1

Forensic Scientist I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Scientist I information

See salary details

$36.5K

$79.4K

$137.5K

How much do forensic scientist i jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic scientist i in the United States is $79,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Forensic Scientist I do?

A Forensic Scientist I is an entry-level professional who analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes in a laboratory setting. Their duties often include collecting, preserving, and analyzing samples such as hair, fibers, bodily fluids, or other materials. They use scientific techniques and specialized equipment to help law enforcement solve crimes by providing accurate and objective results. Additionally, they may prepare detailed reports and sometimes testify in court about their findings.

What are some common challenges faced by a Forensic Scientist I when handling evidence in the laboratory?

As a Forensic Scientist I, one common challenge is maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of evidence throughout the analysis process. You must follow strict protocols to avoid contamination and ensure that evidence is stored, handled, and documented properly. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and balancing multiple cases can be demanding, requiring excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals is also frequent, so clear communication and precise record-keeping are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Scientist I, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist I, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or a related science, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a natural science field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, evidence analysis software, and chain-of-custody procedures is essential, and certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate and reliable analysis of evidence, clear reporting, and integrity throughout the investigative process.
What cities are hiring for Forensic Scientist I jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Scientist I job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Scientist I jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Scientist I jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist I job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,408 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
Forensic Scientist III OR Forensic Scientist II

Forensic Scientist III OR Forensic Scientist II

Broward County Sheriff's Office

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$72K - $129K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Broward County Sheriff's Office rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 36 rated police


Job description

Minimum Requirements Current vacancy is for Forensic Scientist III. Candidates who meet the qualifications for a Forensic Scientist II may also be considered if the position is not filled after processing all of the Forensic Scientist III candidates. The vacancy exists within the Crime Lab, specifically in the Latent Print Unit.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS Unofficial college transcripts are required at the time of application and must be attached to your on-line application. Applications cannot be submitted without attached transcripts. Forensic Scientist III Requirements: Salary: $79,674.92 - $129,781.54 Must be a United States Citizen at time of application

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, criminalistics, or closely related field. Master's degree preferred. Additional coursework may be necessary.

Minimum three (3) years at the Forensic Scientist II level; or five (5) years journey level experience in latent print examination with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g., International Association for Identification (IAI). Successful completion of the ANAB Internal Auditor Training Course, or ANAB Assessor Training Course for Testing Laboratories or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director. Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and Advanced Latent Print Comparison Courses

Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic analysis of latent print evidence is required. Forensic Scientist II Requirements: Salary: $72,301.92 - $118,898.75 Must be a United States Citizen at time of application. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, or closely related field; Additional coursework may be necessary

Successful completion of an in-house training program as a Forensic Scientist I, as determined by Crime Lab Command, that incorporates progressively responsible journey level experience in area of assignment; or a minimum of two (2) years journey level experience in latent print examination, with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and basic Fingerprint Classification and Comparison Courses or equivalent. Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic examination of latent print evidence is required. Nature of Work Forensic Scientist III: Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to prepare and analyze chemical and evidentiary samples in criminal identification and investigations in the Crime Laboratory of the Broward Sheriff's Office.

As an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory employees in this position must adhere to accreditation standards encompassing extensive case documentation, validation of procedures, technical and administrative review of reports and case notes, etc. In addition, employees are required to participate in external proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, continued technical training, quality audits, and accreditation inspections by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or other accrediting bodies. Employees function in a senior level status performing advanced laboratory techniques for the most complex cases.

Position exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in the conduct of duties, referring unique or unusual, situations to the Crime Lab Technical Leader/Crime Lab Unit Manager for review and advisement. Employees in this classification may perform lead worker duties within the area of assignment under the supervision of the Crime Lab Unit Manager. Position is responsible for the formal reporting of and testifying to the findings of such analysis.

Performs related work as directed. Forensic Scientist II: Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to prepare and analyze chemical and evidentiary samples in criminal identification and investigations in the Crime Laboratory of the Broward Sheriff's Office. As an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, employees in this position must adhere to accreditation standards encompassing extensive case documentation, validation of procedures, technical and administrative review of reports and case notes, etc.

In addition, employees are required to participate in external proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, continued technical training, quality audits, and accreditation inspections by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or other accrediting bodies. Employees function in a journey level status performing moderately complex casework under the supervision of the Crime Lab Unit Manager. Position is responsible for the formal reporting of and testifying to the findings of such analysis.

Performs related work as directed. Essential Functions/Physical Requirements Forensic Scientist III: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.

The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latent prints recovered from crime scenes. Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas.

Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks. Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples. Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.

Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable. Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable. Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework.

Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court. Performs validations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures. Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations.

Provides training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards. May assist in conducting internal audits within the Crime Laboratory as directed. May act in the Crime Lab Technical Leader's or Crime Lab Unit Manager's absence as directed.

Performs related duties as directed. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence

Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Forensic Scientist II: Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latten prints recovered from crime scenes.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas. Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks. Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples.

Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned. Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable. Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.

Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework. Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court. Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.

Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations. May provide training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards. Performs related duties as directed.

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection.

Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Recruitment Information Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks.

Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

If you encounter issues with your application and need technical assistance, please contact Applicant Support (GovernmentJobs.com) from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday - Friday. You can reach them by phone at 855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail

If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Applicant Support for any inquiries.


What Broward County Sheriff's Office employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom