State Patrol Forensic Scientist I, II, or III

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

State Patrol - Agency 64

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$32.891

Job Posting:

JR2026-00029712 State Patrol Forensic Scientist I, II, or III (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

10-22-2026

Job Description:

The Nebraska State Patrol is developing a list of qualified candidates to fill a Forensic Scientist I, II, or III vacancy in the Latent Prints Section as determined by previous experience. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory has held accreditation since 2004 and is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. We provide services to law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Nebraska. We welcome applications from interested forensic scientists with previous experience in forensic latent print casework.

As a member of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab team, forensic scientists participate in a variety of scientific activities including latent print processing, latent print examinations, expert witness testimony, and training for law enforcement and the general public. Interaction with attorneys and law enforcement personnel provides Nebraska State Patrol forensic scientists with a broad spectrum of criminal justice experience.

As a Forensic Scientist, you will:
• Examine and/or process evidence to visualize/develop friction ridge detail
• Analyze, compare and evaluate friction ridge detail
• Utilize Adobe Photoshop for digital latent image processing
• Compare received/developed latent impressions with known inked fingerprints, and/or enter latent prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for Next Generation Identification System (NGI) comparisons
• Compose objective reports and provide clear court testimony regarding examination results
• Provide instruction to the law enforcement community by developing curriculum and reviewing, coordinating and conducting training on an on-going basis
• Obtain and maintain access to federal databases deemed necessary to perform the assigned duties

 

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Forensic Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist II: Two years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent, to include time devoted to a relevant training program provided by that laboratory; possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type and successful completion of at least one relevant proficiency test AND Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist III: Six years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent; Possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type, successful completion of at least five proficiency tests; experience providing testimony in a court setting as a forensic expert in the relevant discipline AND Bachelor’s degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Preferred Qualifications: Minimum of two years' experience in fingerprint classification/10 print comparison work and/or a minimum of one year working as a qualified latent print examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory is desirable. Minimum one year experience operating an AFIS; experience providing presentation, testifying in court, and using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) program is desirable.

Other: A valid driver's license is required. Resume and transcripts required. This position must meet minimum requirements for Forensic Scientist. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to your applicant information. Failure to complete all areas of your employment application may result in your application being disqualified from our selection process. Regular and reliable attendance is expected. If selected for this position, you must meet the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services employment eligibility requirements by completing an EEV (I-9) Form. The agency does not sponsor H1-B Visa's. Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check, before a final offer of employment is made. Applicants must be free of felony convictions. Applicants cannot maintain a continuous association or dealings with persons, groups, or organizations that they know, or should know are persons or groups or organizations under criminal investigation or indictment or who have a reputation for present, ongoing involvement in felonious or criminal behavior. Applicant must successfully complete an extensive background screening prior to being employed, which includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire. Selection process will include an interview and assessment test.

FSI hourly rate: $ 28.461

FSII hourly rate: $ 30.597

FSIII hourly rate: $ 32.891

 

KNOWLEDGE of:

• The principles of chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, genetics, biology, physics, physical, natural, and/or other sciences related to the work assigned
• Laboratory procedures, analysis methods, and material/substances used
• The methods used to illustrate information and support court testimony
• The practices and protocols of the forensic science work assigned

SKILL in:

• Selecting, using, and maintaining laboratory equipment, instrumentation, materials, and chemicals used in conducting analyses of substances and items submitted as a part of the investigation of a criminal case
• Visual acuity
• Clearly providing complex scientific information both verbally and in writing. 

ABILITY to:

• Follow laboratory procedures and conduct tests using laboratory equipment, instrumentation, materials, and chemicals to obtain results
• Observe and compare size, shape, quantity, color, small details, and reactionsInterpret observations and record results of analysis of items/substances submitted for examination and arrive at conclusions
• Communicate technical explanations and information to others in person and by telephone, email, and other means of correspondence
• Comprehend and apply knowledge from scientific and technical journals and textbooks
• Formulate legally valid interpretations and conclusions on the basis of tests performed, and testify and defend those interpretations in courts as an expert witness
• Pass competency tests, moot court and annual proficiency tests in the assigned forensic science field.

 

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.