Criminalist III/Sr. Criminalist (A) - Firearms and Toolmarks

Criminalist III/Sr. Criminalist (A) - Firearms and Toolmarks

Salary

$71,700.00 - $78,870.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

26-118

Agency

State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Division

Forensic Services

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Residency Requirement

No

Class Code:

JA65

Position Number:

60004683

Normal Work Schedule:

Other

Pay Grade

GEN09

Hiring Range - Min.

$71,700.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$78,870.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

All applicants must complete the on-line State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, nor will it be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

Normal Work Schedule (Other):

Work week will be 43 hours, Monday - Friday, and subject to periodic 24-hour on call status.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - Firearms and Toolmarks Department.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLEDs diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility

Conduct examinations in Firearm Identification and in other related areas. Maintain proficiency in the use of the instruments and tools necessary to conduct these examinations. Demonstrate professionalism and willingness to work with supervisors, criminalists, support personnel, and the judicial system. Prepare cases for court and testify as needed regarding the results of analysis.

Specific Duties

• Conduct examinations and prepare reports as related to firearm and toolmark identification and related areas in an accurate and timely manner. Perform microscopic comparisons utilizing a comparison microscope to determine if a fired ammunition component such as a bullet, cartridge case, shotshell, etc., was fired by a specific firearm or if a tool mark was produced by a specific tool. Perform general rifling characteristics examinations, serial number restoration, trigger pull weight determination, firearm function, barrel and overall length measurement, and entry and correlation review for specimens into NIBIN.
• Perform technical and administrative reviews of case records and formal reports for other examiners in an accurate and timely manner. Maintain equipment and perform monthly calibration verification as needed. Ensure work is in compliance with all accreditation standards and quality control procedures.
• Prepare cases for court and provide effective expert testimony in Firearm and Toolmark Identification in federal, state, and local courts. Prepare for and attend pre-trial conferences when requested. Effectively interact with other departmental personnel, agency personnel, and other members of the legal community.
• Attend specialized training and acquire knowledge in order to remain abreast of the latest technological advancements and techniques utilized in firearm and toolmark identification. Identify new training opportunities. Disseminate information from training events to fellow examiners in a timely manner and provide training, as requested. Maintain certification as a commissioned law enforcement officer (Class III) as required by the SCCJA.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
• Six (6) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing firearms and toolmarks examinations.
• Must be previously qualified and testified as an expert in a court of law in the field of Firearms Identification.
• Must be able to present results in court in a professional, courteous, and concise manner.
• Must possess a complete knowledge of the equipment and procedures involved in the examination of firearms and related evidence with the ability to competently perform firearm identification related casework.
• Must have successfully completed, or be capable of completing, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) acquisition and correlation training.
• Must have knowledge of law enforcement practices, procedures, and the ability to meet all of the requirements of a certified law enforcement officer (Class III) commissioned by the state of South Carolina.
• Overnight travel may be required.
• Must be available for a rotational 24-hour on call status.
• Must be able to fire all types of firearms encountered, including lifting items up to 40 pounds.
• Vision must be sufficient to utilize microscopes and other devices for examination, evaluation, and comparison of markings.

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Do you have a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a minimum of six (6) years experience in a forensic laboratory performing firearms and toolmarks examinations?

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe your relevant experience.

04

Do you understand that this position requires you to provide expert testimony in a court of law?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you understand that you must have successfully completed, or be capable of completing, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) acquisition and correlation training?

• Yes
• No

06

If offered the position, do you understand that you must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer?

• Yes
• No

07

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $71,700 and $78,870 (based on experience)?

• Yes
• No

08

As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a background investigation to include: a criminal history check, driving record, history of drug use, employer and personal reference checks?

• Yes
• No

09

As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.

11

Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.

12

Do you understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

• Yes
• No

13

Have you read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

14

Will you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the selection procedures (e.g., interview, written tests, or job demonstrations)? If yes, contact the human resources office of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

• Yes
• No

15

How did you learn about this career opportunity? (Careers.SC.Gov; LinkedIn; Employee Referral; Career Fair; Direct E-Mail; Etc.) Please specify below.

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Address 4400 Broad River Road

Columbia, South Carolina, 29210

Phone 803-896-7199

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.