About us

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.

Mission Statement - York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.
Vision Statement - York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

About our opportunity

The Sheriff's Department is excited to hire a full-time, exempt DNA Forensic Scientist to join their team! In this highly specialized position, you will be responsible for identifying biological fluids, performing DNA analysis, interpreting statistical analysis, preparing reports and testifying to items of evidence relating to criminal cases. Come and make a difference in your community!

Projected Hiring Range: $74,277 - $92,846 per year. Compensation is determined based on qualifications.

• Mandatory State Pension Retirement Contribution (Pre-Tax) is 9.75% of gross pay.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, analysis; interprets profiles and prepares a report of findings.
• Receives evidence and maintains chain of custody.
• Follows technical operating procedures of the laboratory.
• Manages and analyzes criminal cases for DNA analysis.
• Examines evidence items for biological material and may be required to respond to crime scenes, which requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Provides expert testimony regarding DNA analysis in appropriate courts.

About you

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic-related area and have successfully completed coursework covering the following subject areas: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Statistics and/ or Population Genetics.
• One (1) year of laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid state driver’s license required.
• S.C. Class III Basic Officer certification as provided by S.C. Criminal Justice Academy upon employment.

Physical Demands / Work Environment / Disclaimer

Physical Demands:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:
York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Standard Clauses:
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Essential Safety Functions:
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.