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Entry Level Forensic Investigator Jobs in Boca Raton, FL

Entry Level Forensic Investigator information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$31.3K

$73.5K

$126.2K

How much do entry level forensic investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level forensic investigator in Boca Raton, FL is $73,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an entry level forensic investigator with no experience?

To become an entry-level forensic investigator with no experience, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Gaining skills in evidence collection, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with forensic tools like fingerprint analysis or DNA testing can help, along with internships or volunteer work to build practical experience. Certifications such as the Certified Forensic Science Technician (CFST) can also improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level forensic investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Investigator, you generally need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of scientific principles and investigative procedures. Familiarity with lab equipment, evidence handling protocols, and digital forensic tools such as EnCase or FTK is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of evidence, which are vital for supporting criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

What types of cases and evidence will I typically handle as an entry level forensic investigator?

As an entry level forensic investigator, you'll often work on a variety of cases, including property crimes, assaults, and sometimes assisting with major crime scenes under supervision. Your main responsibilities will include collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, trace materials, and digital evidence. You may also be responsible for preparing detailed reports and supporting more senior investigators during on-site investigations and in the lab. Collaboration with law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and legal professionals is common, providing valuable exposure to multiple aspects of the investigative process.

What qualifications do you need for an entry level forensic investigator?

Entry level forensic investigators typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory techniques, and familiarity with forensic tools and software. Certification such as the Certified Forensic Science Technician (CFST) can enhance job prospects.

Where to start to become an entry level forensic investigator?

To become an entry-level forensic investigator, you should obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in evidence collection and analysis, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Forensic Science Technician can improve job prospects.

What does an entry level forensic investigator do?

An entry level forensic investigator assists in collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes under the supervision of senior investigators. They typically document crime scenes, process evidence in the lab, and prepare reports to support criminal investigations. Their work helps law enforcement solve cases by providing scientific analysis and ensuring that evidence is handled according to legal protocols. Entry level positions often provide on-the-job training and exposure to different types of forensic techniques. Over time, they may specialize in areas such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, or digital forensics.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forensic Investigator vs Forensic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Forensic InvestigatorForensic Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field; certification optional
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, laboratories, courtroomsLaboratories, crime scene processing, evidence handling
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, federal agencies, private labsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, research facilities

While both roles involve working with forensic evidence, Entry Level Forensic Investigators typically conduct crime scene investigations and gather evidence for legal proceedings, whereas Forensic Technicians focus more on laboratory analysis and processing evidence. The roles often overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs in Boca Raton, FL? For Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs in Boca Raton, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs in Boca Raton, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs in Boca Raton, FL are:
What cities near Boca Raton, FL are hiring for Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs? Cities near Boca Raton, FL with the most Entry Level Forensic Investigator job openings:

LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATOR II - 43001843

State of Florida

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$4.9K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 187 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 879485 

Agency: Financial Services

Working Title: LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATOR II - 43001843

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 43001843 

Salary:  $60,000.00 - $63,000.00 (Plus $4,999.80 CAD) 

Posting Closing Date: 08/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

*****OPEN COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY*****

CLASS TITLE: LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATOR II (SWORN INSURANCE FRAUD DETECTIVE)

DIVISION: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

BUREAU: INSURANCE FRAUD

CITY: FT LAUDERDALE

COUNTY: BROWARD

The Criminal Investigations Division encompasses all law enforcement and forensic components residing within the Department of Financial Services. This advertisement is for a Bureau of Insurance Fraud detective.

Click here for additional information about the Department of Financial Services, Criminal Investigations Division.

SPECIAL NOTES:

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, SUBMIT A STATE OF FLORIDA EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION VIA PEOPLE FIRST AND SUBMIT A SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION TO THE FOLLOWING

 

EMAIL ADDRESS: cidhiring@myfloridacfo.com         

 

Click here for Supplemental Application.

This supplemental application MUST be received no later than five (5) business days after the closing date of this advertisement to be considered for this position.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM (SSS) AND REQUIREMENT

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. 

For more information, please visit the Selective Service website.

QUESTIONS:

Job Line Phone number: (850) 413-4063

 

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or its equivalent.

For Law Enforcement Investigator II

  • Three (3) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience*
  • ACTIVE Certified Florida Law Enforcement Officer; or have you completed the Florida Equivalency of Training (CJSTC 76) and are eligible to receive the Law Enforcement Certification in accordance with Section 943.13, Florida Statutes.
  • VALID Driver’s License from the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles by time of employment.

Preference:

  • Special consideration may be given to eligible candidates who have bilingual verbal and written skills that meet a critical need of the agency’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications for this position include the following REQUIRED ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 Communication

  • Displays good written and oral communication skills.
  • Exhibits good mediation and negotiating skills.
  • Documents investigation activity in compliance with DIVISION Policies and Procedures.
  • Complies with all administrative documentation as prescribed by DIVISION Policies and Procedures.
  • Ensures that all reports are logically comprehensive and grammatically correct.
  • Prepares detailed and accurate reports of findings and ensures that they are filed and properly reported.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Exhibits flexibility to respond to change.
  • Exhibits demeanor which is appropriate for the situation.
  • Functions well as a team member.
  • Responds to others using tact and diplomacy.
  • Provides guidance, direction, leadership and motivation to assisting agents, analysts and others as applicable.
  • Displays ethical and responsible behavior.
  • Always conducts daily business in professional manner with respect, quality, service and commitment to excellence.

