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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Science Trainee information

See New York salary details

$44.9K

$96.1K

$149.9K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in New York is $96,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in New York? The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in New York are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs? Cities in New York with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,140 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Investigative Specialist 1, (Manhattan), Box OP-1990/21756

New York State

Manhattan, NY

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Office of the Professions is seeking candidates for an Investigative Specialist 1 position in the Office of Professional Discipline-Investigations (OPD). Under the supervision of an Investigative Specialist 2 (Professional Conduct), the Investigative Specialist 1 will investigate allegations of professional misconduct by professionals licensed by NYSED pursuant to applicable statutes, rules and/or regulations. Additional duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Investigate unlawful practice of a profession by an unlicensed person, the moral character of an individual seeking licensure, or the background of former licensed professionals who are seeking reinstatement of their professional licenses; Prepare detailed investigative reports of the activities undertaken pursuant to his or her assignments and maintain the chain of custody with respect to evidentiary items; Conduct pharmacy inspections; and Assist other program areas within OPD.

Minimum Qualifications Reassignment: Candidates must have one year of permanent non-competitive service as an Investigative Specialist 1. Non-Competitive Appointment: This title includes a traineeship opportunity, and applicants will be appointed to the appropriate level based on their experience and education as follows: Investigative Specialist 1 appointment level requirements: Investigative Specialist Trainee 1, NS (equated to SG-14): four years of investigative experience* OR an associate degree and two years of investigative experience* OR a bachelor's degree or higher Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (equated to SG-16): five years of investigative experience* OR an associate degree and three years of investigative experience* OR a bachelor's degree or higher and one year of investigative experience*. Investigative Specialist 1, SG-18: six years of qualifying experience** OR an associate's degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND four years of qualifying experience;**OR a bachelor's or higher degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND two years of qualifying experience.** *Investigative Experience is defined as gathering and securing information and evidence from a variety of sources through independent, non-structured activities including the preparation and submission of detailed narrative reports describing the method of gathering the evidence and the results of the investigations

Experience in auditing, interviewing, building security surveillance, traffic enforcement, or performing routine inspections or surveys will NOT be considered investigative experience. **Qualifying Experience: Experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings. Types of Investigative experience that could be considered qualifying: Experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, and investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications.

Examples of Non-Qualifying Investigative Experience includes but may not be limited to: Experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement. Additional Comments This will be a contingent permanent, non-competitive appointment. Promotions and transfers may change appointees' negotiating unit.

Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree and/or work experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office.

This position will require 80% in-state/Statewide travel. This position may be filled as a traineeship. The starting salaries for this position are outlined below.

For current New York State employees, salary is based on the candidate's salary at the time of hire. Candidates appointed at the trainee level will be required to successfully complete the traineeship to advance to the full performance level title and salary. Current starting salaries: $53,764 (Investigative Specialist Trainee 1- NS equated to SG-14) $59,994 (Investigative Specialist Trainee 2- NS equated to SG-16) $66,951 (Full Performance level SG-18) This position leads to a maximum salary of $85,138 based on annual performance advances.

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. Based on the position location, in addition to the listed base salary, the position also receives a $4,000 Downstate Adjustment.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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