Forensic Technician I - DNA Database

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in Columbia, SC, is seeking a Forensic Technician for the DNA Database Department. Process database samples, support expungement requests, and assist forensic scientists to maintain efficient operations.

You will collaborate with law enforcement partners, ensure accurate documentation, and participate in training, quality control, and inventory management. A bachelor’s degree in science or criminal justice or equivalent experience is required; NCIC

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or criminal justice field or equivalent experience.
• Must have effective communication skills and attention to detail.
• Must maintain NCIC certification.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate database samples for entry in the offender information management system and manage recollection requests.
• Evaluate expungement requests for completeness and accuracy; assist reviewers.
• Perform quality control, safety, and housekeeping to keep the unit efficient; complete required paperwork.
• Conduct regular inventory and assist with procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Provide training to new employees or interns and maintain professional communication.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or criminal justice

Associate's degree + 5 years forensics/legal experience

Tools

NCIC system

Job description

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.

Job Responsibilities

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

Under appropriate supervision, serve as a Forensic Technician in the DNA Database Department. Process database samples, complete expungement requests, provide administrative support to the forensic scientists, and participate in maintaining the smooth operation of the DNA Database Department.

Specific Duties

• Evaluate database samples for entry in the offender information management system. Collect incomplete biometric information through contact with the submitting agency or a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check. Make requests and maintain records for database samples that need to be recollected. Properly document and destroy samples that are submitted with non-qualifying offenses. Ensure proper routing and documentation of duplicate database samples.


• Evaluate expungement requests received from Solicitors' Offices throughout the state for completeness and accuracy. Verify DNA expungement eligibility, process requests according to protocol, and serve as a reviewer for requests processed by other qualified individuals.


• Perform basic departmental duties such as quality control, quality assurance, safety, housekeeping, and other responsibilities/projects to keep the unit running at peak efficiency. Submit all required administrative paperwork in a timely manner.


• Conduct regular inventory and assist with procurement and receipt of laboratory equipment, reagents, and supplies.


• Participate in all required training. Provide training, as needed, to new employees, interns or external customers. Maintain a professional level of communication. Effectively interact with supervisors, departmental personnel, agency personnel, and members of the law enforcement and legal community.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in a science or criminal justice related field, or an associate’s degree and five (5) years of forensics or legal experience, or obtain one within 90 days of the posting date.


• Must have a basic working knowledge of computers and commonly utilized programs.


• Must have effective communication skills.


• Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and employ sound time management and organizational practices.


• Must be able to maintain NCIC certification.


• Must be able to maintain focus and perform repetitive motions for an extended period of time. Some lifting of items up to approximately 20 pounds may be required.


• There is no residency requirement for this position. However, the employee is expected to report to the Forensic Services Laboratory in Columbia, SC during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm).

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of legal terminology and judicial processes and/or laboratory experience 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


• 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.