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

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid time off: vacation and sick leave

State Retirement Plan

Job summary

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking three Criminalists for the Forensic Services - Firearms and Toolmarks Department to perform firearm and toolmark identifications. Responsibilities include expert testimony and case preparation for court.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and NIBIN-related training or capability, with on-call duties and potential overnight travel. Join a mission-driven agency committed to public safety across South Carolina.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Must present results in court in a professional, courteous, and concise manner.
• Must have knowledge of firearms examination procedures and related evidence.

Responsibilities

• Receive instruction and conduct examinations in Firearm and Toolmark Identification.
• Prepare cases for court and testify as needed.
• Maintain equipment and ensure calibration and quality control.
• Attend specialized training and stay abreast of advances in firearm identification.

Skills

Court testimony

Attention to detail

On-call readiness

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microscopes

Comparison Microscope

Case management software

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill three (3) Criminalist positions 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, SLED's 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

Receive instruction and conduct examinations in Firearm and Toolmark Identification and in other related areas. Acquire and maintain proficiency in the use of the instruments and tools necessary to conduct examinations in this discipline. 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. Participate in the detection and prosecution of crimes to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of South Carolina.

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

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to present results in court in a professional, courteous, and concise manner.
• Must have knowledge of, or be able to acquire knowledge of, equipment and procedures involved in the examination of firearms and related evidence with the ability to competently perform firearm identification related casework, including firearms safety, ammunition, firearm and toolmark identification
• 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 detailed markings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a forensic laboratory performing firearms and toolmarks examinations.
• Previously qualified and testified as an expert in a court of law in the field of Firearms Identification.

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.

Benefits

• 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.