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Latent Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Innovations

Latent Print Examiner

Clarksburg, WV · On-site

Are you an experienced latent print examiner who is looking for a new opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high throughput environment that presents daily challenges to allow you to fully utilize ...

AVER

Latent Print Examiner

Springfield, VA · Hybrid

Compare latent prints to known prints and make conclusions- must possess hands on practical experience with latent print examination, comparison and identification * Examine digital images and ...

AVER

Senior Latent Print Examiner

Springfield, VA · Hybrid

AVER is hiring experienced Senior Latent Print Examiners focused on critical mission support biometric services within DHS. This group delivers and manages all deployed identity services and ensures ...

Ideal Innovations

Biometric Examiner

Clarksburg, WV · On-site

Looking for a new opportunity to apply your fingerprint (latent print or tenprint), facial, or iris examination experience in a fast-paced environment in support of the Department of Defense (DoD ...

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How much do latent examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for latent examiner in the United States is $63,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a latent examiner?

Latent examiners are forensic professionals who analyze and compare fingerprint evidence, specifically latent prints, which are impressions left unintentionally on surfaces at crime scenes. They use various scientific methods and technologies to identify, evaluate, and match these prints to known individuals, aiding law enforcement in criminal investigations. Latent examiners also document their findings, prepare detailed reports, and may testify as expert witnesses in court. Their work is crucial in linking suspects to crime scenes and helping to solve cases.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a latent examiner?

To thrive as a Latent Examiner, you need strong knowledge of forensic science, fingerprint identification, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by specific training or certification. Familiarity with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), digital imaging software, and laboratory protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accurate identification of latent prints, support criminal investigations, and uphold the integrity of the justice system.

What challenges do latent examiners face when analyzing fingerprint evidence, and how are they addressed?

Latent Examiners often face challenges such as poor quality or partial prints, overlapping impressions, and environmental damage to evidence. To address these issues, Examiners use a variety of enhancement techniques, such as digital imaging and chemical processing, to clarify details. Collaboration with other forensic specialists and continuous training in new methodologies also help ensure accurate and reliable results. Teamwork and adherence to strict protocols are essential for minimizing errors and upholding the integrity of the evidence.

What is the difference between Latent Examiner vs Fingerprint Examiner?

AspectLatent ExaminerFingerprint Examiner
CredentialsForensic science degree, certification in fingerprint analysisForensic science degree, fingerprint analysis certification
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agenciesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageCrime scene analysis, forensic investigationsFingerprint analysis, criminal investigations
Common Search IntentLatent fingerprint analysis, forensic fingerprint workFingerprint comparison, fingerprint identification

Latent Examiners and Fingerprint Examiners both work in forensic laboratories and require similar credentials. The main difference is that Latent Examiners focus on analyzing unseen or hidden fingerprints (latent prints), while Fingerprint Examiners primarily compare and identify visible fingerprint patterns. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations and often overlap in work environment and industry usage.

How do I become a latent examiner?

To become a latent examiner, typically one needs a background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, along with specialized training in fingerprint analysis and latent print examination. Certification from organizations like the International Association for Identification (IAI) can enhance job prospects, and experience in law enforcement or forensic laboratories is often required. The role involves working in a controlled environment, using microscopes and chemical processing techniques to analyze fingerprint evidence.

How much do latent fingerprint examiners make?

Latent fingerprint examiners typically earn a median annual salary between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in forensic laboratories or law enforcement agencies and require specialized training in fingerprint analysis and certification.
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Cities with the most Latent Examiner job openings:

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Latent Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Latent Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,886 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Latent Print Examiner

