Forensic Scientist (Latent Prints)

Position Duties, Experience Requirements, and Compensation

Forensic Scientist: $29.44 – $44.16 ($61,235 - $91,852 annualized)

• Job Description: Performs specialized forensic examinations of submitted evidence in at least one forensic science discipline. Carries out a range of professional forensic assignments, conducts scientific testing, interprets test results, forms conclusions, prepares technical reports, provides scientific consultation, and testifies as an expert witness in a court of law.
• Experience Requirements: Successful completion of a training program with demonstrated competency within the relevant forensic discipline and one year of experience in a forensic laboratory as a Forensic Technician or Forensic Scientist.

Senior Forensic Scientist: $32.23 – $48.35 ($67,038 - $100,568 annualized)

• Job Description: Performs specialized forensic examinations of submitted evidence in at least one forensic science discipline. Carries out a range of professional forensic scientist assignments, exercising considerable independent judgment regarding complex/nontraditional casework. Conducts scientific testing, interprets test results, forms conclusions, prepares technical reports, provides scientific consultation, and testifies as an expert witness in a court of law.
• Experience Requirements: Successful completion of a training program with demonstrated competency within the relevant forensic discipline and five years of independent forensic casework in the relevant discipline.

General Duties in Latent Prints - In addition to the above descriptions, the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Examining developed latent prints utilizing the ACE-V process.
• Processing evidence, utilizing various chemical and physical methods, to develop latent prints.
• Utilizing local and national finger/palm print databases.
• Performing technical and administrative review of case data.
• Documenting and performing casework dutiesin accordance with laboratory procedures with< minimal errors and no patterns of deficiencies.
• Participating in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols.
• Performing maintenance, and complex troubleshooting of equipment, and software to ensure the integrity of testing.
• Rigorously following allsafety manuals, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Performing quality assurance/quality control procedures of reagents, equipment, and instrumentation as necessary.
• Assisting in ensuring conformance to laboratory accreditation standards.
• Attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and professional meetings as time and resources allow.
• Participating in method validation/verification studies as needed.
• Presenting information regarding crime scene processing and evidence collection techniques to law enforcement and/or citizens.
• Providing expert testimony in courts of law as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science, forensic science, or other relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Latent Print Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Pre-employment Requirements

• If selected for a position you must submit and pass a polygraph examination, extensive background check, drug screen, and psychological interview prior to starting employment.
• You will also be required to provide a known DNA sample for quality assurance purposes.

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