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Employment FAQs

  • How often is the job list updated?

  • The list of vacancies in the “Employment Opportunities” section of our website is kept current. Submit your email address to “subscribe” and receive updates when new positions become available.

  • What information should I include on my application and/or resume?

  • Provide complete and detailed information about your qualifications so your application can be accurately evaluated. This includes: Work Experience List all relevant paid, volunteer, and internship positions. For each role, include:
    • Job title
    • Employment dates (start and end)
    • Employer name
    • Instruments, equipment, or software used
    • Detailed description of duties and accomplishments
    Be as specific as possible to demonstrate your experience and skills related to the advertised position. Additional Information Include the following details:
    • Employment eligibility status
    • Veteran status
    • Education (schools attended, degrees earned, graduation dates)
    • Licenses and certifications (include expiration dates, if applicable)
    Required Documents Attach all documents specified in the job posting.

  • What should I wear on my first day?

  • Wear business casual clothes—something neat and professional, but still comfortable. It doesn’t need to be as formal as a suit, but it should look more put-together than your usual everyday outfit. Also, you’ll be taking your ID photo that day, so choose something you’ll feel good being photographed in.

  • What if I need help applying?

  • If you need assistance with the application/interview process or have a question about a position, contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150.

  • How will my application be evaluated?

  • The hiring manager will review the applications, resumes, and supporting documents to determine which applicants best meet all of the required minimum qualifications and some, if not all of the additional considerations as listed in the job posting.

  • How long is orientation?

  • Orientation usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours for full-time employees and about 1 hour for part-time employees.

  • What can I expect during the application, interview, and hiring process?

  • Application Review - The hiring manager reviews the submitted applications, resumes and supporting documents to determine which applicants best meet the minimum qualifications and additional considerations listed in the job posting. Applicants best meeting the qualifications will be invited for an interview. Formal Interview(s) - Panel interviews are conducted and can take place in person, virtually, or by phone. The format will depend on the position and scheduling availability. References - We will contact your current and previous supervisors to verify your work history, performance, and qualifications. Job Offer - If you are selected finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources. Background Check - A comprehensive criminal background investigation is completed on all selected candidates. More information can be found here: DFS Employment Conditions & Requirements. The official start date will be established once the background investigation is complete.

  • Are there additional steps in the hiring process for Forensic Scientist positions?

  • For our Forensic Scientist vacancy postings, our first objective is to hire the most qualified Forensic Scientist (one certified in the forensic analysis of a specific discipline and certified to testify in court as an expert witness). If we cannot hire a qualified Forensic Scientist, we will re-evaluate the applicant pool for the trainee option. Recruitments that include the Trainee option often take longer than average to notify applicants of their status. This delay is due to several factors: Documentation Review - Applicants who appear qualified for the Forensic Scientist role are given time to submit supporting documentation. Two-Step Interview Process - Qualified Forensic Scientists typically complete a phone interview followed by an in-person interview. If a candidate is out-of-state or out-of-country, additional time is allowed for travel arrangements. Scheduling Constraints - The hiring manager and interview panel must balance recruitment activities with casework responsibilities and court subpoena obligations, which can create scheduling conflicts and delays.

  • Will parking be available?

  • Yes, parking will be available on your first day.

  • When will I be notified if I’m selected for an interview?

  • You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. The applicants possessing the most qualifications will be invited by the respective Laboratory for an interview. Please be patient, as the Lab must schedule time for reviewing and interviewing applicants while also producing case work. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get to the interviewing stage of the recruitment process.

  • How can I check my application status?

  • You can check your application status by logging into your Virginia Jobs account (jobs.virginia.gov) and selecting the "Application Status" link.

  • What time should I arrive on my first day?

  • Arrive at 8:30 a.m., unless you’re told otherwise.

  • Does DFS offer visa sponsorship for employment?

  • No. DFS does not provide visa sponsorship. All applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

  • Are there any special conditions involved with working at DFS?

  • DNA and Fingerprint sample: DFS employees work in proximity to submitted crime scene evidence. Due to this proximity, it is a necessity for all employees of the agency to have their DNA and fingerprint sample taken. These samples are maintained in the DFS Staff DNA Index and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) respectively. The purpose of this is to eliminate any possibility that an identified DNA profile or latent print may belong to DFS staff who came into contact with the evidence and/or the location/equipment/supplies that were used during an examination. The DNA sample is obtained via buccal swab (saliva sample). Legal Eligibility for Employment: The Department of Forensic Science hires individuals that are legally authorized to work in the United States. Within the first three days of employment, you will be required to present evidence of your identity and legal authorization to work. Grant funded (restricted) positions: Some positions are grant funded (restricted). This means the salary and other costs associated with the position are paid from grant funds rather than general funds. You will be advised of the restrictions that may apply if you are offered employment in a grant funded position. Wage employment: A wage employee (part-time hourly) is limited to working 1500 hours in a 365-day period and is excluded from participating in the state's vacation, retirement, health, and life insurance programs. Criminal Conviction Investigation: In order to provide user agencies and the criminal justice system the assurance of forensic analyses of the highest caliber and integrity, the Department conducts a comprehensive criminal investigation on all selected candidates. A determination of either a job-related conviction or falsified conviction information on the application may result in denial of employment. The following is a list of automatic disqualifiers for employment, contract work or internship with DFS:
    • Any felony conviction if the position could require testimony in a court of law, financial management of state resources, or access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information or other financial information.
    • Any conviction that requires registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
    • Any misdemeanor conviction involving lying, cheating, or stealing if the position could require testimony in a court of law, financial management of state resources, or access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information or other financial information.
    • Any pending criminal charge for a violation that would otherwise be considered a disqualifier.
    • Active revocation or suspension of driving privileges in any state if the position requires operation of DFS vehicles.
    • A conviction of driving under the influence in the last five (5) years if the position requires operation of DFS vehicles or driving as part of the job duties.
    • Any illegal use of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (listed in Title 54.1 or the Code of Virginia) in the past five (5) years.
    • The illegal sale of any drug.
    • Any substantive and/or intentional failure to accurately disclose information pertinent to the full, preliminary, or abbreviated background investigation.
    • Documented untruthfulness during the application process.

  • What do I need to bring on my first day?

  • Bring documents to verify your Form I-9 (see Form I-9 Acceptable Documents). Also bring your completed new employee forms.

  • What are the work hours?

  • Typical work hours for classified positions in our labs are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternate work schedules are available and approved by supervisor discretion.

  • What benefit programs are available?

  • To view benefits offered by the Commonwealth, please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits. Here, you will find links to health benefits, retirement plans, holiday, and leave, etc.

  • Will I have a chance to ask questions about policies, benefits, or other topics?

  • Yes. During orientation, there will be time set aside for your questions.