Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is seeking a committed and detail‑oriented Crime Scene Specialist to join our investigative team. In this role, you will support criminal investigations by documenting, collecting, and analyzing physical evidence while ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and integrity.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with witnesses, victims, and investigating officers to determine the scope of each investigation and identify appropriate evidence‑gathering methods.
• Identify, document, collect, package, and transport physical evidence for scientific evaluation and courtroom presentation.
• Maintain strict chain‑of‑custody procedures and ensure the integrity of all evidence handled.
• Process and examine evidence in a laboratory environment using approved chemicals, tools, and forensic techniques to further develop and interpret forensic findings.
• Prepare thorough and accurate reports detailing observations, activities, and analytical results.
• Assist in the identification of deceased persons or suspects through established forensic processes.
• Testify as an expert witness in court, presenting findings clearly, professionally, and objectively.

*Note: A criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination and drug test will be conducted.

About Our Team

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1937 in an effort to provide for the better enforcement of the criminal laws in Wake County. The Bureau is a multidisciplinary forensic bureau that functions as an independent criminal justice agency serving all law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction in Wake County. The Bureau’s mission is to continuously strive for perfection while setting the highest standards in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of evidence, and collection of criminal arrest information. The Bureau is comprised of approximately 87 full-time employees divided into three divisions: Crime Scene Science Division, the Laboratory Sciences Division, and the Identification Division. Crime Scene Science Division’s responsibility is to provide crime scene investigation services to law enforcement agencies within Wake County. The Laboratory Sciences Division is responsible for the forensic analysis of evidence including latent print examination services, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis, DWI blood drug/alcohol analysis, digital evidence examination, photographic services, and facial recognition examinations. The Identification Division is divided into a Civil Identification Unit and a Criminal Identification Unit. The Civil Identification Unit is tasked with fingerprinting for applicants seeking employment or licensing. The Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the identity verification, collection of fingerprints and photographs, and the collection of statutorily required DNA collection kits upon all individuals arrested in Wake County for offenses authorizing such collections. For more detailed information regarding the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services and the services provided, please see our website at the following address: www.wake.gov/bureau.Please update with current information.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science, Criminal Justice or related field
• No specific experience required
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• IAI Crime Scene Certification required within 1 year of eligibility - Must maintain current certification thereafter
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's/Masters Degree in Forensic Science

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Attention to detail & Observational accuracy
• Analytical & Critical thinking skills
• Effective communication & Technical documentation skills
• Ability to work methodically under pressure

About This Position

Location: Wake County Detention Raleigh, NC 27603 USA

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: 24/7 Rotating 12-hr shift

Hiring Range: 28.83-49.02

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 5:00 pm on 10/16/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.