Identification Specialist
About The Position
Are you looking for a career with excellent benefits using your degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field? If so, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is looking for an Identification Specialist to obtain and establish arrest information within a detention environment. Primary Duties: Fingerprint, photograph, and collect DNA from arrestees in accordance with NC General Statutes Verify identification of arrestees through fingerprints Disseminate criminal information to law enforcement and other authorized agencies Communicate clearly with arresting officers and magistrates about criminal charge information required for accurate criminal records Note: This position works a rotating 24/7 schedule. (i.e. 7am-7pm or 7pm or 7am) About Our Team The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1937. The Bureau now provides multidisciplinary forensic services to any criminal investigation having original jurisdiction within the geographical County of Wake. In addition, the Bureau fingerprints and photographs all persons arrested in Wake County in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and provides civil fingerprinting services to the public for a fee. 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. Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is comprised of approximately 87 full-time employees divided into three divisions: The Crime Scene Science Division, the Laboratory Sciences Division, and the Identification Division. The Crime Scene Science Division's responsibility is to provide crime scene examination and analysis services to law enforcement agencies within Wake County. The Laboratory Sciences Division is responsible for the forensic analysis of evidence, including DNA examination, 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 providing public fingerprinting services. The Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the collection of fingerprints and photographs, and the collection of statutorily required DNA collection kits from all individuals arrested in Wake County. 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. The Basics (Required Education and Experience) Associate's degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or related field No specific experience required Successful completion of a fingerprint comparison course within 12 months of employment NC Division of Criminal Information certification required within 12 months of employment - 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 degree in Forensic or Natural Sciences, Criminal Justice, or equivalent How Will We Know You're 'The One'? Ability to provide positive and effective interpersonal communication skills in a teamwork environment Ability to maintain a professional bearing and demeanor while communicating with arrestees in a detention center About This Position Location: Wake County Detention Raleigh, NC 27603 Employment Type: Regular Work Schedule: 24/7 Rotating 12-hr shift Hiring Range: 24.76-35.93 Market Range: 24.76 - 35.93 Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume. Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 3/24/2026 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.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or related field
- No specific experience required
- Successful completion of a fingerprint comparison course within 12 months of employment
- NC Division of Criminal Information certification required within 12 months of employment - Must maintain current certification thereafter
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Ability to provide positive and effective interpersonal communication skills in a teamwork environment
- Ability to maintain a professional bearing and demeanor while communicating with arrestees in a detention center
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Forensic or Natural Sciences, Criminal Justice, or equivalent
Responsibilities
- Fingerprint, photograph, and collect DNA from arrestees in accordance with NC General Statutes
- Verify identification of arrestees through fingerprints
- Disseminate criminal information to law enforcement and other authorized agencies
- Communicate clearly with arresting officers and magistrates about criminal charge information required for accurate criminal records
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
