FORENSIC LABORATORY POOL - 71001611

Requisition No: 822863 

Agency: Department of Law Enforcement

Working Title: FORENSIC LABORATORY POOL - 71001611

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 71001611 

Salary:  $40,000.00 - $54,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/30/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FORENSIC LABORATORY POOL

CRIME LABORATORY ANALYSTS & FORENSIC TECHNOLOGISTS

**Open-Competitive Opportunity**

POSITION SUMMARY:

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.

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-$54,000*

Forensic Technologist -$40,000

*Experienced analysts with three or more years of testifying experience in the specific discipline in which they are hired may receive a starting salary between $57,000 - $62,000.

DISCIPLINES & LOCATIONS

Biology: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa

Crime Scene Investigation: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee

Digital Evidence: Tallahassee, Tampa

Document Examination: Pensacola

Evidence Intake: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa

Firearms: Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa

Footwear & Tire: Tampa

Friction Ridge (Latents): Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa

Seized Drugs: Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa

Trace Materials: Orlando

Toxicology: Orlando, Tallahassee

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Performing essential tasks to intake, examine and/or analyze 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(s) listed below. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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 hours in natural science-related coursework 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 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 court; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

HOW YOU WILL GROW:

FDLE recognizes the importance of growth and success while fostering a family-oriented work environment. We encourage our members to seek opportunities for professional growth through training, team building, and mentoring. Our four Fundamental Values of Service, Integrity, Respect and Quality will guide you as you embark on a lifelong career at FDLE.

ABOUT OUR AGENCY:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) employs more than 1,900 members statewide – either at headquarters in Tallahassee or in one of seven regional operations centers (ROCs). Our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen domestic security. Click here for additional information about FDLE.

HIRING PROCESS:

You will be evaluated for this job based on your previous knowledge and experience. Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. Your qualifications will be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities and other elements relevant to this position supported by the information in your application. Qualifying questions will only be credited if verifiable by the information provided on your application including specifically required software/computer skills. You may be contacted to participate in a selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, interviews, drug screen and fingerprinting.  You may be notified by email to participate in a selection process. Failure to reply within a designated timeframe may exclude you from further consideration. Future vacancies may be filled from this position advertisement.

BACKGROUND:

FDLE requires an extensive background process of all recommended applicants. The elements of a background include: financial credit check, criminal history of applicant and applicant’s immediate family or roommates, personal references, employment and education verifications (which includes official transcript(s)), drug screen and fingerprinting.  This information will be utilized to make the final hiring decision.

NOTES:

Preference will be given to current FDLE members who have satisfactorily completed at least six months of the probationary period for their current position.

Please read carefully to ensure your application is processed timely. Your application will be processed after all materials are received.

• Applicants must send copies of unofficial or official transcripts to Jobs@fdle.state.fl.us, or mail transcripts to Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Attention: Office of Human Resources – Lab Applicant, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee FL 32302-1489.
• Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• Transcripts must state that your degree has been awarded;
• Please notify us if your last name has changed from what is on the transcript.

REMINDERS:

1. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov.
2. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be cancelled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.