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Forensic Employment - FAQs
General Questions
Forensic Scientist Applicants
General Questions
Q: Does the Oregon State Police accept applications from outside of the United States?
 
A:  These announcements are open to anyone in any country.  However, please be aware that during the hiring process we do not allow for phone interviews, and all costs to appear in person for an interview must be covered by the applicant.
 
The Department of State Police adheres to the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) in its employment practice which includes completion of an employment eligibility verification form (I-9) within the first three working days of employment.  The Department is unable to assist applicants in obtaining authorization to work in the United States through sponsorship or any other means.
 
 

Q: Are there any internship or volunteer opportunities within the Forensic Services Division?
 
A:  On occasion, one of the six statewide labs may decide to take on a volunteer or intern.  Currently, the only labs who consider these positions are the Portland Metro Lab, Springfield Lab and Ontario Lab.  If you would like further information regarding these opportunities, please contact the lab you are interested in, directly. 
 
 

Q: Can you confirm receipt of my application?
 
A:  Due to volume, we cannot confirm or deny that your application was received.  Application results will be sent in the mail once we have had a chance to review your qualifications.
 
 

Q: Does the Oregon State Police accept electronic applications?
 
A:  Electronic applications are not accepted.
 
If you are applying for a Forensic Scientits position, applications must include a PD100 application form, answers to test questions, a skill data sheet, and official college transcripts supporting the educational requirements. This information must be submitted to
 
Personnel Section
Oregon State Police
255 Capitol St. NE, 4th Floor
Salem, OR 97310
 
Applications received incomplete will not qualify for the position.
 
 

Forensic Scientist Applicants
Q: How can I improve my chances of getting a job as a Forensic Scientist?
 
A:  Forensic Scientist positions are EXTREMELY competitive. You can better your chances by gaining hands-on experience in a laboratory (preferably forensic laboratory...even better if it is nationally accredited) through volunteer work or internships. Although listed as an "Entry" position, many of our successful candidates have had prior experience doing some type of forensic work.
 
 

Q: Can I apply for the Forensic Scientist positions before I receive my degree?
 
A:  It is suggested that you wait for your degree.  Applications will not be accepted if a degree is not listed on the official transcripts.


 

Q: How long does it take an application to be reviewed and added to the Forensic Scientitst list?
 
A:  We review applications on a quarterly basis.  After each quarterly date has passed, applications received will be reviewed to determine qualifications.  Because of the volume of applications undergoing review, notification of results is not typically sent until much later. 


 Application received no later than...  Notification of results can be expected by...
 March 31st
mid-May 
 June 30th
 mid-August
 September 30th
 mid-November
 December 31st
 mid-February
 
If notification still has not been received within the expected timeframes (as listed in the table above), feel free to contact us at osp.forensics@state.or.us.

 
Page updated: October 12, 2007

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