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GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, HOME AFFAIRS, LABOUR
AND GENDER AFFAIRS
VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of Forensic Scientist II DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
A. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
- To perform laboratory examinations and analyses; detect, collect and preserve physical and biological evidence; interpret forensic data; conduct quality control testing and provide expert witness testimony, in accordance with international standards and legislative requirements, for the maintenance of evidential integrity in support of criminal investigations.
- Responds to the Director of Forensic Science Services and liaises with officers of the Crown Prosecution Services, the Courts, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Saint Lucia Fire Service, Legal Aid, Pathologists, medical professionals, Corrections, Saint Lucia Fire Service, and key stakeholders on matters relating to work in progress.
B. DUTIES AND TASKS
- Performs examinations of legal exhibits by utilising prescribed scientific methodologies, undertaking analysis, maintaining chain of custody and ensuring documentation and storage of legal exhibits in accordance with established procedures and standards, to generate samples for investigations and ensure integrity of exhibits.
- Detects, collects, and preserves physical and/or biological evidence by utilising laboratory procedures inclusive of ballistics, impression and pattern evidence, forensic biology/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and trace evidence analysis, cyber forensics, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, controlled substances, forensic odontology, forensic pathology, and crime scene investigations, to maintain integrity of evidence in support of criminal investigations.
- Interprets the data from forensic analysis by comparing samples and preparing reports of findings, to provide scientific evidence to law enforcement for the determination of cases and use in legal proceedings.
- Conducts quality control testing on reagents and supplies, in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards for testing laboratories, to ensure good laboratory practice and reliability of test systems and results.
- Assists with crime scene examinations by attending crime scenes, documenting and processing scenes, recording evidence, and consulting with crime scene officers, to ensure the collection and preservation of forensic evidence for future forensic testing in support of the determination of criminal investigations.
- Reviews and analyses case correspondence and other official documents through consultation with customers in the criminal justice system and medical profession, to enable decision making for testing and recommendation of appropriate action for forensic analysis.
- Maintains established laboratory conditions by conducting temperature and humidity checks, and adhering to decontamination procedures and safety protocols as per established laboratory procedures and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 standards for testing laboratories, to ensure a conducive environment for testing.
- Performs general and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, for the upkeep of laboratory equipment and to preserve the integrity of laboratory testing results.
- Serves as an expert witness by providing evidence-based explanations of forensic findings in accordance with established procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements, to contribute to the passing of judgements in a court of law.
- Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies by undertaking checks of stock levels, preparing requisitions and updating an inventory log, in accordance with established systems, to promote accountability and ensure availability of resources.
- Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity in forensic analysis and management of evidence.
- Responds to inquiries and/or complaints from internal and external customers in accordance with standard operating procedures, and maintains an issues log, to facilitate excellent service delivery and maximise customer satisfaction.
- Prepares status reports on work plans, in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decision-making and promote accountability.
- Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.
C. CONDITIONS
- Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office and laboratory environment, with field work conducted.
- Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, collective agreements, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, Occupational Safety and Health, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, Evidence Act, Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act (2008), Good Laboratory Practices; and International Organization for Standardisation (ISO)17025:2017 standards, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and other relevant policy documents.
- Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Training and Development Policy for the Saint Lucia Public Service.
- May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.
- Required to remain current on practices and developments in forensic science.
- Required to demonstrate political acuity.
- Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.
- May be required to work off-site and be exposed to varying work and weather conditions.
- May be exposed to hazardous material including biological, chemical and radiological.
- Required to use personal protective equipment in the conduct of duties.
- Required to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to lifting, bending, standing, climbing, shifting, carrying, pushing or pulling items of moderate to heavy weight.
- Required to successfully complete competency and proficiency testing and moot court training.
- Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
- Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver's license.
- May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
D. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply forensic principles, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine, analyse and identify samples and evidence.
- Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, controlled substances, biology, toxicology, criminalistics, genetics, statistics, molecular and quality assurance standards.
- Advanced knowledge of and ability to conduct crime scene examinations.
- Advanced knowledge of evidence handling and maintaining the integrity of evidence.
- Intermediate knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Occupational Safety and Health, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, Evidence Act, Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act (2008), Good Laboratory Practices, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2017 standards, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, Criminal Code and other relevant policy documents.
- Intermediate knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Advanced oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills;
- Advanced analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Advanced interpersonal skills and demonstrates emotional intelligence.
- Advanced organisational skills.
- Advanced computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets and presentation and forensic science information systems.
- Ability to interpret and apply forensic science literature.
- Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
- Ability to adapt to organisational change.
E. EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply forensic principles, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine, analyse and identify samples and evidence.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, controlled substances, biology, toxicology, criminalistics, genetics, statistics, molecular and quality assurance standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to conduct crime scene examinations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence handling and maintaining the integrity of evidence.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Occupational Safety and Health, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, Evidence Act, Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act (2008), Good Laboratory Practices, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2017 standards, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, Criminal Code and other relevant policy documents.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated organisational skills.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply forensic science literature.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
- Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
- Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in forensic science.
- Demonstrated political acuity.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.
F. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Natural Science, Physical Science, or a related field of study plus one (1) year experience in a post at Grade 12; or one (1) year relevant professional experience; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Natural Science, Physical Science, or a related field of study plus four (4) years’ in a post at Grade 10 or above; or four (4) years’ relevant professional experience; OR
- Diploma in Forensic Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Natural Science, Physical Science, or a related field of study plus one (1) year experience in a post at Grade 12; or one (1) year relevant professional experience.
G. SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC$65,678.76 per annum (Grade 14, Step 1).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form, and should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
Waterfront
Castries
SAINT LUCIA
Applications are to reach at the above address no later than April 26, 2024.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be shortlisted for interviews.
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