Forensic Scientist III OR Forensic Scientist II

Forensic Scientist III/II Job Posting

Job Title: Forensic Scientist III/II Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Job Type: Permanent Full Time Job Number: 26123A Department: Law Enforcement Division, Crime Lab Opening Date: January 20, 2026 Closing Date: December 18, 2026, 4:30 PM Eastern

Job Description:

Forensic Scientist III OR Forensic Scientist II Salary: $72,301.92 - $129,781.54 Annually

The Broward Sheriffs Office is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Forensic Scientist III or Forensic Scientist II to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and analyzing chemical and evidentiary samples in criminal identification and investigations in the Crime Laboratory.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a United States Citizen at time of application.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, criminalistics, or closely related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Additional coursework may be necessary.
• Minimum three (3) years at the Forensic Scientist II level; or five (5) years journey level experience in latent print examination with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g., International Association for Identification (IAI).
• Successful completion of the ANAB Internal Auditor Training Course, or ANAB Assessor Training Course for Testing Laboratories or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.
• Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and Advanced Latent Print Comparison Courses.
• Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic analysis of latent print evidence.

Forensic Scientist II Requirements:

• Must be a United States Citizen at time of application.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, or closely related field; Additional coursework may be necessary.
• Successful completion of an in-house training program as a Forensic Scientist I, as determined by Crime Lab Command, that incorporates progressively responsible journey level experience in area of assignment; or a minimum of two (2) years journey level experience in latent print examination, with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and basic Fingerprint Classification and Comparison Courses or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic examination of latent print evidence.

Nature of Work:

As a Forensic Scientist III or Forensic Scientist II, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing and analyzing chemical and evidentiary samples in criminal identification and investigations.
• Conducting laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.
• Generating data from laboratory examination and testing; reviewing such for the purpose of determining findings; compiling such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
• Conducting administrative and/or technical review of casework.
• Testifying to analytical results in depositions and court.
• Performing validations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds).
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection.

Benefits:

The Broward Sheriffs Office values the contributions of its sworn/certified and civilian employees. The agencys outstanding Benefits Package is one of the ways BSO retains its employees and attracts new personnel to the BSO team.

• Medical Insurance: Various plans including Open Access options with pre-tax premium conversion available.
• Domestic Partner coverage: Medical, dental and vision coverage is offered.
• Life Insurance: One times salary for basic life and AD&D at no cost to the employee.
• Dental Insurance: Three plans (DMO, PPO and Indemnity) are available on a pre-tax basis.
• Vision Care Insurance: 100% of the premium for single and family coverage paid for by the Broward Sheriffs Office (in combination with medical insurance election).
• Voluntary Long and Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement plan under the Florida Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Programs available (Employee contribution)
• Sick leave, annual leave, holiday leave, bereavement leave, military leave, personal day, bonus days
• Sick leave pool and donated leave program
• 24-hour fitness center
• Employee Assistance Program, on-site and through medical insurance
• Wellness programs including health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
• Florida Prepaid College Program payroll deduction program
• On-site insurance representatives for medical, dental and vision programs
• Voluntary Legal aid discount program
• Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines at no charge

Drug-Free Workplace Program:

The Broward Sheriff's Office is recognized as a Drug-Free Workplace pursuant to Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. BSO is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees to preserve a happier, healthier workforce.

Recruitment Information:

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to:

• Evaluation of training and experience
• Written test
• Computer based test
• Interview
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Employment record, fingerprint and background check
• Medical examination
• Drug screen

The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Broward County Sheriffs Office:

Broward County Sheriffs Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward County Sheriffs Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Contact Information:

Address: 2601 West Broward Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33312 Phone: (954) 321-4400 Website: http://www.sheriff.org