| Location | Brandon, MS |
| Salary | $66,944.47–$117,650.72 Per Year |
CL-Forensic Laboratory Supervisor
Salary
$66,944.47 - $117,650.72 Annually
Location
61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9649-0728-20260917rank
Department
0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Opening Date
09/17/2026
Closing Date
10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$66,944.47
Agency Maximum Salary
$117,650.72
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's goal is to make Mississippi a safer place for the state's three million residents. Our employees perform a variety of tasks, including issuing driver's licenses and firearm permits, patrolling our roads and highways, keeping drugs off the streets, providing training and certification to law enforcement agencies, conducting forensic analysis and investigations, and much more. For questions regarding this position please contact humanresources@dps.ms.gov.
About the Position
This non-state service, time-limited position is within the Crime Laboratory in PEARL, MS, located in RANKIN COUNTY. The Forensic Laboratory Supervisor - Firearms serves as the technical and administrative supervisor of the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit within the Mississippi Crime Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for directing, coordinating, and overseeing the examination of firearms, ammunition, fired cartridge cases, bullets, firearm-related evidence, and other items submitted for forensic analysis. This position provides advanced forensic expertise and leadership to ensure that firearms examinations are conducted accurately, objectively, and in accordance with established laboratory procedures, professional standards, accreditation requirements, and applicable laws. The incumbent supervises forensic laboratory personnel, manages case assignments and workload, reviews analytical findings and technical documentation, maintains quality assurance standards, and serves as a technical resource for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and other criminal justice partners. The position requires extensive knowledge of firearms and toolmark examination, including firearm identification, function testing, ammunition examination, microscopic comparison, serial number restoration, gunshot residue-related examinations when applicable, distance determination, and the interpretation and documentation of examination results. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Supervises, directs, and evaluates the work of forensic scientists and other personnel assigned to the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit. Assigns cases and manages workload to ensure timely, accurate, and appropriate processing of firearms-related evidence. Performs and/or oversees complex forensic examinations involving firearms, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases, shotshell components, firearm parts, and other related evidence. Conducts microscopic examinations and comparisons of fired bullets, cartridge cases, and other toolmarked evidence to determine whether items may have originated from a common firearm or tool. Examines firearms to determine identity, operating condition, functionality, safety characteristics, mechanical condition, and compliance with applicable laboratory examination procedures. Performs examinations involving altered, obliterated, or removed firearm serial numbers and applies approved restoration techniques when appropriate. Examines firearms and ammunition for evidence of discharge, firing, loading, cycling, or other relevant characteristics. Conducts test-firing of firearms when necessary and safely collects test specimens for comparison and analysis. Evaluates evidence for potential associations between firearms, ammunition components, and crime scenes. Reviews case notes, photographs, analytical data, comparison results, and laboratory reports prepared by subordinate forensic personnel for technical accuracy and completeness. Provides technical review and approval of forensic reports in accordance with laboratory quality assurance procedures. Ensures that examinations are conducted using validated methodologies, appropriate instrumentation, established laboratory protocols, and accepted forensic practices. Maintains and monitors quality assurance and quality control procedures within the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit. Ensures compliance with applicable laboratory accreditation standards, quality manuals, standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations. Participates in proficiency testing, competency assessments, technical audits, quality assurance reviews, and corrective-action activities. Identifies deficiencies or potential quality issues and implements or recommends corrective measures. Develops, reviews, updates, and implements standard operating procedures, technical procedures, examination protocols, and quality assurance documentation for firearms examinations. Researches developments in firearms identification, toolmark examination, forensic science, laboratory instrumentation, and emerging technologies. Evaluates new equipment, methodologies, reference materials, and technology for potential use within the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit. Provides technical consultation to investigators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, attorneys, and other authorized personnel regarding firearms evidence and forensic findings. Provides expert testimony in municipal, county, state, and federal courts regarding firearms and toolmark examinations, laboratory procedures, analytical findings, and conclusions. Reviews and responds to subpoenas, discovery requests, technical inquiries, and other legal matters involving firearms evidence and laboratory examinations. Assists prosecutors and law enforcement personnel in understanding forensic firearms findings while maintaining scientific objectivity and impartiality.
What youll need to be Successful
Critical Thinking; Good Laboratory Practices; Observation and Attention to Detail; Computer Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's degree related to forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and 9-10 years of experience. Hiring agency prefers: Bachelor's degree related to forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and 9-10 years of experience in a laboratory environment performing related work, of which at least four (4) years are in a forensic environment, with a minimum of three (3) years in Specific Section Laboratory experience. Must possess forensic certification for a recognized Forensic Certification Program.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have?
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed in forensic science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406