EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory
Ft. Gillem, Georgia
Position: TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINER (Chemist; GS-1320-11/12/13)
Salary Range: GS11 – $49,702-64,610 GS12 – $59,570-77,437 GS13 – $70,
837-92,090
Closing Date: Open until filled.
REPLY TO ATTENTION OF CILA-TE 01 October 2004
The United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), located at
Ft. Gillem, GA, is seeking qualified, experienced candidates for laboratory
examiner positions in the Trace Evidence Division of the laboratory. This
division is responsible for examination of the following major evidence
categories: Textile fibers, paint, soil, glass, fire debris (arson), explosives,
and gunshot residue. The USACIL is located in the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area
adjacent to Forest Park, GA. The laboratory supports military law enforcement
agencies around the world and has a staff of 90+ examiners and support
personnel. A new 88,000+ square foot laboratory facility is currently under
construction with a projected occupancy date of summer 2005. The laboratory
includes the following technical divisions: Drug Chemistry, Firearms &
Toolmarks, Forensic Documents, Latent Prints, Imaging & Technical Support
(which includes audio and video enhancement and computer crime), Serology/DNA,
and Trace Evidence.
Positions: There are currently two vacancies in the Trace Evidence Division.
The official announcement to fill these two positions is expected in the very
near future. It is anticipated that up to four additional examiner positions
will be authorized. The purpose of this announcement is to develop a pool of
interested, qualified candidates to fill the two vacant positions as well as the
additional positions as they are authorized.
Duties: All three grade levels, GS11-13, require previous experience.
Positions will be filled at levels commensurate with the qualifications and
experience of the selected candidates. The GS11 and GS12 positions are
developmental with a target grade of GS13. All major duties and responsibilities
for the GS11 and GS12 levels are identical to those for the GS13 level with the
exception that the examiner works under closer supervision at the lower grades.
Qualified candidates are expected to use a holistic approach to the location,
collection, preservation, and examination of evidence. At the GS13 level,
examiners are expected to be able to analyze the most difficult samples
requiring the most complicated interpretations. At all grade levels, examiners
interpret and evaluate the results of examinations and prepare formal,
comprehensive laboratory reports for use in legal proceedings. The examiner must
be able to travel and testify world wide as an expert witness.
Special Conditions: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals
(residents of American Samoa and Swains Island). They must pass a pre-employment
medical examination, demonstrate
visual acuity and correct color perception, be able to lift 40 pounds from
floor to working height of 48 inches, and must be able to obtain a Secret
Clearance.
Selective Placement Factors: Applicants must possess experience in the
forensic analysis of physical evidence* gained as a result of work at a crime
laboratory or other organization whose primary mission is the examination and
evaluation of physical evidence developed in conjunction with the investigation
of criminal matters. [*One or more of the following evidence categories: textile
fibers, paint, glass, soil, explosives, fire debris (arson), and/or gunshot
residue] ” Applicants whose expertise includes fire debris (arson) analysis
must routinely use the following analytical method as a minimum: gas
chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ” Applicants whose expertise
includes textile fiber analysis must routinely use the following analytical
methods as a minimum: polarized light microscopy (PLM), microspectrophotometry (MSP),
and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. ” Applicants whose
expertise includes paint/coatings analysis must routinely use the following
analytical methods: microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy,
and elemental analysis (SEM-EDX or XRF). In the case of elemental analysis, the
applicant does not have to be the system operator, but must be proficient in
interpretation of the data developed. ” Applicants whose expertise includes
comparative glass analysis must routinely use the following analytical methods:
refractive index determinations using the Emmons double variation method or
glass refractive index measurement (GRIM) system, density comparisons, and
elemental analysis (SEM-EDX or XRF or ICP). In the case of elemental analysis,
the applicant does not have to be the system operator, but must be proficient in
interpretation of the data developed. ” Applicants whose expertise includes
comparative soil analysis must be proficient in the use of polarized light
microscopy for identification of common soil minerals. ” Applicants whose
expertise includes explosives analysis must routinely use the following
analytical methods: polarized light microscopy; elemental analysis (SEM-EDX or
SEM-WDX or XRF); and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Proficiency
in the use of GC-MS, ion chromatography, IMS, and other explosive detection and
identification systems is considered a “plus.” ” Applicants whose
expertise includes gunshot primer residue (GSR) analysis must routinely use
scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for
their analyses.
Point of Contact: Persons wishing to be considered for these positions should
send their resume to our personnel office as follows: United States Army
Criminal Investigation Laboratory, ATTN: Ms. Karen Hill, 4553 N 2ND, Forest
Park, GA. 30297-5122 or via email: [email protected].
Ms. Hill can be reached telephonically at (404) 469-7489.
Resumes: ” Resumes must address the selective placement factors
designated above and include your current salary. ” Please include a
daytime telephone number and email address where you may be reached.
Official Announcement: When these positions have been officially opened, you
will be contacted with instructions on completing the formal application
process. Once this announcement has been made, the application window is
expected to be short so interested candidates must respond promptly.
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