Fingerprint Technician-Entry or Senior

Introduction

Do you have a keen eye for recognizing patterns? Are you a detail-orientated, team-focused professional who excels at providing high-quality customer service? If so, the Department of Justice has the right opportunity for you!

It is the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the public and ensure that justice is done. Click here to learn more about DOJ.

The DOJ, Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Madison Crime Laboratory Bureau, is currently seeking a talented professional to serve as a Fingerprint Technician- Entry or Senior role.

The Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS) is comprised of three crime laboratories that are located in Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau. DFS performs testing and analysis in the following forensic science disciplines: seized drugs, toxicology, trace examination, DNA analysis, DNA databank, firearms and toolmarks, latent print and footwear, forensic imaging, AFIS ten-print examinations, and crime scene response.

The Friction Ridge Database (FRDB) unit maintains Wisconsin’s central repository of fingerprint and palm print records. The FRDB unit makes use of an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which helps catalog, search, compare, and store known finger and palm prints, unknown latent prints, and related demographic data from arrest and certain applicant records. The ABIS system also interfaces with the FBI’s Next Generation Identification System (NGI) and provides agencies access to nationwide criminal justice information.

Position Summary

This position will be headquartered at the State of WI Madison Crime Laboratory, located at 4626 University Avenue, located in the award-winning city of Madison. Learn more about the area here: City of Madison.

Fingerprint Technician-Entry level: Fingerprint Technicians in the Division of Forensic Sciences within the Department of Justice perform specialized, scientific forensic analyses in friction ridge examination relating to the state repository for tenprint standards: the Wisconsin Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

Positions allocated to this level work under the guidance of experienced Fingerprint Technicians to apply and perform scientific analyses, issue reports of their analytical evaluations and conclusions, provide law enforcement agencies with technical assistance, and testify in court as an expert witness. Work performed is closely reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy. All of these duties are accomplished under close progressing to limited supervision by a Forensic Scientist Supervisor. This position is expected to abide by the Guiding Principles for Professional Conduct in the performance of all duties.

For more information, review the Fingerprint Technician – Entry position description.

Fingerprint Technician-Senior level:

Fingerprint Technicians in the Division of Forensic Sciences within the Department of Justice perform specialized, scientific forensic analyses in friction ridge examination relating to the state repository for tenprint standards: the Wisconsin Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

Positions allocated to this level are expected to independently apply and perform complex scientific analyses, issue reports of their analytical evaluations and conclusions, provide law enforcement agencies with technical assistance, and testify in court as an expert witness. All these duties are accomplished under general supervision by a Forensic Scientist Supervisor. In addition, the technician will adhere to all laboratory accreditation requirements and is expected to abide by the Guiding Principles for Professional Conduct in the performance of all duties.

For more information, review the Fingerprint Technician – Senior position description.

Salary Information

The Fingerprint Technician – Entry level position is in pay schedule 06 and pay range 13. The starting base wage will be $24.51/hour. The Fingerprint Technician – Senior level position is in pay schedule 06 and pay range 14. The starting base wage will be $26.50/hour. The starting level will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications at time of hire.

Pay for current or former state employees will follow the provisions found in the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan effective at the time of hire. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

The State of Wisconsin offers amazing benefits, such as:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, and nine paid holidays.
  • Sick time that rolls over each year with no cap and may be used to pay for healthcare premiums in retirement.
    • Affordable health insurance, dental, vision, life, and more.
      • A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
      • A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.

To learn more about DOJ’s total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

Job Details

This position will work in-person at the headquartered location, with the possibility to work remotely up to two days per week after successful completion of training and probation. High speed internet access will be required to meet needs of remote work.

Travel to the headquarters is not eligible for travel reimbursement.

The Department of Justice does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

Applicants must be free of Brady or Giglio disclosure obligations for testimony in court.

Qualifications

Please clearly address the following in your resume and/or letter of qualifications:

A minimally qualified must have experience, education, and/or training in all the following:

• Identifying, recognizing, and interpreting detailed visual patterns or features (e.g. experience may have been gained in coursework that included pattern and/or feature recognition, or in a previous position.)
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation in a highly regulated environment.
• Learning and effectively using specialized computer databases and software.
• Applying a high level of attention and accuracy to repetitive and detail-oriented work, while remaining stationary for prolonged periods of time.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, a well-qualified applicant will also have experience in any of the following:

• Successfully contributing to team-based goals while maintaining responsibility for individual assignments.
• Integrating information learned from training, established procedures and multiple sources to analyze and resolve complex problems
• Interacting with a variety of internal and external customers, accurately fulfill requests, and appropriately communicate, handle and protect sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII), in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

How To Apply

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your application materials, including your resume and letter of qualifications, are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked “Submit.”

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The WI Department of Justice is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for positions. If any questions arise, please contact the DOJ Recruiter email at [email protected].

For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this job announcement is October 15, 2026, at 11:59pm.