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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Science Trainee information

See Colorado salary details

$43.1K

$92.4K

$144.1K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in Colorado is $92,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $116,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic science trainee do?

A Forensic Science Trainee assists experienced forensic scientists in the collection, analysis, and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes. They typically work in laboratories or at crime scenes, learning techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and chemical analysis of substances. Trainees gain hands-on experience while following strict protocols to ensure evidence integrity. Over time, they develop the skills necessary to analyze evidence, write reports, and may eventually testify in court as expert witnesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic science trainee?

To thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling procedures, and standard analytical software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help trainees accurately process evidence and present findings. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice system through reliable scientific analysis.

What types of hands-on training and mentorship can a forensic science trainee expect during their first year?

As a Forensic Science Trainee, you can expect to receive comprehensive hands-on training that includes shadowing experienced forensic scientists, participating in laboratory analysis, and learning to follow strict evidence handling protocols. During your first year, you'll likely rotate through various sections such as DNA, toxicology, or trace evidence, gaining exposure to different forensic techniques. Mentorship is a key part of the role, with senior staff guiding you through casework, quality assurance procedures, and courtroom testimony preparation. This structured approach helps build your technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of chain-of-custody requirements.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Trainee vs Forensic Laboratory Technician?

AspectForensic Science TraineeForensic Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry; training programsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environment, often in labs or crime scenesFull-time lab work, analyzing evidence under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, crime scene unitsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic facilities

In summary, a Forensic Science Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often under supervision. A Forensic Laboratory Technician is a more experienced role responsible for conducting evidence analysis independently. Both roles require relevant degrees, but the trainee position emphasizes training and development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Colorado?

For Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,404 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Senior Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) - Denver, CO

CLFC Healthcare and Communications

Denver, CO • On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Position Reference: 01CLFCT020-SR

About Larned State Hospital

Larned State Hospital. A 78 acre campus and the largest psychiatric facility in the state, serving the western two thirds of Kansas with nearly 1,000 employees and capacity to treat more than 450 patients daily. Accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Position Overview

CLF Consultants LLC is conducting a national search for psychologists on behalf of Larned State Hospital, a State of Kansas psychiatric hospital. The successful candidate is hired directly by Larned State Hospital as a State of Kansas employee with full State benefits, State retirement and paid State holidays. CLFC conducts the national search and supports candidates through presentation, interview, offer and transition into the hospital's onboarding process.

This is a senior clinical role combining direct patient care with supervisory responsibility. The psychologist carries a clinical caseload on an inpatient unit and also provides supervision, case consultation and clinical guidance to other psychology staff and trainees, working inside a multidisciplinary treatment team.

This is inpatient work with a population most outpatient practice never reaches: adults living with serious mental illness, forensic patients, and individuals in court ordered specialized treatment. Practitioners with competency restoration, civil commitment or forensic evaluation experience will find that work here, and practitioners looking to build it will find supervision and case volume that few settings can offer.

Larned State Hospital sits in central Kansas. This is a rural posting, and it is a deliberate one. The caseload is unusually rich, the treatment teams are stable, and the position carries a compensation and benefit package built for a career rather than a rotation. Candidates relocating from outside Kansas are welcomed and are a substantial part of this search.

Larned carries three psychologist levels and this search fills all of them: Licensed Psychologist at $80,000 to $95,000, Senior Psychologist at $95,000 to $125,000, and Supervisory Psychologist at $125,000 to $155,000. Candidates are considered against the level their experience supports, and a separate posting exists for each.

Key Responsibilities
  • Carry a direct clinical caseload of adult inpatients living with serious mental illness, including assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic intervention.
  • Provide clinical supervision, case consultation and professional guidance to psychology staff and trainees.
  • Lead or contribute to forensic evaluation work including competency restoration and civil commitment processes.
  • Serve as a senior clinical voice within multidisciplinary treatment team consultation and case review.
  • Support risk assessment and behavioral management planning across the unit, not only for an individual caseload.
  • Contribute to clinical documentation standards, peer review and quality improvement within the psychology function.
  • Support the education of interns, postdoctoral fellows and junior staff where the position carries that responsibility.
  • Maintain licensure in good standing and complete continuing education requirements, including the hospital's annual on site conference.
Required Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree, PhD or PsyD, in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or another qualifying psychology discipline.
  • Eligibility for licensure as a Psychologist by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Candidates currently licensed in another state who are eligible for Kansas licensure and actively completing the Kansas process are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
  • Experience working with serious mental illness. This is a firm requirement.
  • Ability to obtain employment within a Kansas state psychiatric hospital.
  • Ability to successfully pass all required background investigations and pre employment screening.
  • Ability to perform the position's required on site duties in Larned, Kansas. Some positions may offer hybrid scheduling.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with forensic populations, including competency restoration or civil commitment.
  • Inpatient psychiatric experience, whether in a state hospital, academic medical center, Veterans Affairs facility, or correctional setting.
  • Experience in community mental health, correctional health, or another public sector behavioral health environment.
  • Completion of an APA accredited internship or a postdoctoral fellowship in a forensic or clinical psychology track.
  • Experience contributing to multidisciplinary treatment teams in a licensed inpatient facility.
  • Prior supervisory or lead clinical responsibility for psychology staff, interns or postdoctoral fellows.
Compensation and Engagement Details

This position is compensated as a State of Kansas public service role, and the total package is built differently from a private practice offer. The base salary is one part of it. Alongside it sit State retirement and deferred compensation, full family health coverage, paid leave, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Candidates are encouraged to weigh the position on total value across a career rather than on base salary alone.

  • Base salary. $95,000 to $125,000 annual for the Senior Psychologist level, set by the State of Kansas, commensurate with experience.
  • Federal student loan forgiveness. The hospital is a qualifying public employer for federal student loan forgiveness programs, which may provide substantial long term value for eligible candidates carrying qualifying education debt. Eligibility depends on your loan type, repayment plan and qualifying payment history.
  • Health coverage. Medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, plus additional coverage options, under the State of Kansas employee benefit program.
  • Retirement and deferred compensation. State of Kansas retirement, plus access to State deferred compensation programs.
  • Leave and paid holidays. Sick leave and vacation leave, plus work life balance programs including parental leave, military leave, jury leave and funeral leave, and ten paid State holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, and Christmas.
  • Sign on bonus. A $1,000 sign on bonus paid to new hires six months after the start date.
  • Continuing education. The hospital hosts an annual on site conference carrying continuing education credit for employees, so CE requirements are met without travel or out of pocket cost.
  • Employee discounts and amenities. Employee discounts through the State of Kansas STAR Program. Fitness center access is available at select State locations.
  • Interview travel paid. For candidates invited to an on site visit, the hospital covers lodging and travel including flights and rental vehicle. Meals are not covered. Candidates relocating from out of state are not asked to fund their own interview.
  • Onboarding timeline. Typically 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to start date, driven by background clearance, Kansas licensure where it is not already established, and any notice owed to a current employer.
  • Schedule flexibility. Part time candidates may be considered for some positions, and some positions may be considered for a hybrid schedule. Fully remote is not available.
About CLFC Healthcare and Communications

CLF Consultants is a federal contractor providing healthcare staffing and language access services across U.S. federal, state, and local agencies. Our network of 500+ healthcare professionals and 200+ interpreters supports nationwide coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer.