Wildlife Forensic Analyst

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission seeks one (1) Wildlife Forensic Analyst. This position is responsible for the analysis of submitted cases in an accurate and timely manner while keeping up with new forensic techniques and molecular ecology techniques. All forensic casework has the potential to go to court, and the person in this position must attend court and testify as an expert witness. This means that the individual must be qualified as or be able to be qualified as an expert witness. This individual will be required to work with various states to assist with the training of wildlife law enforcement personnel in evidence collection procedures and new techniques available in the laboratory. The position requires a vast knowledge of DNA, proteins, isoelectric focusing, PCR, mitochondrial DNA, sequencing, and many other scientific analyses. This person must keep up with new scientific advancements in the fields of forensics, molecular ecology, and wildlife biology; therefore, continuing education is extremely important and self-directed. This individual must be able to communicate and share procedures with other wildlife forensic laboratories. This includes attending Society for Wildlife Forensics meetings, participating in a proficiency test issued by the National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory every year, and maintaining wildlife forensic certification through the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science.  

Ability to adhere to the requirements of ANAB (ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board) ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is required, and will assist with new procedure development and validation of the procedures in accordance with accreditation.

These activities/responsibilities and positions are essential to the wildlife forensic program and the Game and Fish Department’s mission. Job descriptions for positions within these different disciplines can be found on the Department’s website at: http://wgfd.wyo.gov/gameandfishjobs/default.aspx.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Perform species identification tests for items received for wildlife forensics cases. Specific techniques include Sanger sequencing.
• Perform sex identification tests for items received for wildlife forensics cases.  Specific techniques include the use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify sections of the sex chromosome of submitted items.
• Perform DNA genotype matching for items received for wildlife forensics cases.  Specific techniques include the use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA.  DNA is visualized using an ABI capillary sequencer.
• Data is analyzed using several specialized computer programs, including MEGA, Genemapper, FSTAT, CERVUS, GenAlEx, and Structure.  DNA genotype matching requires a DNA database of the same species from the same general area.
• Completion of the national proficiency testing program.  This program submits known samples to the lab, which must, in turn, correctly identify the species, sex, and probability of identity for any matching items.
• Skills required to complete these tasks include making reagents, calculating molarities, molecular weights, concentrations, and volumes, pipetting, pouring gels, proper and safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals, setting up PCR, measuring pH, operating several highly specialized computer programs, interpretation of data, data analysis, and statistical interpretation.
• Receiving, storing, and inventorying evidence and standards.
• Maintaining the evidentiary chain of custody to maintain the integrity of evidence used in wildlife forensics cases.
• Sub-sampling evidentiary items for species and DNA analyses.
• Returning/destroying evidentiary items at the conclusion of a case.
• Writing and editing reports for completed casework and any required daily, weekly, monthly, or annual reports regarding work completed by the Forensics Section.
• Implementation of new procedures from the literature not currently in use by the laboratory.
• Maintain lab equipment by cleaning, making, and refilling reagents, servicing instruments when feasible, and ensuring pipettes are calibrated.
• Assist with fish health in the collection and processing of fish and fish tissues for fish health inspections, if needed.
• Assist with tooth aging in the processing of big game teeth, if needed.
• Maintains lab equipment and instruments; inventories and orders needed supplies; directs the preparation and sterilization of glassware and equipment needed for testing.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 

Preference will be given to those applicants who have an M.S. in molecular biology or a related field and experience in forensics.

**Must have a valid driver’s license. 

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of population genetics, population structures, appropriate statistical analyses, and use of the appropriate software.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA and serology, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the use of a Li-cor automated DNA sequencer and the ABI sequencer (or other sequencer).
• Knowledge of several software programs, including Saga, Genemapper, Word, Power Point, Access, Excel, MEGA, eSeq, Align and F-stat is a necessity.
• Skills in working with a pH meter, scales, micro-centrifuges, UV sterilization equipment, thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing equipment (PhastSystem from Pharmacia), hybridization oven, drills, hoods, digital cameras, pick-up truck, Ultra-low freezers, stir plates, UV spectrophotometer (nanodrop), and numerous types and styles of pipettes.
• Requires minimal knowledge of histology, bacteriology, and virology.
• Must be proficient in using aseptic techniques, involves the use of centrifuges, hot plates, incubators, autoclaves, and pipettes.
• Knowledge of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the International Organization of Standards (ISO) requirements and the SWGWILD/ OSAC standard and guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Science) Experience:1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II OR Education & Experience Substitution:4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in a medical or environmental laboratory) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Laboratory Scientist II Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:NoneNecessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Requires the use of hazardous chemicals

NOTES: 

• FLSA:  Exempt
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• Will have to travel in-state and out of state for court appearances, trainings, and meetings.

Supplemental Information

040-Game & Fish Commission – Services Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.