CL-Forensic Laboratory Supervisor

State of Mississippi; Whitfield (MS); On-site; USD 67,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Mississippi seeks a Forensic Laboratory Supervisor – Firearms to oversee the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit in Rankin County, MS. You will direct examinations of firearms, ammunition, and related evidence, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established lab procedures and accreditation standards.

Requires a Bachelor’s in forensic science (or related fields) with 9–10 years in a lab, including forensics experience and leadership; forensic certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, microbiology, or molecular biology.
• 9–10 years of experience in a laboratory, with ≥4 years in a forensic environment and ≥3 years in a Specific Section Laboratory.
• Forensic certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit staff.
• Direct examinations of firearms, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases, and related evidence.
• Ensure accuracy, objectivity, and compliance with lab procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Review analytical findings and laboratory reports for technical completeness.
• Provide technical consultation to investigators, prosecutors, and courts.
• Offer expert testimony in municipal, county, state, and federal courts.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Good Laboratory Practices

Observation and Attention to Detail

Computer Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree related to forensic science

Job description

CL-Forensic Laboratory Supervisor in 61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS | GovernmentJobs.com page has loaded.

State of Mississippi

$66,944.47 - $117,650.72 Annually

Location

61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number

9649-0728-20260917rank

0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

Opening Date

09/17/2026

10/1/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary

$66,944.47

$117,650.72

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s goal is to make Mississippi a safer place for the state’s three million residents. Our employees perform a variety of tasks, including issuing driver’s licenses and firearm permits, patrolling our roads and highways, keeping drugs off the streets, providing training and certification to law enforcement agencies, conducting forensic analysis and investigations, and much more. For questions regarding this position please contact [e-mail].

This non-state service, time-limited position is within the Crime Laboratory in PEARL, MS, located in RANKIN COUNTY. The Forensic Laboratory Supervisor – Firearms serves as the technical and administrative supervisor of the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit within the Mississippi Crime Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for directing, coordinating, and overseeing the examination of firearms, ammunition, fired cartridge cases, bullets, firearm-related evidence, and other items submitted for forensic analysis.This position provides advanced forensic expertise and leadership to ensure that firearms examinations are conducted accurately, objectively, and in accordance with established laboratory procedures, professional standards, accreditation requirements, and applicable laws. The incumbent supervises forensic laboratory personnel, manages case assignments and workload, reviews analytical findings and technical documentation, maintains quality assurance standards, and serves as a technical resource for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and other criminal justice partners.The position requires extensive knowledge of firearms and toolmark examination, including firearm identification, function testing, ammunition examination, microscopic comparison, serial number restoration, gunshot residue-related examinations when applicable, distance determination, and the interpretation and documentation of examination results.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupervises, directs, and evaluates the work of forensic scientists and other personnel assigned to the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit.Assigns cases and manages workload to ensure timely, accurate, and appropriate processing of firearms-related evidence.Performs and/or oversees complex forensic examinations involving firearms, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases, shotshell components, firearm parts, and other related evidence.Conducts microscopic examinations and comparisons of fired bullets, cartridge cases, and other toolmarked evidence to determine whether items may have originated from a common firearm or tool.Examines firearms to determine identity, operating condition, functionality, safety characteristics, mechanical condition, and compliance with applicable laboratory examination procedures.Performs examinations involving altered, obliterated, or removed firearm serial numbers and applies approved restoration techniques when appropriate.Examines firearms and ammunition for evidence of discharge, firing, loading, cycling, or other relevant characteristics.Conducts test-firing of firearms when necessary and safely collects test specimens for comparison and analysis.Evaluates evidence for potential associations between firearms, ammunition components, and crime scenes.Reviews case notes, photographs, analytical data, comparison results, and laboratory reports prepared by subordinate forensic personnel for technical accuracy and completeness.Provides technical review and approval of forensic reports in accordance with laboratory quality assurance procedures.Ensures that examinations are conducted using validated methodologies, appropriate instrumentation, established laboratory protocols, and accepted forensic practices.Maintains and monitors quality assurance and quality control procedures within the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit.Ensures compliance with applicable laboratory accreditation standards, quality manuals, standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.Participates in proficiency testing, competency assessments, technical audits, quality assurance reviews, and corrective-action activities.Identifies deficiencies or potential quality issues and implements or recommends corrective measures.Develops, reviews, updates, and implements standard operating procedures, technical procedures, examination protocols, and quality assurance documentation for firearms examinations.Researches developments in firearms identification, toolmark examination, forensic science, laboratory instrumentation, and emerging technologies.Evaluates new equipment, methodologies, reference materials, and technology for potential use within the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit.Provides technical consultation to investigators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, attorneys, and other authorized personnel regarding firearms evidence and forensic findings.Provides expert testimony in municipal, county, state, and federal courts regarding firearms and toolmark examinations, laboratory procedures, analytical findings, and conclusions.Reviews and responds to subpoenas, discovery requests, technical inquiries, and other legal matters involving firearms evidence and laboratory examinations.Assists prosecutors and law enforcement personnel in understanding forensic firearms findings while maintaining scientific objectivity and impartiality.

What you'll need to be Successful

Critical Thinking; Good Laboratory Practices; Observation and Attention to Detail; Computer Proficiency

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and 9-10 years of experience. Hiring agency prefers:Bachelor’s degree related to forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and 9-10 years of experience in a laboratory environment performing related work, of which at least four (4) years are in a forensic environment, with a minimum of three (3) years in Specific Section Laboratory experience. Must possess forensic certification for a recognized Forensic Certification Program.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201