The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

State Patrol - Agency 64

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$32.167

Job Posting:

JR2025-00019891 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):

10-24-2025

Job Description:

The Nebraska State Patrol is developing a list of qualified candidates to fill a Forensic Scientist I or II position in the Firearm/Toolmark Section as determined by previous experience. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory has been accredited since 2004 and is located in Lincoln, NE. We provide services to law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Nebraska. We welcome applications from interested forensic scientists with previous experience in forensic firearm/toolmark analysis and/or footwear/tire track analysis.
As a member of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab team, forensic scientists participate in a variety of scientific activities including forensic evidence examinations, expert witness testimony, and providing training/education for law enforcement, the medical and legal communities, and the general public. Interaction with attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and other government and private crime laboratories gives Nebraska State Patrol forensic scientists a broad spectrum of criminal justice experience.

As a Forensic Scientist, you will:
• Document, analyze, and compare evidence related to firearms, tools, shoes, and tires through the use of microscopy, visual enhancement methods, and other specialized equipment/instrumentation
• Handle, manipulate, and discharge firearms in order to assess operational characteristics/capabilities and to produce exemplar projectiles, cartridge cases, and other items for comparative analysis
• Use tools, knives, and other mechanical devices to produce exemplar toolmarks for comparative analysis
• Produce and compare exemplar impressions from shoes and tires to evidence impressions recovered from crime scenes
• Perform chemical processing as related to obliterated serial numbers, footwear/tire impressions, gunshot residues, and shooting incident reconstruction
• Use computer hardware, software, and peripheral equipment to perform database queries, capture photographs, record data, and enhance digital media.
• Record detailed notes/observations, compose objective reports and provide clear court testimony regarding examination results and scientific foundation.
• Assist in the writing and updating of discipline procedures, the development and implementation of new methods, and the testing and validation of new equipment
• Maintain evidence chain of custody and integrity

 

FSI hourly rate: $ 27.835

FSII hourly rate: $ 29.924

FSIII hourly rate: $32.167

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, 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 five 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Minimum of one year performing independent forensic analysis in the disciplines of firearm/toolmark and/or footwear/tire examination, or a minimum of two years of experience working as a firearm/NIBIN technician, while in good standing with an accredited forensic laboratory.  In the absence of directly related job experience, a minimum of one year experience working within another forensic discipline, while in good standing with an accredited forensic laboratory, is desired

Other: Transcripts demonstrating completion of required degree are mandatory and should be attached with application. 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. 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. Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check employment or assignment and 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.

 

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 to illustrate information and support court testimony
• The practices and protocols of the forensic science work assigned
• Basic operation and safe handling protocols pertaining to firearms and tools
• Photography, lighting, and microscopy techniques

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 and hand-eye coordination
• Practicing workplace safety during the use of potentially hazardous materials and items
• 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/shading, depth, small details, spatial relationships/distribution, 2D vs. 3D features, and reactions
• Interpret observations and record results of analysis of items/substances submitted for examination and arrive at conclusions
• Physically operate hand tools, automated tools, laboratory equipment and firearms
• Use microscopy, photography equipment/software and other visual aids to observe and record features of physical and digital evidence over lengthy periods of time
• Understand mechanical processes and the operation of intricate mechanisms
• 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

 

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.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.