What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Lab Analyst 1/2/3/4 position at DPS-Office of State Police?
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
419-223903-ESS
Department
DPS-Office of State Police
Opening Date
07/27/2026
Closing Date
8/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
About this Job
At the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen communities through fair, professional, and responsive law enforcement services. We are committed to protecting the people of Louisiana with integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the rights and dignity of all.
We’re looking for a dedicated Crime Lab Analyst to join our team, within the DNA Forensic Unit, who is ready to serve justice through science with integrity and precision. In this role, you’ll be a key part of the forensic DNA team—responsible for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of biological evidence in criminal investigations. You'll ensure the integrity of the evidence chain of custody, perform DNA testing using validated scientific methods, document findings in accordance with laboratory protocols, and contribute to the pursuit of truth through expert analysis. If you're committed to applying science in the service of justice, supporting public safety, and making a real impact in your community, this is where your work begins—and where justice starts.
Minimum Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics or pharmacology.
A combination of coursework is allowed.
NOTE:
Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency's accrediting body for the laboratory.
NOTE:
Criminal Justice is not considered a qualifying educational field.
NOTE:
Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:
As a Crime Lab Analyst, this unit conducts forensic analyses at the request of local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Some duties may include:
Conducting advanced-level examinations of biological specimens with knowledge of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for genetic characterization of body fluids.- Performing the collection, handling, and preservation of evidence for future analysis.
- Making decisions for DNA analysis based on the case synopsis provided by the submitting agency, which influences the results of the analysis.
- Serving as an expert witness during court testimonies regarding the extent of analyses/technical support provided with respect to the particular evidence analyzed or the work involved in preparing the evidence for analysis.
- Conducting reviews, which involve reviewing data, scientific analysis reports, and taking corrective actions, if required.
- Demonstrating competency and proficiency by participating in approved testing programs.
- Participating in continuing education and proficiency mandates in accordance with accreditation, quality assurance standards, and laboratory mission needs.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: Probational, Job Appointment, or Promotional
Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Crime Lab Analyst 1, 2, 3, or 4
Work Schedule: Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
Compensation: The job title and salary will be determined in accordance with the applicant’s qualifications and experience. A Special Entrance Rate will apply as follows:
- Crime Lab Analyst 1 (TS-309): $1,790.40/bi-weekly
- Crime Lab Analyst 2 (TS-310): $1,916.00/bi-weekly
- Crime Lab Analyst 3 (TS-311): $2,320.00/bi-weekly
- Crime Lab Analyst 4 (TS-313): $2,564.00/bi-weekly
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
- Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Department of Public Safety
ATTN: Human Resources/Elyssa Schexsnayder
P.O. BOX 66614
Baton Rouge, LA. 70896
Email: DPSEmployeeAdministraition@la.gov
The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services, is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resource Guide .
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/
Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx
Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
- Mardi Gras,
- Good Friday,
- Memorial Day,
- Independence Day,
- Labor Day,
- Veteran's Day,
- Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement – State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
- Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
- Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
- Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others
Salary : $1,790 - $2,564