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State Crime Lab Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

MedSpeed

Medical Delivery Driver

Lincoln, NE

$17/hr

... criminal background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review. All results are evaluated in accordance with company policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws, including ...

MedSpeed

Medical Delivery Driver

Omaha, NE · On-site

$17/hr

... criminal background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review. All results are evaluated in accordance with company policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws, including ...

MedSpeed

Medical Delivery Driver

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$17/hr

... criminal background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review. All results are evaluated in accordance with company policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws, including ...

All JobsState Crime Lab JobsState Crime Lab Jobs in Nebraska

State Crime Lab information

See Nebraska salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do state crime lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for state crime lab in Nebraska is $24.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is a specialized forensic professional who collects and analyzes evidence from crime scenes. CSIs are often civilian employees and do not need to be law enforcement officers, but they typically require training in forensic science, evidence collection, and may need certifications or degrees in related fields. Law enforcement officers may also serve as CSIs, but the roles are distinct, and civilian CSIs do not perform police duties.

How much does a crime lab scientist make?

The average salary for a crime lab scientist typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the role may require working in a laboratory environment with standard business hours or shift work.

Do you need a degree to work in a crime lab?

A degree is typically required to work as a crime lab analyst or technician, with many positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Additional certifications and laboratory skills are often preferred or necessary for advancement.

What is the difference between State Crime Lab vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectState Crime LabForensic Scientist
CredentialsRelevant degrees in forensic science, chemistry, biologySimilar degrees, often with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, law enforcement collaborationLaboratories, crime scenes, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryState government, law enforcement agenciesGovernment labs, private labs, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in forensic analysisRelated but broader forensic roles

While a State Crime Lab is a facility that employs forensic scientists, the term 'Forensic Scientist' refers to the professionals working within these labs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they operate in comparable environments. The main difference is that the State Crime Lab is the institution, whereas the forensic scientist is the individual performing analysis and investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Crime Lab Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Crime Lab Analyst, you need a solid background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instrumentation like GC-MS or DNA sequencers, and sometimes certifications such as the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) are typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for handling evidence and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate analyses, reliable testimony, and the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a State Crime Lab, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals at a State Crime Lab often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, working under strict deadlines, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of forensic evidence. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving scientific techniques and legal standards. To prepare, candidates should develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Regular training and continuing education are also important to maintain competency and adapt to new methodologies.

How do you get to work in a crime lab?

To work in a crime lab, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining laboratory experience, passing background checks, and obtaining certifications like the ASCLD-LAB accreditation can improve job prospects. Entry-level positions often require strong analytical skills and familiarity with laboratory equipment and procedures.

What is a State Crime Lab?

A State Crime Lab is a government-operated laboratory that analyzes evidence from criminal investigations. These labs employ forensic scientists and technicians who perform tests on physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, drugs, firearms, and toxicology samples. Their analyses help law enforcement agencies and the courts solve crimes, identify suspects, and support criminal prosecutions. State Crime Labs often work closely with police departments, attorneys, and other agencies to ensure accurate and timely results.
What job categories do people searching State Crime Lab jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for State Crime Lab jobs in Nebraska are:
State Crime Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Crime Lab job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,072 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Director, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Director, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

University of Nebraska Omaha

Omaha, NE

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Job Title Director, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Department School of Criminology & Criminal Justice Essential Functions
How to Apply:
To learn more or apply for the position, please visit the Academic Search webpage for this position: https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/24682/?search=24682

