-discipline, or must obtain a deviation approval when cases require non-conforming testing. Documents and reports the uncertainty of measurement and sampling plan for the discipline/sub-discipline. Abides by the interpretation/opinion criteria established and approved for the discipline/sub-discipline. All casework must be approached efficiently and judiciously, taking into account all of the details furnished by law enforcement.
Complies with all technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including, but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub discipline Training Manual.
Advises and assists Forensic Scientist personnel at all levels as it relates to all technical aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
Administrative
Responsible for all aspects of the administrative duties affecting the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The following encompasses the facets of these administrative duties as related to a discipline/sub-discipline:
Adheres to all current and approved policies and procedures detailing evidence tracking. All evidence in the possession of this individual must be accounted for at all times utilizing the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Writes all reports pertaining to a particular case precisely, accurately, in a timely manner and within established policies and procedures for that discipline/sub-discipline.
All deviations from current and approved policies and procedures must be brought to the attention of a member of management immediately.
In order to maintain competency within a discipline/sub-discipline, the assigned proficiency test(s) must be completed and passed within the designated time frame.
Assists and participates in regularly scheduled audits including, but not limited to: vault, instrumentation/equipment, section and system audits.
Assists in root cause analysis when errors arise to isolate the problem.
Provides expert witness courtroom testimony or serves in an advisory capacity within their qualified discipline/sub-discipline in courts throughout Colorado.
Complies with all administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and ensure all policies and procedures of the CBIFS are adhered to including but not limited to: the Discipline Operations Manual (DOM), the Quality Manual (QM), the Evidence Policies (EP), the Laboratory Information Management System Manual (LIMS) and the discipline/sub-discipline Training Manual.
Advises and assists Forensic Scientist personnel at all levels as it relates to all administrative aspects of the position. When uncertain, this individual must seek the advice of management.
Liaison
Demonstrates the highest level of customer service regarding all technical and administrative aspects of casework. As a Technical Leader, this individual is responsible for complex customer service issues as it relates to the intricacy of the casework performed.
Other Duties as Assigned
The amount of time spent on the duties detailed below is dependent on the needs of the business. Other duties may encompass a variety of tasks including but not limited to: conducting training or facilitating presentations to Colorado law enforcement agencies, district attorney's staff, peers or the general public; reviewing or writing technical operating procedures for a specific discipline/sub-discipline and procurement of supplies. The Forensic Scientist IV supports coworkers throughout the laboratory system in a variety of ways from assisting with a complex case, providing operational coverage when needed or helping an Evidence Technician resolve a difficult problem. They may also support the system by serving on various boards or committees, assisting with the internship program and supporting management by willingly assisting with projects as they arise regardless of the facility.
May be asked to support special projects, i.e. developing new INFAUXPATH worksheets, OSAC Gap analysis, creating external training PPT/presentations, database updates, addressing section-specific questions from law enforcement, writing a white paper to legislature, etc.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Education and Experience, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, forensic science or related field AND t hree (3) years of professional full-time casework experience in latents prints from an ISO17025:2017 accredited laboratory, excluding training and internships.
Substitutions
Additional related education above a Bachelor of Science in a field related to the work assigned will substitute for up to one year of the needed experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Latent Print Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI)
Current CBI or MOU latent print scientist.
Conditions of Employment
Must be Colorado resident at the time of application.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, Personnel Evaluation (PEP) assessment, psychological exam, driving history, a fingerprint based criminal history search and drug testing.
A valid driver's license is required. This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide expert courtroom testimony statewide using a state vehicle.
This position may be required to handle, package, store and perform analysis on item of evidence that contain hazardous materials or items that have been exposed to hazardous materials. Toxic chemicals are utilized throughout the laboratory during analyses.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb . A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
Are you in need of an accommodation?
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department at cdps_hr@state.co.us.
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips : For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwZiY6G24U&feature=emb_logo) .
Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted: will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
Notifications All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " info@governmentjobs.com " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
Comparative Analysis Steps may include
Structured application review by a panel of SMEs
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Describe your experience performing work in the latent print discipline, including how it has prepared you for this position.
02
Describe your experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to forensic scientists, technicians, or other laboratory personnel.
03
Are you willing to be fingerprinted, go through a polygraph, fingerprint based criminal history search, Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP) assessment, psychological evaluation, driving history, drug test and an extensive background investigation as condition of hire?
Yes
No
04
Please select the regional office(s) you would like to be considered for:
Arvada
Grand Junction
Greeley
Pueblo
05
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
Yes, I understand that
No
06
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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