There is intense competition for forensic scientist jobs in New Zealand.

• Only five or six forensic scientist jobs come up each year in New Zealand.
• Environmental Science & Research (ESR), the main employer, receives around 50 applications for each job vacancy.

At ESR, turnover among permanent forensic scientists is low. However, more vacancies are created by turnover at the technician level due to technicians moving overseas to gain further work experience. 

Demand for some forensic specialisations has grown 

Although there are limited vacancies each year, the demand for forensic services has increased significantly in certain areas. 

With DNA profiling becoming a significant part of ESR's work, the number of employees in the DNA lab has almost tripled to 50 over the last six years. However, growth in employee numbers is expected to level off as DNA analysis procedures become more automated. 

There is a global shortage of experts in the investigation of clandestine laboratories, which manufacture illegal drugs such as methamphetamine. Over the last seven years, the number of clandestine lab staff in ESR has increased to keep up with the rise in the number of cases. Two years of additional specialised training is required to work in this area.

Most forensic scientists work for ESR, a Crown Research Institute, which provides forensic services to New Zealand Police.

The police also employ some forensic scientists in positions such as forensic crime officer, document examiner, and fingerprint officer.

A few private laboratories in New Zealand employ forensic scientists. These usually do civil work such as carry out investigations for insurance companies. Most private work relates to paternity cases.

ESR has forensic science centres in Auckland, Christchurch and Porirua (Wellington region). DNA analysts work in Auckland. The New Zealand Police and private laboratories are spread throughout New Zealand.