Forensic Technician II - DNA Casework

Forensic Technician II - DNA Casework

Salary

$46,000.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

26-108

Agency

State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Division

Forensic Services

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Residency Requirement

No

Class Code:

JA50

Position Number:

60004753

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

GEN07

Hiring Range - Min.

$46,000.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$46,000.00

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.

Veteran Preference Statement

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Responsibilities

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 and analysis on evidence submitted to SLED for the location and identification of biological evidence; perform aspects of DNA analysis as appropriate. When required, provide written reports based on interpretation of analysis results. Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts. Represent SLED, Forensic Services, and the DNA Casework Department in a professional manner at all times.

Specific Duties

• Evaluate case information and appropriately examine items for biological evidence using defined protocols for location, screening, and identification of body fluids. Perform various aspects of the DNA analysis process. Document examination/testing information on departmental worksheets accurately and clearly. When appropriate, properly interpret results and prepare a formal written report in accordance with departmental reporting requirements and procedures.
• Maintain complete and proper chain of custody for all evidence taken into employees custody. Properly document and preserve evidence for further testing. Coordinate with other sections or departments to ensure that all requested analysis is appropriately prioritized and evidence is preserved to the extent possible.
• Properly utilize all necessary software and hardware, such as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or photography equipment to document all case-related information. Properly use the LIMS to retrieve appropriate case-related information.
• Properly document all case-related communications with other parties. Maintain professional level of communication at all times. Effectively interact with other departmental personnel, agency personnel, and other members of the legal community as part of a team.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts. Where appropriate, present scientific results of analyses and interpret these results to the court. Participate in pre-trial conferences and hearings, and respond appropriately to requests by the court and other associated parties.
• Participate in training and seminars as requested for training of new employees and continuing education. Conduct training for other internal or external groups as requested by the departmental supervisor or team leader.
• Perform other departmental duties including, but not limited to, research, validation, quality control, quality assurance, safety, inventory and ordering of supplies, and other responsibilities as directed by the departmental supervisor or team leader.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A Bachelors degree in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field is required or must be obtained within 90 days of the posting date.
• Must have a basic working knowledge of computers and commonly utilized computer programs.
• Must have a basic understanding of science and scientific principle involved in Serology and/or DNA analysis.
• Must have knowledge of safe handling and special precautions to handle and package biological materials.
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Must have the ability to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in appropriate categories of testing or job functions.
• Must be able to testify in court.
• Position may require overnight travel for training and/or court.
• Must be able to lift items up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to work with putrefied evidence/odors.
• Will be expected to report to the Forensic Services Laboratory in Columbia, SC during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm), and on-call as needed

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a laboratory environment is preferred.

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 in a biological, chemical, forensic science or related field, or will you obtain one within 90 days of the posting date?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your area of study from your degree? Please list your current area of study if your degree is not yet complete.

03

Do you have experience in a laboratory environment? If yes, please describe.

04

Do you have a basic understanding of science and scientific principles involved in Serology and/or DNA analysis?

• Yes
• No

05

I understand that this position may require overnight travel and the ability to lift items up to 20 pounds.

• Yes
• No

06

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer of $46,000?

• Yes
• No

07

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

08

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

• Yes
• No

09

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

10

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

11

As a condition of employment, I understand that all sworn and non-sworn employees, including contract and temporary employees will be subject to random drug testing.

• Yes
• No

12

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

• Yes
• No

13

I have 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.