FORENSIC SCIENCE ADMINISTRATOR II - FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA PROGRAM MANAGER

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois State Police seeks a highly qualified professional for the position of Forensic Science Administrator II - Forensic Biology/DNA Program Manager. This role directs statewide programs in Forensic Biology, DNA, and DNA Indexing, ensuring quality and effectiveness while coordinating with other command personnel.

The incumbent may supervise staff and oversee budget and resources. Essential duties include program oversight, evaluation of research proposals, and responding to media

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a natural or forensic science.
• Requires three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience.
• Requires advanced knowledge and skills in DNA (casework and/or Indexing).
• Prefers five (5) years of work experience at the advanced caseworker level with laboratory techniques and analytical methods.
• Prefers two (2) years of supervising subordinate staff and providing professional development.
• Prefers master's degree with coursework in biological, natural, physical, forensic sciences or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the statewide Forensic Biology/DNA Program Manager and directs administration of all related programs.
• Directs remediation of quality issues in the program areas with appropriate command input and corrective action.
• Performs managerial review of Forensic Biology/DNA research proposals assessing effectiveness and cost.
• Organizes, directs, monitors, and evaluates resources including personnel and equipment.
• Responds to inquiries from media and others regarding the programs.

Skills

DNA knowledge

Supervisory experience

Lab techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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FORENSIC SCIENCE ADMINISTRATOR II - FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA PROGRAM MANAGER

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials

Job Requisition ID: 59029Opening Date: 10/07/2026Closing Date: 10/23/2026Agency: Illinois State PoliceClass Title:FORENSIC SCIENCE ADMIN II (15912)Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,125 monthly; Full Range $9,125-$13,569 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:VR704 Departments of Corrections, Financial and Professional Regulation, Juvenile Justice and State Police Supervisors Laborers' International Union of North America - ISEA, Local 2002; Southern and Central Illinois Laborers' District CouncilMerit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: 801 S 7th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62703Work County: SangamonAgency Contact: [e-mail]

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger and something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule and flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the statewide Forensic Biology/Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Program Manager; directs the administration of all Forensic Biology, DNA, and DNA Indexing programs within the Forensic Sciences Command.
• Directs the remediation of quality issues within the assigned statewide program areas in the consultation with appropriate other command personnel; recommends appropriate corrective action to address identified issues.
• Performs a managerial review of all Forensic Biology/DNA research proposals to determine effectiveness, cost, and applicability to the mission of the Command.
• Organizes, directs, monitors, and evaluates resources for the assigned program areas, to include personnel and equipment needs.
• Responds to inquiries from the media and others regarding the assigned program areas.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a natural or forensic science, preferably supplemented by a master's degree in one of the biological, natural physical, forensic science, or related discipline.
• Requires three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience such as would be gained at the caseworker level.
• Requires advanced knowledge and skills in the discipline of DNA (casework and/or Indexing).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five (5) years of work experience that would be gained at the advanced caseworker level performing laboratory techniques and analytical methods utilized in the Forensic Biology/DNA forensic science discipline.
• Prefers two (2) years of work experience supervising subordinate staff and providing for their professional development.
• Prefers master's degree with coursework in one of the biological, natural, physical, forensic sciences or related discipline.
• Prefers three (3) years of work experience preserving physical evidence and maintaining the chain-of-custody of physical evidence.
• Prefers three (3) years of work experience applying State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination and chain-of-custody of forensic evidence.
• Prefers two (2) years of work experience in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures and quality standards for a forensic science laboratory including the FBI's DNA Quality Assurance Standards.
• Prefers one (1) year of work experience in performing or supervising scientific research efforts and the development of new procedures as it relates to the field of forensic science.
• Prefers one (1) year of work experience triaging forensic evidence submission and casework approach accounting for the various forensic science laboratory services provided and the different disciplines’ examination techniques.
• Prefers one (1) year of work experience in developing a laboratory budget for resources to include personnel and equipment needs or assisting in the preparation and implementation of the laboratory budget.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's policies and procedures.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework on an as-needed basis.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: