Forensic Technician I – DNA Database

General Responsibility

Under appropriate supervision, serve as a Forensic Technician in the DNA Database Department to provide administrative support to the forensic scientists. Process database samples, complete expungement requests, and, in general, 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.
• Must have working knowledge of computers and commonly-used software.
• Good communication skills and attention to detail is essential.
• Position requires the employee to be self motivated and employ sound time management and organizational practices.
• Must be able to maintain NCIC certification.
• Some lifting of items up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Must be able to maintain focus and perform repetitive motions for an extended period of time.

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.