Forensic Scientist Specialist I

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8/23/2025 (8:00 PM EDT)

25-04945

Forensic Scientist Specialist I

Pay Grade 16

Salary

$57,221.67 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Kentucky State Police

Location

100 Sower Boulevard

Suite 102

Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

Kentucky State Police is the premier, full service law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With the highest level of professionalism and integrity the Kentucky State Police works to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, and safeguard property and protect individual rights.

Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiners complete analysis of firearms, fired bullets, cartridge casings, various tools and toolmarks in a variety of criminal cases. Sub-discipline areas include residue pattern interpretations on clothing, serial number restorations and possibly footwear and tire print comparisons. This position is integral to the prosecution of those involved in the violation of Kentucky law. This position requires testimony as an expert witness in court.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyzes submitted firearm and toolmark samples including microscopic comparison.
• Composes, signs, and reviews laboratory reports of the analysis of submitted samples to the Firearms Section by over 400 law enforcement agencies, coroners, prosecutors, and public defenders.
• Performs peer review of casework by other firearm and toolmark examiners.
• Provides expert testimony throughout the Commonwealth pertaining to Firearm and Toolmark Identification and laboratory generated reports.
• Receives and maintains evidence. Responsible for the security of such evidence until it is returned to the submitting agency.
• Maintains proper chain of custody and all relevant documentation.
• Protects the evidence from loss, contamination, and/or degradation, as well as protects the integrity of the evidence at all times.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation. Responds to crime scenes and other work related special details.
• Receives specialty training in designated Forensic disciplines.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Attention to detail
• Developed Mechanical Aptitude
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong problem solver

If you are a forensic professional interested in a challenging yet rewarding career with the Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratories, we would love to review your application.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, forensic science, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, medical technology, engineering, mathematics, criminal justice or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Three years of professional laboratory experience performing work in a specialty area of forensic science.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Master's degree in chemistry, forensic science, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, medical technology, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field will substitute for one year of experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this classification will typically perform their job duties in a forensic laboratory setting. May have some contact with contagious diseases and/or body fluids or regular exposure to noxious odors, chemical substances, and biohazardous compounds, which may require the following of safety procedures. Regular handling of sharp surgical instruments.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Matthew Clements at ....

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D