Training and Proficiency

  • All state-issued equipment is utilized and maintained in a safe and ready manner consistent with AP&P and DIVISION Policies and Procedures.
  • All state-issued and personally approved firearms are maintained and utilized in a safe and proficient manner consistent with DIVISION Policies and Procedures.
  • Applies a working knowledge of current Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, AP&P, DIVISION Policies and Procedures, industry trends, and current case law relevant to all Job-related functions.
  • Successfully completed mandated training programs required by Florida Statute, DFS, and DIVISION.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to new investigators on the requirements and duties associated with the Bureau.
  • Train and instruct public safety personnel and others on State laws, rules and current investigative techniques.

Knowledge of investigative and surveillance principles and techniques. Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Ability to work in dangerous and stressful situations. Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to deal with individuals' critical situations in an effective manner. Ability to gather and preserve evidence.

Ability to describe facts and events accurately. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to analyze and interpret data. Ability to effectively interview suspects, complainants, and witnesses.

*NOTE: Correctional Officer and Correction Probational Officer Certifications DO NOT meet the requirements of the job description.

College education can be substituted at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours per year for a maximum of one year required experience.

Individuals that have less than three years of sworn law enforcement experience may be considered at a Law Enforcement Investigator I, depending upon the agency’s needs.

The Division requires you to live no more than 50 miles from your residence to your assigned duty station (office). The mileage will be determined by geodesic distance (direct line) from their address of residents to the address of their assigned office.

 

Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety. Please read below:

  • Please include the names and phone numbers for the supervisor(s) and/or Human Resource Department for all periods of employment.
  • Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.
  • Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume”.
  • Each field (address, city, and state, dates, phone numbers, etc.) should be completed.
  • If claiming Right to Interview, candidate MUST attach a copy of your official layoff letter when applying.
  • Upon the selection of the top candidate, a current supervisory reference contact will be required.

Experience and education requirements must be met at the time of application submission to be considered.

  

This position requires a security background check, including fingerprint as a condition of employment.

A CAD (Competitive Area Differential) of $4,999.80 will apply only to those applying for positions in the following counties Palm Beach, Broward and Dade.

LEI I Salary $60,000.00

LEI II Salary $63,000.00

 

Employees of the Department of Financial Services are paid on a monthly pay cycle.

 

Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported by the state application and any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation in the answering of the qualifying questions will be cause for immediate elimination from the selection process.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Selection is a three-to-six-month process where the successful applicants MUST PASS the Physical Abilities Test, Oral and Written Exam, CJSTC background prior to beginning.

If selected for an interview, interview will be conducted in person.

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools at any stage of the process is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification for the position. 

Our Salary & Benefits – CAREER SERVICE SPECIAL RISK

  • Paid holidays, vacation and one personal holiday
  • Ability to earn up to 104 hours of paid annual leave as a new employee
  • Ability to earn up to 104 hours of paid sick leave annually
  • Pension and investment retirement plan options (MyFRS)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts
  • Tax deferred medical and childcare reimbursement accounts
  • State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program (must be accepted by a Florida colleges/universities)
  • Public Service Student Forgiveness Program (PSLF) - (Eligibility required)

https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/public-service-application-for-forgiveness.pdf 

  • $25,000.00 in automatic life insurance coverage
  • Affordable health insurance options starting as low as $50.00 per month for individuals or $180 per month for family
  • Multiple supplemental insurance options including dental, vision, disability and more

CLICK HERE FOR TOTAL COMPENSATION ESTIMATOR

PAY ADDITIVES AND COMPETITIVE AREA DIFFERENTIAL (CAD)

  • Criminal Justice Incentive Pay - up to $1,560 annually
  • Clothing allowance up to $500.00 annually
  • Take home car - approximately $10,000.0 in savings annually
  • Specialty pay additives: FTO

Programs

  • Participation in state and federal task forces
  • Community Outreach
  • Honor Guard
  • Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST)

 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Incumbent of position is a member of DFS’ Disaster Response Team and, in that capacity, may be required on short notice to perform duties and necessary attendant travel in support of disaster relief efforts.

The duties of this position require a constituted law enforcement officer subject to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The incumbent is required to bear firearms.  The incumbent is required to maintain certification as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Chapter 943, Florida Statutes.

Investigative Activities 

  • Conduct extensive investigations. Responsibilities to include following up on leads, conducting interviews, executing search warrants, making arrests.
  • Conduct follow-up latent investigations, interviewing witnesses and interrogation of suspects as appropriate in order to secure background information on suspect(s).
  • Identify and arrest criminal suspects.  Prepare and present information and evidence to the prosecuting attorney.
  • Provide expert testimony at legal proceedings and assists in preparation of witnesses, victim, and evidence for use by the prosecution.
  • Identifies, recruits, documents and supervises confidential sources as per Division Policies and Procedures.
  • Collects, seizes, protects, maintains, transports and documents evidence consistent with statutes, current case law, and Division Policies and Procedures.
  • Displays sound surveillance techniques and undercover capabilities as needed.
  • Provides investigative support to Division personnel and to other public safety entities.
  • Applies diverse knowledge and research methods.
  • Development of strategic and tactical intelligence.
  • Monitors arrests, prosecutions and forfeitures.  Maintains liaison with Prosecutor.
  • Conduct thorough background investigations on potential Department employees. 
  • Establish and maintain liaison with other entities.
  • Performs disaster related duties as requested.

Planning and Organizing 

  • Provides complete and accurate collection of data/information, evaluation and dissemination.

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