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Entry Level Forensic Science Jobs in Springfield, VA

Entry Level Forensic Science information

What Are Entry-Level Forensic Science Jobs?

Entry-level forensic science jobs combine the work of many fields, including chemical and biological analysis, crime scene investigation, laboratory technician work, and medical examination. If you are a CSI forensic scientist, for example, your responsibilities are to help with criminal investigations by collecting evidence at the scene of a crime and analyzing it. Your duties include searching for fingerprints, bagging evidence that might have DNA on it, photographing the scene with special cameras, and taking every sample to a lab to investigate further. Upon analysis, you report your findings to investigators.

What types of cases or evidence might an entry-level forensic scientist typically work with, and how is workload usually managed?

As an entry-level forensic scientist, you may primarily handle routine evidence such as biological samples (like blood or hair), trace materials, or fingerprints from property crimes and less complex cases. Workload is generally managed through a structured case assignment system, with more experienced analysts overseeing your progress. You'll likely work as part of a team, collaborating closely with law enforcement officers, senior scientists, and laboratory technicians. This collaborative environment helps ensure evidence is processed accurately and in a timely manner, while also providing valuable opportunities for on-the-job learning and mentorship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or a related science, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a similar field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence analysis techniques, and software such as chromatography and DNA analysis tools is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written communication skills help you excel in documenting findings and collaborating with law enforcement. These competencies ensure accurate, reliable evidence analysis that is crucial for supporting criminal investigations and judicial processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forensic Science vs Entry Level Crime Scene Technician?

AspectEntry Level Forensic ScienceEntry Level Crime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in forensic science, biology, or chemistryBachelor's in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime labs, forensic labsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Forensic Science professionals typically work in laboratories analyzing evidence, requiring degrees in forensic science or related fields. Entry Level Crime Scene Technicians often work at crime scenes, collecting evidence and documenting the scene, with similar educational backgrounds. Both roles support law enforcement but differ mainly in work environment and specific duties.

How do I start a career in forensic science?

To start a career in forensic science, obtain a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Gaining laboratory skills, understanding criminal justice, and earning certifications like the ASQ Forensic Certification can improve job prospects; internships or entry-level lab positions also provide valuable experience.

What are entry level forensic science jobs?

Entry level forensic science jobs are positions designed for individuals new to the forensic field, often recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field. These roles typically include laboratory technicians, evidence technicians, or assistant forensic analysts, and involve tasks such as collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Entry level positions provide hands-on training and experience, serving as a foundation for advancing to more specialized or senior forensic roles.
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Forensic Science jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Forensic Science jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Entry Level Forensic Science jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Entry Level Forensic Science job openings:

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMission\r\nstatement: To transform young people's lives, create safer communities,\r\nand forge more equitable systems through community-based partnerships that hold\r\nyouth accountable while building on their strengths and support systems.\r\nVision\r\nStatement: Providing pathways to success for youth and families through\r\npartnerships across Maryland.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD18\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

\r\n\r\n\r\nPositions are located throughout the State of Maryland. This recruitment is continuous and does not close. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and the resulting eligible list will be used to fill current and future vacancies at the locations listed below. When completing your application, please select all locations where you are willing to work.\r\n\r\n\r\nWork Locations:\r\n\r\n\r\nGreen Ridge Youth Center - Allegany County\r\n10700 15 Mile Creek Road\r\nFlintstone, MD 21530\r\n\r\n\r\nBaltimore City Juvenile Justice Center - Baltimore City\r\n300 N Gay Street\r\nBaltimore, MD 21202\r\n\r\n\r\nCharles H. Hickey, Jr. School - Baltimore\r\nCounty\r\n9700 Old Harford Road\r\nBaltimore, MD 21234\r\n\r\n\r\nVictor Cullen Center - Frederick County\r\n6000 Cullen Drive\r\nSabillasville, MD 21780\r\n\r\n\r\nBackbone Mountain Youth Center - Garrett County\r\n124 Camp 4 Road\r\nSwanton, MD 21561\r\n\r\n\r\nCheltenham Youth Detention Center - Prince\r\nGeorge's County\r\n11003 Frank Tippett Road\r\nCheltenham, MD 20623\r\n\r\n\r\nWestern Maryland Children's Center - Washington County\r\n18420 Roxbury Road\r\nHagerstown, MD 21740\r\n\r\n\r\nLower Eastern Shore Children's Center - Wicomico County\r\n405 W Naylor Mill Road\r\nSalisbury, MD 21801\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

\r\n\r\nJoin Us in Making a Difference at DJS!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Maryland Department of\r\nJuvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating\r\nsafer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate\r\nindividuals for the role of Social\r\nWorker Advanced, Criminal Justice, so come join our team and make a\r\nmeaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS!\r\n\r\n\r\nA Social Worker Advanced, Criminal Justice is the advanced\r\nlevel of professional social work providing expert clinical and therapeutic\r\nsocial work services in behavioral health to the most clinically demanding\r\nyouth involved with the Department of Juvenile Services.\r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers. \r\nExperience: Three years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic or other social work services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling or forensic social work services. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited college or universityfor up to one year of the required experience.\r\n2.Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military serviceexperience at the rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as acommissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Workspecialty codes in Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields ofwork for the required experience.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\nExperience providing clinical services to an adolescent population with mental health or substance abuse issues is preferred.\r\n\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees are required to be licensed as a Certified Social Worker-Clinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained, submit a copy to the hiring department. \r\n2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the hiring department. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal. \r\n2. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques. \r\n3. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center. \r\n4. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services must qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. \r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your completed application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.Candidates will remain on the certified eligible list for one (1) year. The resulting certified eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill similar positions of the same classification in this or other State agencies.\r\n

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position's requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire.\r\nPlease complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnairemustcorrespond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application.\r\nIf you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

\r\nThe online application process is recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, you may submit a completed paper application and supplemental questionnaire responses via email or fax to the addresses provided below. If using fax or regular mail, ensure each page includes your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number (located at the top of the posting), and the last four digits of your SS#. Paper application materialsmustbe received by 5:00 PM on the closing date for the recruitment. Applications received after this time, or those with incorrect forms, will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be considered.\r\n\r\n\r\nMaryland Department of Juvenile Services\r\nOHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit\r\n217 E. Redwood Street\r\nBaltimore, MD 21202\r\nAttn:Recruitment #24-002005-0001\r\nFax number 410-333-4188\r\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\nShould additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit atdjs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.\r\n\r\n\r\nAs an equal-opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n\r\n\r\nDJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.\r\n\r\n\r\nBilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time