Forensic Technician I - DNA Database

Full Job Description

About SLED The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina.

With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice.

Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

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.

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, or obtain one within 90 days of the posting date.
• Must have a basic working knowledge of computers and commonly utilized programs.
• Must have effective communication skills.
• Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and employ sound time management and organizational practices.
• Must be able to maintain NCIC certification.
• Must be able to maintain focus and perform repetitive motions for an extended period of time. Some lifting of items up to approximately 20 pounds may be required.
• There is no residency requirement for this position. However, the employee is expected to report to the Forensic Services Laboratory in Columbia, SC during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm).

Qualifications

Knowledge of legal terminology and judicial processes and/or laboratory experience is preferred.

Additional Information

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 Children15 days annual (vacation) leave per year15 days sick leave per year13 paid holidaysState 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.