WI Department of Justice - Management Services

Thank you for exploring employment opportunities with the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Please check DOJ Employment Opportunities for any current Forensic Scientist openings. If there are no current opportunities, we can include your name on our applicant mailing list. To have your name placed on this mailing list, please provide us with your: 1) name; 2) permanent mailing address; 3) preferred email address if available; 4) daytime telephone number; 5) area of interest in terms of forensic discipline(s); and 6) whether your interest and/or qualifications are in an entry level and/or experienced level position. Once we receive this information, your name will remain on our mailing list for a one-year period of time. During this one-year period, you will be sent a written notification via email (or postal mail if no email address is provided) if and when a new recruitment process is initiated. You are responsible for notifying our office of any changes to this personal information. You may provide your information in one of the following ways:

By Mail: Bureau of Human Resource Services
                Wisconsin Department of Justice
                 P.O. Box 7857
                 Madison, WI 53707-7857

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:

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.

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.

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

	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 pay increases provided semi-annually based on satisfactory performance. The series provides career advancement to the Forensic Scientist - Senior level.

	Hourly	Monthly	Yearly
Minimum	$22.026	$3,833	$45,990
Appointment maximum	$36.343	$6,324	$75,884

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

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.

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

Division of Management Services

Forensic Scientist