Forensic Scientist - Latent Prints

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The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants to fill one Forensic Scientist position in our Latent Prints Section.  The major duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Processing simple to highly complex crime scenes for evidence collection, processing, preservation, and packaging using various forms of photography, 3D laser scanning, chemical testing, visual inspection, and various manual techniques.
• Examining developed latent prints utilizing the ACE-V process.
• Processing evidence, utilizing various chemical and physical methods, to develop latent prints.
• Utilize local and national finger/palm print databases.
• Perform technical and administrative review of case data.
• Document and perform casework duties in accordance with laboratory procedures with minimal errors and no patterns of deficiencies.
• Participate in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols.
• Performs maintenance, and complex troubleshooting of equipment, and software to ensure the integrity of testing.
• Rigorously follow all safety manuals, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Perform quality assurance/quality control procedures of reagents, equipment, and instrumentation as necessary.
• Assist in ensuring conformance to laboratory accreditation standards.
• Attend continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and professional meetings as time and resources allow.
• Participate in method validation/verification studies as needed.
• Presenting information regarding crime scene processing and evidence collection techniques to law enforcement and/or citizens.
• Provide expert testimony in courts of law as required.

This position will be hired as a Forensic Scientist or Senior Forensic Scientist based upon qualifications and experience.  The 2025 salary ranges, minimum Forensic Scientist to maximum Senior Forensic Scientist, are $29.44 - $48.35 ($61,235 – $100,568 annualized). 

Work Schedule: 40 hours Monday-Friday. Flexibility in start times and length of workdays (up to 12 hours) is available.

Educational requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science, forensic science, or other relevant field.

Experience Requirements

• Forensic Scientist: Successful completion of a Latent Prints training program with demonstrated competency. Two (2) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing analyses in latent prints. Knowledge of the basic principles and applications of techniques in crime scene investigations.  Salary range: $29.44 – $44.16 ($61,235 - $91,853 annualized).

• Senior Forensic Scientist: Five (5) years of independent forensic casework in the discipline of Latent Prints to include performing analysis. Courtroom testimony experience.  Successful completion of a Latent Prints training program, with demonstrated competency.  Salary range: $32.23 – $48.35 ($67,038 - $100,568 annualized).

Preferred Qualifications

• Latent Print Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).

An acceptable driving record is required.  This position requires successful completion of an extensive background check, which includes a psychological evaluation, polygraph and a drug screen.