Forensic Scene Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location : Central Complex, 2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00412
Department: Forensics
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 3:00 PM Eastern
Hiring Salary: STARTING SALARY: $67,059yr. - $103,022/yr. Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, and /or experience.
JOB SUMMARY
STARTING SALARY: $67,059yr. - $103,022/yr. Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, and /or experience.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
**Work is generally performed during regular business hours. However, the employee will regularly be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, or extended shifts. Must be available for twenty-four (24) hour call out. **
Supervises and coordinates the activities of Crime Scene Investigators of the Orange County Sheriff's Office Forensics Unit. Duties broadly include collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, and analysis of various forms of evidence, and the direct supervision of employees who perform such duties. #oj
Minimum Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card.
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
• No illegal drug usage within the past year. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher from an accredited four-year college or university in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field AND at least four (4) years of related experience in Crime Scene Investigations, Forensic Laboratory work, or other forensic disciplines, including a minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience in these areas.
• All applicants must successfully complete the Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam (internal applicants during the selection process; external applicants during the hiring process).
• If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows:
  • Four (4) years of direct experience for a Bachelor's Degree
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license. Must be able to obtain and maintain an FCIC/NCIC limited access certificate. Must be a member of and have the qualifications to obtain certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI).
• Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) Training. Use of agency vehicle requires appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver's physical exam.
• Upon selection, must complete and pass a psychological evaluation prior to employment with Orange County Sheriff's Office. Must be a Public Notary within six (6) months of employment
• Responds to and processes various crime scenes by searching for, documenting the location of, collecting, preserving, analyzing, packaging, and preparing evidence for presentation in court, such as: paint, glass, printed matter, paper, ink, fabric, dust, dirt, combustible gases, hair, skin, blood, bones, human organs, human tissue, semen, urine, feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, narcotics, firearms and related materials, fingerprints, shoe/tire tracks, and currency. Performs a variety of analytical examinations, such as processing the crime scene and related evidence using chemicals, powders, light source enhancement and other methods. Serves as the scene analyst for major case crime scene investigations. Completes photograph referrals, photographs and prints of dead persons at morgue.
• Above listed items have the potential to contain organic or inorganic contaminants to include carcinogens, disease, combustibles, chemical hazards, and blood borne pathogens. Based on SDS (Safety Data Sheet), these processes may contain health-damaging properties that are corrosive, combustible, carcinogenic, respiratory irritants, nervous system irritants, eye and skin irritants, and blood toxins. 35% of workload
• Prepares reports and presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions. 10% of workload
• Processes and reconstructs crime scenes to include trajectory analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and diagramming of the scene. 5% of workload
• Submits evidence to the Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other appropriate laboratories. 2% of workload
• Analyzes or resolves work problems. 2% of workload
• Testifies in court hearings about work performed, which may require testifying on behalf of work performed by subordinates. 1% of workload
• Must have the ability to utilize discretion and independent judgment in performing essential job functions and by operating independently regarding matters of significance on a daily basis, including handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Must have the ability to express, apply, and demonstrate thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal legislative, regulatory, and judicial requirements; and Sheriff's Office organizational, operational, and administrative policy and procedures.
• Must have the ability to identify problem areas when out of compliance with established standards and recommend changes to regain compliance as needed.
• Must possess leadership, supervisory/management, interpersonal, project management, and organization and planning skills.
• Must have the ability to build working relationships at all levels within the organization, lead with integrity, and work under pressure.
• Must have the ability to deal with upset and/or irate citizens and employees.
• Must also possess advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, professional journals, technical procedures, financial reports, and legal documents or governmental regulations.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must have intermediate computer skills to include word processing, presentation, calendar/scheduling, spreadsheet, and database applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
• Must have the ability to learn and utilize specialized applications and informational systems (e.g., DataWorks, ANDE, NIBIN) and use the Internet to research information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains knowledge of and competencies in Forensic disciplines, technologies, best practices, and advancements through certifications, trainings, etc. Maintains inventory control of Crime Scene Investigation equipment, tools, etc. Identifies team needs and reports to management to assist in ordering supplies. Performs quality assurance measures on equipment and chemicals used for processing items of evidence. Develops and maintains procedures, protocols, and work instructions. Assesses potential risks and develops appropriate mitigation plans. Reviews current Crime Scene Investigation procedures and discipline advancements to provide recommendations to improve practices. Ensures Crime Scene Investigation procedures comply with high quality standards, applicable policies, and safety regulations for operational efficiency.
• Supervisory responsibilities also include interviewing and assisting with selection of employees; training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Directly supervises one or more individuals in Crime Scene Investigation who spend at least 65% of their time performing special risks duties as described by the Florida Retirement Service. These duties include: collection, preservation, documentation, examination, preparation, and disposition of physical evidence and found property to include biohazard evidence, human tissues or fluids, firearms, and narcotics that may have carcinogenic or health damaging properties such as chemical contamination, air/blood borne pathogens, bodily excretions, or contagious diseases; as well as the use of chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of such evidence. 45% of workload

PROCESSING & TRAINING
ADDITIONAL PROCESSING:

• Some positions, depending on the responsibilities, may require the candidate to successfully pass a physical or other selection processes when needed.
• Please upload a copy of your resume that is no longer than two (2) pages in length to your application

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle to feel. They occasionally are required to stand, walk, sit, reach with their hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, or balance; talk and hear. They must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed during regular business hours. However, the employee will regularly be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, or extended shifts. Must be available for twenty-four (24) hour call out.
The work environment is usually a standard office setting with a moderate noise level. However, the employee will be exposed to a wide range of conditions, many of which are unpleasant and/or hazardous. The employee will be exposed to potentially health-damaging conditions, such as infectious or contagious diseases, carcinogenic substances, allergenic substances, insects and/or animals. The employee will be exposed to weather conditions and various terrains. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions (non-weather) and risk of exposure to vibration or radiation. May be occasionally required to work near moving mechanical parts or in high, precarious places. May be required to package or handle biohazardous fluids and material or explosive materials.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Orange County Sheriff's Office may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
All full-time employees of the Orange County Sheriff's Office receive an excellent benefits and compensation package.

• Sheriff contributes majority of cost for medical coverage
• Life insurance and long term disability insurance is provided by Sheriff; employees may elect to purchase additional coverage
• Retirement benefits are provided by the Florida Retirement System
• Uniforms, weapons, and other equipment furnished
• Education incentive and reimbursement programs
• 12 vacation days per year/accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• Sick time accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Gym facilities in many agency buildings

01
You must be at least 18 years of age to work in a non-law enforcement capacity. If applying for a non-law enforcement position, are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a United States citizen or do you possess a valid permanent resident alien card?

• I am a United States citizen
• I am not a United States citizen, but I do possess a valid permanent resident alien card
• I am neither a United States citizen nor do I possess a valid permanent resident alien card

03
If you possess a permanent resident alien card, please provide the issue date, expiration date and the category code.
04
Do you have any tattoos or body ornamentation on the hands, head, neck, or face?

• Yes
• No

05
Please provide the description(s) and location(s) of ALL tattoos / body ornamentation(s)?
06
Do you possess a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you able to read, write and fluently speak English?

• Yes
• No

08
Are there any languages other than English that you can read, write, or speak fluently?

• Yes
• No

09
Please provide the other languages you can read, write, or speak fluently. Enter each language on a separate line and beside each enter whether you read, write, or speak the language fluently.
10
If you have a driver's license, what is your driver's license # and the state of issuance? Enter N/A if you have no driver's license.
11
Have you had a driver's license for at least one (1) year