Crime Laboratory Positions

Overview

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently accepting applications for passionate and motivated applicants looking for a challenging opportunity and interested in becoming part of FDLE forensics. Our casework strategy requires a team dynamic to successfully serve State of Florida law enforcement agencies and our communities. We value problem-solvers who strive for self and organizational improvement.

Crime laboratory analysts conduct scientific analysis on physical evidence, author laboratory reports and provide expert testimony in criminal justice proceedings. Forensic technologists support laboratory operations through evidence handling, reagent preparation, quality control checks and assisting with administrative duties.
The FDLE maintains a pool of qualified applicants for both the crime laboratory analyst and forensic technologist positions. When a position becomes available, an email will be sent to the address provided in your application to inquire about your interest in the position. Please consider each position notification you receive as some vacancies may not be open to external candidates.

OUR

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Starting salary will be the minimum of the class pay range, unless otherwise dictated by FDLE’s pay policy. These positions are classified as Special Risk retirement, which provides members a greater retirement credit accrual rate and requires fewer years of service to reach full retirement benefits. FDLE is a State of Florida Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program;
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave;
• HMO and PPO health insurance options with premiums starting as low as $50 per month;
• $25,000 in automatic life insurance coverage;
• Multiple supplemental insurance options including: dental, vision, disability and more;
• Pension and investment retirement plan options; and
• Tax deferred medical and child care reimbursement accounts.

BASE SALARY:

Crime Laboratory Analyst - $56,732.52
* Forensic Technologist - $42,200.08

* Experienced analysts may receive a starting salary between $59,399.53 - $64,732.52 with three or more years of testifying experience in the specific discipline in which they are hired.

Evidence Intake: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa
Footwear & Tire: Tampa
Trace Materials: Orlando

Duties and responsibilities vary depending on the discipline and position held, but may include:

• Examining and/or analyzing physical evidence associated with criminal investigations;
• Assisting with evaluating analytical methods and procedures;
• Preparing reagents, maintaining section equipment and logbooks, and performing various quality control checks; and
• Maintaining the laboratory, including cleaning work areas and equipment.

To be considered as a potential candidate, you must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Minimum qualifications vary for each discipline and position. Those listed here are the minimum to qualify for a general forensic technologist. Based on your education and experience, you will be qualified for the appropriate positions.

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university with the completion of at least 15 credit hours in science-related coursework graded at a “C” or better; or
• A minimum of two years professional or technical work experience in an accredited forensic laboratory or an accredited law enforcement agency; or
• Forensic discipline certification.

Course descriptions and syllabi from the semester in which the course was taken may be required.

• Knowledge of terminology and techniques used in the forensic laboratory;
• Knowledge of the procedures for packaging, handling and preserving evidence;
• Skill in the preparation of reagents and the use of scientific laboratory equipment;
• Ability to analyze results, formulate conclusions and present findings verbally and in writing;
• Ability to give sworn testimony in…