Jobs in this family are responsible for analyzing, identifying, classifying, and interpreting physical evidence submitted by law enforcement and other related agencies; and assist in the physical analyses of evidence related to the investigation of a crime governed by state and federal laws and agency policies.

Jobs and Descriptions

Forensic Laboratory Technician

Entry level technical work responsible for planning and executing scientific experiments; assisting with testing the activities and analysis; serving as a witness and testifying in criminal court cases regarding the significance of specific physical evidence; assisting with the preparation of written reports and updating database with information; assisting with the maintenance of the laboratory’s’ computerized evidence inventory management system; and preparing and sending physical evidence to the Forensic Scientist to perform an examination. The employee receives formal and on-the-job training in examinations of clothing to retrieve and identify physical trace evidence; provides instructions to forensics law enforcement groups, schools, and other entities; assists in maintaining records of testimonies relevant to cases; and helps with the preparing, developing, and presenting lectures regarding evidence collected. Supervision is received from an administrative superior.

Typically requires an Associate’s degree and 0-2 year of experience.

OCCU: 9644
Pay Grade: MS07

Forensic Laboratory Scientist I

Entry level professional skilled work that involves planning and executing scientific experiments; receiving  physical items as  evidence into the lab for processing; performing various analytical screenings; assisting with the maintenance and uploading of forensic information into a database; preparing and sending physical evidence to the Forensic Scientist to perform an examination; collecting, packaging, and delivering evidence to the laboratory; maintaining the laboratory’s computerized evidence inventory management system; conducting laboratory tests; and performing analysis to classify, compare, and identify physical evidence. Work involves serving in court as an expert witness and providing testimony regarding any tests, examinations, and physical evidence found; preparing technical reports on examinations conducted; researching new advances and techniques as it relates to forensic examinations; interpreting test results in order to identify, classify, and update computer files.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 0-2 years of experience. Specific degree and/or certification requirements based on assigned unit.

OCCU: 9645
Pay Grade: MS08

Forensic Laboratory Scientist II

Journey-level work where employees are accountable for providing support in maintaining laboratory facilities, safety equipment, and supplies; preparing and reviewing reports of scientific examination results; assisting with the security, retention, and proper execution of evidence according to agency and statutory guidelines; serving in court as an expert witness and providing testimony regarding the analyses and examinations of evidence gathered; conducting forensic and laboratory analyses; identifying and testing physical evidence relevant to the case; reviewing technical reports of scientific information; helping investigators identify the type of firearm used in crimes; preparing and sending physical evidence to the Forensic Scientist to perform an examination; reviewing and analyzing lab report records for accuracy; and providing support to ensure staff are in compliance with laws and regulations. In addition, work involves providing assistance in training personnel in lower classifications as requested; receiving formal and on-the- job training in forensic computer procedures; assisting in planning casework and coordinating work assignments; researching new advances and techniques in forensic examinations; and interpreting test results in order to identify and classify computer files.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 2-4 years of experience. Specific degree and/or certification requirements based on assigned unit.

OCCU: 9646
Pay Grade: MS10

Forensic Laboratory Scientist III

Seasoned complex work that involves maintaining laboratory facilities, safety equipment, and supplies; preparing and reviewing technical reports of scientific examination results; ensuring security, retention, and proper execution of evidence according to agency statutory guidelines; serving in court as an expert witness and providing testimony regarding the analyses and examinations of physical evidence found; conducting forensic and laboratory work; reviewing, analyzing, and testing physical evidence collected; identifying scientific information and/or evidence relative to the case; interpreting test results in order to classify information in proper context for computer files; investigating and distinguishing the type of firearms used in crimes; receiving items as physical evidence into the laboratory; preparing physical evidence for an examination by Forensic Scientists; reviewing laboratory reports and work records for accuracy; and ensures staff are in compliance with laws and regulations. In addition, work involves supervising the work of Forensic Lab personnel; receiving formal and on-the-job training in forensic computer procedures; assisting in the planning  of casework and coordinating work assignments; and researching new advances and techniques in forensic examinations. May provide training and guidance to lower level forensic lab personnel.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 4-6 years of experience. Specific degree and/or certification requirements based on assigned unit.

OCCU: 9647
Pay Grade: MS13

Forensic Laboratory Team Lead

Supervisory Forensic Lab level is work accountable for managing forensic and crime laboratory work, tests, analysis, and identification of physical evidence; providing administrative support to ensure that laboratory facilities and equipment are maintained; maintaining the safety equipment and supplies; overseeing the security, retention, and proper execution of evidence according to agency and statutory guidelines; developing and/or evaluating new techniques and procedures and instructs staff in their use; serving as an expert witness in court regarding the results of the analyses and examinations of physical evidence; preparing and reviewing technical reports of scientific examination results; investigating and distinguishing the type of firearms used in crimes providing instructions on forensics to law enforcement groups, schools, and other entities; and instructs law enforcement staff on laboratory functions and procedures. Employees ensure the accuracy of laboratory reports and work records reviews lab reports and documents to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; research new advances and techniques in forensic examinations; investigate and distinguish the type of firearms used in crimes; prepares and present programs on the Mississippi Crime Laboratory; assist in facilitating training and professional development of subordinate personnel; research and prepare grant requests.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 6+ years of experience. Specific degree and/or certification requirements based on assigned unit.

OCCU: 9648
Pay Grade: MS14

Forensic Laboratory Supervisor

Responsible for overseeing personnel that conduct forensic and crime laboratory work, tests, analysis, and identification of physical evidence. Employees provide administrative leadership to ensure that laboratory facilities and equipment are maintained; direct staff in the maintenance of equipment and supplies; oversee the security, retention, and proper execution of evidence according to agency policies and statutory guidelines; develop and/or evaluate new techniques and procedures to lead staff in the proper direction; serve as an expert witness in court regarding the results of the analyses and examinations of physical evidence; prepare and review technical reports of scientific examination results; investigate and distinguish the type of firearms used in crimes; provide instructions on forensics to law enforcement groups, schools, and other entities; and instructs law enforcement staff on laboratory functions and procedures. Work involves ensuring the accuracy of laboratory reports and work records; reviewing lab reports and documents to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; overseeing the research of new and improved advances and techniques in forensic examinations; investigating and distinguishing the type of firearms used in crimes; preparing and presenting programs on the Mississippi Crime Laboratory; ensuring the training and professional development of staff; and researching and preparing grant requests. Work is generally reviewed through conferences with the agency director/head.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree related to forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and 9-10 years of experience

OCCU: 9649
Pay Grade: MS16 

Forensic Laboratory Manager

Managerial work involving responsibility for the Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory. The work includes giving general and specific directions to technical personnel, and performing general administrative service functions relating to the preparation of budgets, maintenance of records, control of expenditures, purchasing of supplies and equipment, establishing and maintaining uniform procedures and standards of operation, approving correspondence and reports, and making recommendations for improving the efficiency of the department.

Requires graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in forensic science, chemistry, biology, commercial science or physics and at least five (5) years’ full-time employment in a forensics laboratory, with supervisory or administrative responsibility.  See MS Code 45-1-25.

OCCU: 9650
Pay Grade: MS18