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Missing Persons Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Developing unit tests with NUnit, xUnit, or other frameworks * Experience with SQL Server 2016 R2 ...

Junior Software Developer

Stafford, VA ยท On-site +1

$66K - $86K/yr

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Develop and maintain unit and integration tests * Actively participate in Agile sprint planning and ...

Jr. Software Developer

Stafford, VA ยท On-site +1

$66K - $86K/yr

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Develop and maintain unit and integration tests * Actively participate in Agile sprint planning and ...

Jr. Software Developer

Stafford, VA

$66K - $86K/yr

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Develop and maintain unit and integration tests * Actively participate in Agile sprint planning and ...

Victim Services Unit

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Police Opening Date: 01/31/2024 Description Holland's Victim Services Unit (VSU) is an organization ... Fires, Traffic Accident, Medical Emergencies, Rapes, Missing Persons, Robberies, Deaths, Drownings ...

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Developing unit tests with NUnit, xUnit, or other frameworks * Experience with SQL Server 2016 R2 ...

Software Developer (Junior)

Stafford, VA ยท On-site +1

$66K - $86K/yr

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Familiarity with writing unit tests and their role in a Continuous Integration environment

... missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA ... Experience with Unit tests and their role in a Continuous Integration environment * Experience with ...

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Missing Persons Unit information

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How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons unit in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Missing Persons Unit?

A Missing Persons Unit is a specialized division within law enforcement agencies dedicated to investigating and locating individuals who have been reported missing. These units collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to gather information, analyze evidence, and coordinate search efforts. They also provide support and resources to the families of missing persons. The primary goal of a Missing Persons Unit is to safely locate missing individuals and resolve their cases as quickly as possible.

What is the difference between Missing Persons Unit vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing Persons UnitMissing Persons Investigator
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement training, criminal justice degree often preferredLaw enforcement background, criminal justice degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, field operations, community outreachField investigations, interviews, case analysis
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, private investigation firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in missing persons casesSpecific investigative responsibilities in missing persons cases

The Missing Persons Unit typically refers to a specialized team within law enforcement focused on locating missing individuals, often involving community outreach and coordination. A Missing Persons Investigator is a role within or associated with this unit, responsible for conducting investigations, interviews, and case analysis. While both roles require law enforcement credentials and work within similar environments, the investigator focuses more on active casework, whereas the unit encompasses broader coordination efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Missing Persons Unit?

Professionals in a Missing Persons Unit often encounter emotionally charged situations, balancing sensitivity with investigative rigor. One common challenge is managing high caseloads while ensuring each case receives adequate attention and resources. Collaborating effectively with law enforcement agencies, social services, and families is crucial to gathering information and leads. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of each case can require flexible hours and adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances.

What does it take to become a missing persons unit investigator?

A missing persons unit investigator typically needs a background in law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and knowledge of case management and evidence collection. Relevant training, such as criminal investigation courses, and proficiency with tools like databases and surveillance are also important. Often, experience in patrol or detective work is required before specializing in missing persons cases.

Is tracking missing persons a real job?

Yes, tracking missing persons is a real job typically performed by law enforcement agencies' Missing Persons Units. These professionals use investigative skills, databases, and sometimes forensic tools to locate individuals and assist in recovery efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, you need a strong background in criminal justice or law enforcement, investigative skills, and often relevant police academy training or degree. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic technologies, and national databases like NCIC is typically required. Strong soft skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication are vital for working with distressed families and coordinating with various agencies. These competencies are crucial for efficiently investigating cases, supporting affected individuals, and increasing the chances of locating missing persons safely.
More about Missing Persons Unit jobs
What cities are hiring for Missing Persons Unit jobs? Cities with the most Missing Persons Unit job openings:
What states have the most Missing Persons Unit jobs? States with the most job openings for Missing Persons Unit jobs include:
Infographic showing various Missing Persons Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit

University of North Texas System

Fort Worth, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit
Job no: 514666
Work type: Staff
Location: Fort Worth
Categories: Data Science
Title: Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit
Employee Classification: Forensic Analyst
Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth
Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation
SubDivision-Department: HSC-Health Institutes & Centers
Department: HSC-Center for Human ID-304600
Job Location: Fort Worth
Salary: Grade 10
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Center for Human Identification (CHI) is an accredited forensic laboratory located on the campus of UNT Health at Fort Worth. With funding from the state of Texas and various Federal Government agencies, CHI supports DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy, anthropological examinations, CODIS operations, forensic training, and cutting-edge research and development initiatives. CHI also manages the Texas Missing Persons DNA Database.
Position Overview
Responsibilities include conducting forensic DNA analysis on samples submitted to CHI for criminal and missing persons investigations to help establish the identity of the individual, maintaining accurate testing and quality control records, and providing legal testimony regarding the methods used and results obtained in the conducted forensic examinations.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or any discipline related to forensic science; and completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Communication skills
  • Works effectively and cooperatively with others
  • Uses critical thinking and logic to solve problems
  • Adjusts to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a forensic DNA lab
  • Experience working with autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA

Required License/Registration/Certifications
Applicant must be able to apply for and obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) before beginning any casework duties.
Job Duties
  • Conduct evidence examination and laboratory tests following all Quality Assurance Manual policies and Procedure Manual guidelines.
  • Perform autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA data analysis, interpretation, genetic comparisons, and report generation.
  • Technical and administrative review of casework.
  • Provide expert witness testimony as required.
  • Maintain proficiency in autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA analysis procedures and data analysis.
  • Complete the required hours of continuing education and review current scientific literature.
  • Participation in various validation and laboratory projects as needed.

Physical Requirements
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
  • Operating machinery and/or power tools.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards
  • Noisy environments.
  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
  • Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.

Work Schedule
M-F, 8:00a-5:00p, with possibility of a flex-schedule
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. โ€ข Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
โ€ข Candidates are required to provide their transcript(s) with application.
โ€ข Employment at the Center for Human Identification is contingent upon your agreement to provide a DNA sample for purposes of quality control to detect sample contamination.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
Advertised: 30 Jul 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:
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