The composition- and size-dependence properties of nano-structured dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) enable them to be considered as promising materials for spintronic and photoelectronic applications. Theoretical analyses suggest the possibility of room-temperature ferromagnetism in ZnS-based DMSs. The present work is focused on the synthesis and characterization of bare, V-and Cr-doped ZnS in order to get experimental evidence on the magnetic behavior of doped systems. Powders and thin films were produced by the chemical-bath deposition route at low temperature. The results evidenced the nanocrystalline nature and the homogeneous deposition of those materials onto glass and quartz substrates. Room-temperature SQUID characterization of nanocrystalline powders verified the actual incorporation of dopant species into ZnS host structure. Ferromagnetic or paramagnetic behavior was observed, depending on the type and concentration of the dopant.