Forensic Technician 1 (Biology) (Grant Funded)

Salary: $53,050.00 Annually
Location : South Charleston, WV, WV
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 8837
Department: CIB Forensic Laboratory
Opening Date: 08/03/2026

Description

Under general supervision, at the full-performance level, performs laboratory testing and associated recordkeeping for Forensic Scientists in the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory (WVSPFL). Responsible for conducting tests for laboratory scientists and maintaining detailed records including case file worksheets, chain of custody records and associated technical and administrative documentation. Performs related work as required.

Job Duties

Examines, organizes, inventories, tests forensic evidence ensuring integrity of the evidence at all times in accordance with established laboratory standards. Develop an understanding of discipline and lab-related protocols and procedures. Learn and apply methodology in critical analysis of evidence in criminal cases. Maintain the chain of custody on submitted evidence. Under guidance of a Forensic Scientist, conducts basic examinations of suspected evidence. Prepares various technical and administrative records in accordance with established laboratory standards. Submits all records as required by WVSPFL rules, regulations or other directives. Assists and performs various administrative support tasks in work area. Responsible for general appearance, maintenance and security of any assigned office or laboratory area. Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement and security of all personal and individual issue equipment. Responsible for the proper use, care and maintenance of all Division owned or maintained, assigned or utilized transportation equipment. Responsible for the proper documentation, routing and dissemination of all messages and information as received. Provides courtroom testimony as necessary. Handles hazardous materials and/or waste in compliance with established regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

Education: 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.

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

Paygrade: $53,050 (entry)
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-