Ideal Innovations

Clarksburg, WV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Highlights:
  • Are you an experienced latent print examiner who is looking for a new opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high throughput environment that presents daily challenges to allow you to fully utilize your latent print examination experience as well as your multitasking ability? Are you interested in applying these unique technical skills daily in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Warfighter? If so, the Latent Print Examiner position on the Ideal Innovations, Inc. Department of the Army Criminal Investigative Division (DACID) Examination Services Support (ESS) contract is the perfect position for you.
  • Working within a unique 100% digital environment, the Latent Print Examiners on the ESS contract work both independently and often as a team to work through individual latent print requests and/or routine casework.
  • The ESS Latent Print Examiner position is unique because of the unique mission that it serves. Given that the operation is a 100% digital operation, the ESS Latent Print Examiners play an important role in supporting DoD customers to search latent prints through DoD ABIS and often perform complex examinations on extremely fragmented friction ridge detail impressions. This requires experienced latent print examiners to transform and utilize previously learned non-digital comparison skills into a digital environment. The ESS Latent Print Examiners also are trained to perform facial and iris examinations in order to help serve on the ESS biometric operations as necessary.
  • You will be working on the front lines, performing latent print examinations, comparisons, and effecting identifications to help serve the DoD Warfighter and protect the United States of America.
  • ESS Latent Print Examiner candidates will have the opportunity to hone their skills in using the Microsoft Office Suite and Windows through day-to-day operational work. You will have the opportunity to hone Adobe Photoshop and FBI ULW skills to format and encode latent print images for searching purposes. The ESS Latent Print Examiner will receive unique training to become competent in performing facial and iris examinations.

Typical Day:
The DACID Biometric Operations Department (BOD) Examination Services section is a 100% digital operation. Therefore, the typical day for a Latent Print Examiner consists of working on a Windows 10 computer performing latent print examinations and comparisons as part of completing internal DACID BOD and/or external customer requests and casework.
Tasks:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Examination of processed latent fingerprint and evaluation of their quality for entry into the DoD Enterprise ABIS and other Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
  • Preparation of latent prints for entry into the ABIS/NGI through digital imaging techniques to enhance and maintain integrity of the images.
  • Employ encoding strategies to prepare latent print search files for automated searches.
  • Manually compare latent prints with candidate prints provided from ABIS/NGI to eliminate individuals or effect positive identifications.
  • Utilize a case management/database portal system to properly document case notes and metrics as well as prepare reports to communicate results to the submitting customer.
  • Monitor queue applications to resolve Unsolved Latent Matches (ULMs).
  • Maintain digital Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs).
  • Provide tenprint/facial/iris examination support, as necessary, to the ESS Biometric Examiner operation.
  • Verification of all latent print identifications.

Required Qualifications:
  • Education and Experience Requirements:
    • Doctorate, Masters or Bachelors degree and 6 years related work experience OR Associate degree and 8 years related work experience, OR
    • High School diploma and 10 years of related work experience.
  • Must possess excellent/written communication and good decision-making skills, be customer and detail-oriented.
  • Must be trained to competency as a latent print examiner. Possess AFIS experience.
  • Intermediate level competency in Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is a necessity.
  • Must be able to successfully pass proficiency testing prior to and periodically during employment with the company.
  • Be willing to work shifts (10-12 hours) based on a 24/7, 365 days a year schedule to include nights.
  • Must be willing to relocate or commute to the Clarksburg, WV area.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Current certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI) (Not required at the point of employment but must be successfully obtained within 1 year of eligibility).
  • Experience using Universal Latent Workstation (ULW).

Physical Job Requirements: Meet the physical demands of working in a general office environment to include long hours working at a computer, either sitting or standing.
Work Shift Flexibility:
  • Be willing to work shifts (10-12 hours) based on a 24/7, 365 days a year schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Candidates will have the option of working either 10- or 12-hour days for an indefinite period of time depending on coverage requirements.
  • Shift times are flexible and are up to the discretion of management based on the needs of the operation:
    1. Day: 5a-5p, 5a-3p or 7a-5p
    2. Afternoon: 1p-1a, 3p-3a
    3. Evening: 5p-5a, 5p-3a, 7p-5a
    4. Rotating or set shifts? No rotation; primarily set shifts

Citizenship: US Citizenship is required.
Clearance: ability to obtain/maintain US Secret clearance required.
Location: Clarksburg, WV
Apply: Online at https://www.idealinnovations.com/careers
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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