Job Details

FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1 (FS 1) (Firearms Section)

  2025-10-26     West Virginia State Police     South Charleston,WV  
Description:

Salary: $60,250.00 Annually
Location : WV, WV
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 0004
Department: CIB Forensic Laboratory
Opening Date: 09/09/2024

Description

This is an entry level position which also serves as a probationary period. The FS 1 includes successful training to completion in the assigned discipline of forensic science (or designated subcategories). The FS 1 works under the direction of a trained analyst until authorized by the Laboratory Director or designee to work independently. Upon authorization, the FS 1 will begin testing evidence, issue forensic reports at the conclusion of testing and offer expert testimony when needed. Performs related work as required. This is a full-time position with state benefits.
Job Duties

Learns methodology in performing critical analysis of evidence in criminal cases. Accepts and receives evidence. Conducts basic examinations of suspected evidence such as controlled substances, biological materials, latent fingerprints, firearms and tool markings, toxicology samples, ignitable liquids, gunshot residues, glass fractures and other trace evidence. Documents the examination results. Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement and security of all personal and individual issue equipment.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic sciences, natural sciences, or related field. Discipline specific educational requirements as specified. Based on laboratory need, the trainee applicant may be required to attend the ATF's National Firearms Examiner Academy in Maryland as part of the required two-year firearm/toolmark examiner training program.

Special Requirements: Ability to complete a successful background check and polygraph examination. Possession of valid driver's license.
Additional Information

Paygrade: $60,250 Base Salary
As an agency of State Government, the West Virginia State Police provides a wide variety of benefits to it's employees. As a WV public employee, some benefits are mandatory to all public employees, while some are completely voluntary. Some benefits are free to employees while others require a monthly premium.

Current year details regarding plan options and monthly premium costs can be obtained by logging onto the PEIA website at

Life Insurance:

  • PEIA offers $10,000 life insurance policies for all fulltime employees. PEIA also offers Optional Life Insurance of varying amounts that include $5,000 to $500,000 worth of coverage, subject to an insurability screening. For first time PEIA participants, PEIA allows up to $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance coverage for employees to enroll without the insurability screening. PEIA offers Dependent Life coverage, please visit the PEIA website for plans and pricing
  • The WV State Police also offers a $4,000 life insurance policy through UNUM Provident Life Insurance.

Retirement Plan:
  • As WV public employees, all full-time public employees are required to participate with the Public Employees Retirement Plan, regulated by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board. Employees hired on or after July 1, 2015 will be members of the PERS II plan, contributing 6% of their gross monthly salary. WV State Police contributes 10% of the member's gross monthly salary for a combined total of 16%. Please visit to explore the Retirement Benefits and Requirements.
  • An additional retirement option is available with Empower Retirement and functions as a 457 Retirement Plan. Please visit to learn more about the retirement options for both pre- and post- tax contributions.

Additional Benefits:
  • Mountaineer Flexible Benefits offers additional insurance such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, Legal, Short- and Long-term disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (for qualifying employees who enroll in the PPB Plan C Health Plan offered by PEIA). To explore the variety of plans and prices, please visit
  • All full-time employees for the WV State Police recieve a yearly $500 longevity salary increase.
  • All full-time employees earn 15-24 paid vacation days per year depending on longevity.
  • All full-time employees earn 1.5 sick days per month.
  • The state offers 12 paid holidays a year (for full-time employees).

about WV State employee benefits.
-WVSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer-


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