FDLE-Orlando Forensic Laboratory Internship Spring 2020

***This is a non-paid internship. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is a state government agency and is not a “for-profit” employer.   This internship complies with the Fair Labor Standard Act.***

To be considered as a potential candidate you must meet the minimum requirement(s) listed below. Degree programs must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The application process is competitive and multiple candidates may be considered for each internship opening; opportunities are very limited.

Minimum Qualifications: Potential candidates must: (1) be enrolled in school during semester of potential internship in a degree program related to physical, biological, or forensic science; (2) be classified as a senior or graduate student although preference may be given to candidates needing an internship to graduate; (3) not be on academic probation/warning.

Biology/DNA interns must have completed at least 20 credit hours in physical or biological science related coursework graded at a “C” or better. A minimum of 9 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology) is required.

Seized Drugs interns must have completed at least 25 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject area of chemistry.

Firearms interns must have completed at least 20 credit hours in physical or biological science related coursework graded at a “C” or better.

Toxicology/Trace Materials interns must have completed at least 15 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject area of chemistry.

Duties: Interns may be assigned to one of the forensic disciplines within the laboratory and/or rotate between them. After orientation/in-processing, interns will observe different aspects of evidence handling and forensic analysis. Interns may participate in basic laboratory functions to include, but not limited to: glassware labeling and cleaning, reagent preparation, and copying/scanning. Additional projects may be assigned at the discretion of the section supervisor. Interns will need to complete all set internship requirements from their college or university.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used in the analysis of physical evidence as it applies to the forensic laboratory; knowledge of the correct procedures for providing expert testimony in court; knowledge of the procedures for packaging, handling, and preserving evidence; knowledge of what constitutes physical evidence; knowledge of the scientific method of conducting research; skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment; skill in calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment; ability to conduct forensic science experiments, analyze results, formulate conclusions and present findings verbally and in writing; ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Notes: Candidates being considered for internships with FDLE will be required to submit to drug testing and a background investigation which includes criminal history, driver license record, employment history, personal references, and financial credit checks. For candidates placed into background additional documents will be needed. This includes an official transcript from your school and copies of your birth certificate, social security card, and driver’s license. Please do not send these documents at this time.

Candidates must have the Internship Coordinator at their school send a letter stating the student’s eligibility for an internship. The following information should be included in the letter: (1) duration of the internship, (2) the student’s classification in school, and (3) a statement of fact that the student is not on any type of academic warning or probation.

Responses to qualifying questions will be credited only if verifiable by skills and/or experience listed on the application. Candidates may be notified by email to participate in a selection process that will be web based. Failure to reply within a designated time frame may exclude the candidate from further consideration. Please make sure your spam filters allow for Survey Monkey© and ‘@fdle.state.fl.us’ email domains.

This is a non-paid internship. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is a state government agency and is not a “for-profit” employer.

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act must notify the laboratory internship coordinator. Notification to the internship coordinator must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees, interns, and volunteers are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

The State of Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are considered to be public records and will be made available to the public and the media upon request. Your e-mail messages may be subject to public disclosure.