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) seeks a visionary leader and accomplished scholar to lead the prestigious School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
As a Metropolitan University of distinction, and Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution, the University of Nebraska at Omaha transforms and improves the quality of life locally, nationally, and globally. UNO is recognized as the premier Metropolitan University throughout the United States and the world.
The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) is a nationally recognized leader in criminological research, education, and community engaged scholarship, housed within the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) led by criminologist Dean Gaylene Armstrong. Uniquely, UNO entities, the college, and the SCCJ extend their reach beyond the Omaha campus to serve students at the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus. The school is consistently ranked among the top criminal justice programs in the nation, with its Bachelor of Science program ranked #17, its Master's program ranked #5, and its Ph.D. program ranked #13 by U.S. News & World Report.
With more than 1,100 students across its Omaha and Lincoln campuses, the SCCJ offers one of the largest and most vibrant academic communities in the field. The school delivers five degree programs, from the BS through the MA, MS, and PhD, along with a fast-track (Bachelor to MS degree) options, graduate certificates, dual degree pathways, and extensive online opportunities, ensuring that students at all stages have flexible, high-quality routes to advancement.
The faculty of the UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice are nationally recognized leaders whose scholarship shapes the disciplinary direction. As one of the most productive criminology faculties in the country, the SCCJ scholars advance cutting edge research across victimology, policing, corrections, terrorism prevention, biosocial criminology, and the etiology of criminal behavior. Their work is showcased through major research labs and centers including the Victimology and Victim Studies Research Lab, the Advancing Research in Corrections Lab, the Criminological Research of Counterterrorism and Security, the Violence Intervention and Policing Research Lab, the Nebraska Collaborative for Violence Intervention and Prevention, the Nebraska Center for Justice Research, the Juvenile Justice Institute, and in partnership with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE), demonstrating both scholarly excellence and national influence. Faculty routinely publish in top journals, secure competitive federal funding, and serve as trusted advisors to policymakers and justice system leaders, reinforcing the school's reputation as a premier hub for innovation and evidence-based practice in criminology and criminal justice. The SCCJ's robust partnerships locally and nationally have resulted in more than $10 million new externally funded grants and contracts since January 1, 2025.
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is deeply embedded in the community, maintaining strong, enduring partnerships with a wide array of criminal justice agencies and organizations. Students and faculty collaborate closely with federal, state, and local partners including the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Secret Service, Omaha and other metropolitan police departments, Nebraska Probation, and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services creating pathways for internships, applied research, and evidence-based innovation. These partnerships extend into the school's specialized applied research centers and labs, where faculty and students work alongside practitioners to address real world challenges through data driven solutions. Through these initiatives, the SCCJ serves as a trusted resource for agencies seeking rigorous analysis, program evaluation, policy guidance, and professional training, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to public safety and community wellbeing across Nebraska and beyond.
The SCCJ's commitment to expanding educational horizons includes faculty-led study abroad programs, a diverse suite of experiential learning options, and interdisciplinary collaborations. As a future-oriented school operating at the intersection of research excellence and community impact, the SCCJ is poised for significant strategic growth. The next School Director is expected to not only expand the capacity and expertise of our faculty, but also lead efforts to update and expand curriculum programming in ways that are responsive to workforce development needs, support continued excellence in research and graduate education, and cultivate an environment that prioritizes the success of our undergraduate students and engages all faculty and staff in both Omaha and Lincoln campuses. The Director will steward a nationally recognized faculty and an expanding research enterprise, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and shape the preparation of future scholars and leaders across the justice system. This is a rare opportunity to provide strategic leadership to one of the country's premier criminology and criminal justice programs at a pivotal moment of institutional strength and trajectory.
The director is the chief academic and administrative officer of the school responsible for providing vision, strategic direction, and operational oversight. This role is responsible for outcomes that foster excellence in teaching, research, and service while promoting a positive and collaborative environment. The director leads faculty and staff, oversees curriculum development, ensures compliance with institutional policies, and leads efforts in budgeting, resource allocation, and personnel decisions. Additionally, the director represents the school within the college, university, and community; advocates for its needs; and builds partnerships that advance its mission and goals.
The director serves as a key member of the dean's executive team to advance the College of Public Affairs and Community Service goals and is the largest unit in the college. The SCCJ offers undergraduate degree programs on both the Omaha and Lincoln campuses of the University of Nebraska system, and nationally ranked graduate degrees and certificates on the Omaha campus including the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The SCCJ Director also oversees two research units, the Nebraska Center for Justice Research and the Juvenile Justice Institute. The SCCJ is one of five academic units within the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS), which also houses Aviation, Gerontology, Public Administration, Social Work and several research units. UNO is one of four campuses of the University of Nebraska and is in the heart of Nebraska's largest metropolitan area with over 1,000,000 residents.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.
Work Schedule Additional Duties Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Academic Credentials: An earned doctorate in criminology, criminal justice, or a closely related
discipline.
Faculty Experience: A proven record as a full time faculty member with excellence in teaching,
scholarship, and service, qualifying for tenure at the rank of associate or full professor.
Leadership Experience: The ability to lead an academic unit through development and
implementation of strategic vision, demonstrate innovation, foster collaboration, provide oversight
of faculty and staff including guidance of guide personnel management, oversight of innovative
curriculum advance, support of faculty and student recruitment and retention, and budgetary leadership.
Servant Leadership: An approach to leadership that is consultative, fosters trust and collaboration, and values consensus building.
Commitment to Service: A strong dedication to community engagement with criminal justice
agencies and related non-profit entities.
Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
Grant Development: Experience in securing and managing grants and external funding to support
research and program growth.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience as a department or program chair.
Experience with a multi-campus program.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly sits; may stand, walk. See, hear, speak and use of hands.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly works indoors. Noise level is low to moderate.
Salary 130,000-185,000/year
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number 2026F-00103 Open Date Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
How to Apply:
To learn more or apply for the position, please visit the Academic Search webpage for this position: https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/24682/?search=24682

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