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Division of Management Services

Cindy O'Donnell, Administrator • Biography

 

Forensic Scientist

Within the Department of Justice, Forensic Scientists are employed within one of three Crime Laboratories - in Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau. These positions perform highly specialized forensic scientific testing, analysis and research work in one or more of the following areas of specialization for the purpose of analyzing and identifying materials, substances, chemicals, objects, devices, tools, machines and individuals connected to felony criminal investigations:

*Controlled Substance Analysis
*Firearm and Toolmark Examination
*Imaging
*Fingerprint & Footwear Examination
*Questioned Document Examination
*DNA Analysis
*DNA Databank
*Toxicology
*Trace Evidence Analysis

For more complete information on the requirements of the position, read our brochure: Careers in Forensic Science [PDF]

The Forensic Scientist is a represented position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Depending on the needs of the laboratories, recruitment may be focused either at the Senior and/or Advanced levels (experienced levels) or at the entry/developmental level.

Qualifications for the entry/developmental level vary among the different disciplines and are reviewed and set during the initial phase of the recruitment effort. For example, recent recruitment included the following qualifications:

Firearm and Toolmark Examiner: well-qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree with a major equivalent in a physical science, natural science, criminalistics, criminal justice, forensic science or related field which would include some science credits, and will have experience and/or training in the firing and safe handling of firearms.

Controlled Substance Analyst: well-qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree with a major equivalent in chemistry or a closely related field.

DNA Analyst: well-qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree with a major equivalent in biology, genetics, molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology or a closely related field.

Required core courses are: genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Qualifications at the Senior and/or Advanced levels typically require a minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience in one of the forensic disciplines in a crime laboratory setting, including responsibility for testifying in court as an expert witness.

Current Salary Information

SEMI-AUTOMATIC PAY PROGRESSION STRUCTURE - Effective June 7, 2009 - June 30, 2010

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Hourly  Monthly  Yearly
Minimum  $16.902 $2,941 $35,292
Point A $17.700 $3,080 $36,958
Point B $18.614 $3,239 $38,867
Point C $19.527 $3,398 $40,773
Point D $20.443 $3,558 $42,685
Point E $21.355 $3,716 $44,590

The Forensic Scientist is an entry-level position in a progression series with scheduled pay increases provided based on satisfactory performance. The series provides career advancement to the Forensic Scientist - Senior level.

FORENSIC SCIENTIST - SENIOR

Hourly Monthly Yearly
Minimum $22.026 $3,833 $45,990

Appointment maximum

$36.343 $6,324 $75,884

Probation

A lengthened probationary period up to 12 months will be required. Must have satisfactory job performance.

Training

All newly hired staff will be given on-the-job training relating to the duties and responsibilities of a forensic scientist and internal operating policies, procedures and practices. In addition, specialized training will be provided based on the discipline to which the individual is assigned.

Overtime

Overtime will be compensated primarily in the form of compensatory time off.

Job Security

The Department has not used layoffs in the past. If, however, layoffs would be necessary, the layoffs process is primarily based on seniority.

See Employee Benefits for information on fringe benefits provided to State employees

To receive an e-mail notification when positions are posted with the Department of Justice, go to www.wisc.jobs and complete a job search.

  1. Under ‘agency/campus’ click ‘Justice, Department of’.
  2. Make any additional changes you would like to the search critera (e.g., location, work hours, etc.)
  3. Click ‘Search’
  4. When your results appear, click ‘log in to save this search’ toward the upper right corner and follow the instructions.

 

 
 

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