Forensic Science Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $61,000.00 - $70,150.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 26-096
Agency: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: Yes
Class Code:: JC20/JC30
Position Number:: 61055198
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: LAW04
LAW06
Hiring Range - Min.: $61,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $70,150.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must complete the on-line State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, nor will it be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
Residency Requirement (specifics):: Must reside in or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties: Richland or Lexington.
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Work week will be 43 hours, including some evening and weekend hours, subject to emergency call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Special Agent position in our VICE - Alcohol Enforcement Unit in the Midlands region. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a strong desire for public service. Please see the residency requirement for this position.
About SLED
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.
At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.
We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.
Learn more about why you should join our team at
General Responsibility:
Participate in the detection of crime and enforcement of criminal laws. Primarily focus on planning and conducting complete alcohol enforcement criminal and administrative investigations.
Specific Duties:

• Conduct Investigations: Conduct criminal investigations and enforce laws of the State of South Carolina, primarily focused on state statutes and regulations pertaining to alcohol and vice related crimes.
• Support Local Law Enforcement: Participate and assist local law enforcement agencies when requested or assigned by SLED Lieutenant.
• Report Information: Prepare written statements/affidavits and reports of interview from suspects, victims and witnesses to crimes or relevant matters. Prepare accurate and grammatically correct reports of investigative findings and prepare status reports for investigations. Provide oral communications concerning cases and matters for briefing and advise Lieutenant as required. Report statistical information related to assigned cases as required.
• Perform Administrative Tasks: Perform various administrative tasks as required by SLED; prepare and submit daily, input data into SCEIS, and submit weekly schedule to SLED Lieutenant. Maintain accurate case files in assigned investigations. Prepare destruction orders and/or return evidence when cases have been disposed.
• Support Program Areas: Perform various support tasks relating to the SLED. Maintain issued equipment. Participate in the evacuation of persons from areas threatened by actual or impending disaster. Participate in measures to prevent and/or control civil disorder and acts of violence. Participate in training and firearm qualifications. Assist other SLED Units as assigned and perform other duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification through the SC Criminal Justice Academy if not already certified.
• Position will require some evening and weekend hours.
• Subject to overnight travel and twenty-four hour emergency call.
• Must be able to perform all of the physical requirements of a certified Class I LEO including, but is not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of criminals, including physically resistant individuals; performing investigations, inspections, search and seizures, including searching vehicles, buildings, attics, and crawl spaces; working crowd control and security during special events, including protests, marches, concerts, political rallies, and other events; working emergency response during natural disasters and other emergent crises. Must be able to respond 24/7 as needed and able to stand post or take other law enforcement action for long periods of continuous time (12+ hours).

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Class I LEO Certification by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
• Three (3) years of law enforcement experience.

Additional Comments
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.
Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree or will you have a bachelor's degree within 90 days of the posting date?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a current Class I Certified Law Enforcement Officer through the SC Criminal Justice Academy?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have any law enforcement experience? If yes, please describe.
04
Do you reside in or are you willing to relocate to Richland or Lexington County?

• Yes
• No

05
If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $61,000 and $70,150?

• Yes
• No

06
I understand that I must have the ability to obtain Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification through the SC Criminal Justice Academy if I'm not already certified.

• Yes
• No

07
I understand that this position will require some evening/weekend hours, is subject to overnight travel, and 24-hour emergency call.

• Yes
• No

08
As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a background investigation to include: a criminal history check, driving record, history of drug use, employer and personal reference checks?

• Yes
• No

09
As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

10
Have you ever used/experimented with or purchased/sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.
11
I understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent myself may be grounds for disqualification.

• Yes
• No

12
I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

13
Will you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the selection procedures (e.g., interview, written tests, or job demonstrations)? If yes, contact the human resources office of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

• Yes
• No

14
How did you learn about this career opportunity? (Careers.SC.Gov; LinkedIn; Employee Referral; Career Fair; Direct E-Mail; Etc.) Please specify below.
Required Question