Forensic Laboratory Investigator - Latent Prints

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County’s Forensic Laboratory Investigator role involves examining evidence with established laboratory methods, interpreting results, and communicating findings through reports and testimony. The position requires strict adherence to scientific practices, objective analysis, and the ability to testify in court.

Responsibilities include analyzing evidence, maintaining documentation, producing professional reports, and using county software.

Qualifications

• Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a forensic laboratory specialist; OR
• Have completed a course in forensic identification techniques and have at least two years of full-time police experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry or related field may substitute for the requirement above.
• Background checks including criminal history and a DNA sample may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic analysis/examination using established laboratory procedures.
• Maintain complete documentation of examination/analysis.
• Write technical reports and expert opinions documenting findings.
• Appear in court as an expert witness regarding procedures and conclusions.
• Operate county-specific software to document findings and complete assignments.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of full-time experience as a forensic laboratory specialist

Course in forensic identification techniques (latent fingerprinting, firearms, physical matches, blood spatter interpretation) and two years of police work

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$86,003-$104,537

This position is onsite.

Are you ready to put your scientific expertise to work on investigations where accuracy, objectivity, and attention to detail truly matter? As a Forensic Laboratory Investigator, you’ll examine and analyze evidence using established laboratory methods, interpret scientific findings, and communicate your conclusions through written reports and expert testimony. Your work will play an important role in providing reliable scientific information that supports the investigative and judicial process.

What You’ll Do

• Examine, test, and analyze evidence using established scientific and laboratory methods.
• Evaluate and interpret analytical results to determine the identification and comparability of evidence.
• Prepare clear, accurate written reports and professional opinions documenting examination findings.
• Maintain accuracy, objectivity, and proper scientific practices throughout the examination and analysis process.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding laboratory procedures, findings, and conclusions.
• Utilize County and department-specific software and systems to document findings and complete assignments.
• Work assigned day, afternoon, or midnight shifts, which may include weekends and periodic on-call responsibilities for emergencies.

Why You’ll Love It

• Apply your scientific knowledge to meaningful, real-world forensic investigations.
• Perform detailed laboratory work where accuracy and analytical thinking make a direct impact.
• Develop specialized expertise while working with a variety of evidence and scientific methods.
• Contribute objective scientific findings that support investigations and the administration of justice.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCES, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Test.
• Have completed one (1) of the following requirements:
• Have at least two (2) years of full‑time work experience as a forensic laboratory specialist; OR
• Have successfully completed a course in forensic identification techniques such as: latent fingerprinting, firearms, physical matches, blood spatter interpretation or related area and have at least two (2) years of full‑time experience in police work.

NOTE: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry or related field, may substitute for the requirement listed in 2. above.

NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.

• Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. In general, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying.)
• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, required for this classification.
• Successfully complete the one (1) year probationary period.

Special Requirements

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

A field investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff’s Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision. Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.

Shall submit a DNA sample for inclusion into the DNA Staff Index.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts forensic analysis/examination using established laboratory procedures.
• Maintains complete documentation of examination/analysis conducted.
• Writes technical reports and opinions entailing the results from examination/analyses conducted.
• Maintains strict chain of custody and preserves the integrity of evidence in all cases.
• Appears in court, rendering expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Participates in a proficiency testing program.
• Maintains and performs minor repairs on equipment.
• Participates in continuing education and training programs.
• Conducts peer/technical and administrative reviews of laboratory reports to ensure conformance to approved standards and the adequacy of the results for forensic purposes.
• Follows the laboratory quality assurance program as well as laboratory safety procedures to ensure the integrity of analytical testing and results and contributes suggestions for improvements.

Perform Other Related Duties As Required Or Requested

• Participates in providing technical training as needed.
• Processes crime scenes for evidence and documents scene with specialized equipment/software.
• Attends autopsies to photograph subject and collect evidence.
• Operates Automated Identification Systems such as A.F.I.S. (Automated Fingerprint Identification System or I.B.I.S. (Integrated Ballistics Identification System) by entering and retrieving data from a terminal.
• Participates in laboratory audits.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to use basic motor skills required in the operation of typical laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical Forensic Laboratory environment and at crime scenes.

Some assignments may be performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold and other weather elements.

May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU09 - Deputy Sheriff Association: Corrections & Court Services (OCDSA)

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.