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Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

A Day In The Life

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Field of Interest

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Salary Breakdown

Forensic Science Technicians

Average

$64,780

ANNUAL

$31.14

HOURLY

Entry Level

$39,760

ANNUAL

$19.11

HOURLY

Mid Level

$63,360

ANNUAL

$30.46

HOURLY

Expert Level

$101,360

ANNUAL

$48.73

HOURLY


Supporting Programs

Forensic Science Technicians

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Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

GateWay Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Rio Salado College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Estrella Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Credential  

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Current Available & Projected Jobs

Forensic Science Technicians

2

Current Available Jobs

260

Projected job openings through 2030


Top Expected Tasks

Forensic Science Technicians


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Forensic Science Technicians

Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.

KNOWLEDGE

Law and Government

KNOWLEDGE

Public Safety and Security

KNOWLEDGE

English Language

KNOWLEDGE

Chemistry

KNOWLEDGE

Computers and Electronics

SKILL

Active Listening

SKILL

Critical Thinking

SKILL

Reading Comprehension

SKILL

Speaking

SKILL

Writing

ABILITY

Flexibility of Closure

ABILITY

Inductive Reasoning

ABILITY

Deductive Reasoning

ABILITY

Near Vision

ABILITY

Oral Comprehension


Job Opportunities

Forensic Science Technicians

  • Police Crime Scene Specialist
    Scottsdale Police Department    Scottsdale, AZ 85251
     Posted about 5 hours    

    Introduction:
    The Police Crime Scene Specialist conducts technical investigations of all types of crime scenes; duties include photography and the collection, examination and preservation of evidence.

    ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY MAY BE UP TO MID-POINT
    DEPENDING ON CANDIDATE’S EXPERIENCE AND INTERNAL EQUITY.
    Mid-Point for this position is $31.63

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Education and Experience:
    •An Associate's Degree in crime scene investigations, crime scene technology, criminalistics, or closely related field from an accredited educational institution with coursework in forensic science, crime scene technology, or chemistry.
    •An equivalent combination of education and job-related experience may substitute for the educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.
    •Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

    Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements:
    •Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 39 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles requires that out-of-state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona.
    •Must be able to complete an extensive training program and successfully pass all competency testing components within a year of the date of hire or promotion.
    •Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.

    Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on department/section assignment.

    Essential Functions:

    Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

    •Distinguishes the full range of the color spectrum in order to visually and physically examine and investigate all types of crime scenes including, but not limited to: burglaries, vehicle crimes, thefts, assaults, abuse, thefts, criminal damage, and death investigations, for the recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence such as latent fingerprints, shoe prints and tire tracks, body fluids (such as blood, semen, saliva, etc.), hair and fibers, weapons and other materials in sometimes stressful and unpleasant environments.
    •Utilizes a two-way radio, MDC, and phone in order to communicate with diverse groups of people, both verbally and in writing, often under stressful circumstances.
    •Utilizes specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of body fluids and to collect body fluids, hair, fibers, gunshot residue and other trace evidence and materials.
    •Dusts for and completes lifts for fingerprints; casts shoe impressions and other evidence preserving techniques as required.
    •Conducts interviews to gain relevant information for crime scene investigations.
    •Testifies in court in connection to scenes processed and evidence collected and preserved.
    •Completes and passes annual proficiency testing in various aspects of crime scene processing.

    Work Environment/Physical Demands

    The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    •Stands for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather conditions while moving hands and arms above the shoulders.
    •Read and navigate using maps to find addresses for routine and priority calls in a timely fashion.
    •Bends, stoops, or picks up traffic cones and other objects; climb barriers while carrying objects.
    •Moves or drags up to 165 pounds and can carry up to 50 pounds short distances without assistance.
    •Measure distances and draws corresponding diagrams.
    •Utilize two-way radio and mobile data terminal to hear and respond to radio communications, voice instructions, and/or commands under a variety of working situations and background noise levels consistent with Scene investigation and/or traffic control.
    •Exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes, traffic hazards, hazardous materials, and firearms.
    •Work in stressful and hazardous environments, which may be offensive to the senses of sight, touch or smell.
    •Work around and come into contact with deceased individuals in various stages of decomposition.
    •Concentrate on and complete tasks in the presence of distractions in a timely manner.
    •Use appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when needed / required.
    •Some work is performed in a City office environment.
    •May be required to rotate on-call responsibilities for one-week duration among unit personnel.
    •Work shifts and overtime, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

    Benefits Highlights:

    The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

    •12 Paid Holidays, which includes 1 Floating Holiday
    •Vacation Accrual; starts at 10.3 hours/month
    •Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
    •Medical (which includes behavioral health coverage), Dental and Vision Benefits
    •City Paid Basic Life Insurance (equal to one times employee annual salary); option of Supplemental Life Insurance
    •Tuition Reimbursement; $2,500/year
    •Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12.27% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
    •Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457
    •Pet Insurance
    •Bilingual pay compensation

    Please visit the Human Resources and Benefits Information page for more information.

    Selection Process:

    The application and supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state “See Resume” in lieu of answering. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

    Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process that may include a panel interview. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening that may include:

    •Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
    •Criminal Background screening
    •Drug Screen
    •39-Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check
    •Psychological Testing
    •Polygraph Examination
    •Credit Check

    The timeframe for reapplication with the Police Department varies based on the position and the needs of the organization

    The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.

    PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are based on a work schedule of 2,080 hours per year for full-time positions and 1,040 hours per year for part-time positions, and while work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending upon the job classification, education may not be substituted for work experience.

    EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

    When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491.This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.


    Field of Interest

    Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

    Employment Type

    Full Time

  • Property and Evidence Technician - Police Department
    City of Prescott    Prescott, AZ 86301
     Posted 11 days    

    ANNOUNCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

    Property and Evidence Technician

    Police Department

    Hiring Range: $23.82 to $29.77

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

    Pay Grade: 108

    Full Pay Range: $23.82 to $35.72

    Deadline to Apply: 2/3/2025

    Benefits Summary:

    Major Benefits for Full-Time Regular Employees:

    A diverse range of complimentary mental health and wellness services is available, including an Employee Assistance Program, a free subscription to Calm, and health coaching
    Paid time off up to 20 days in first year of employment
    10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year
    Free employee only coverage for medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
    Free family coverage for select medical and dental plans
    Pension and long-term disability through Arizona State Retirement System, click here for more details
    Supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance
    Position Summary:

    Performs a variety of duties to receive, identify, and preserve crime scene evidence and property for the City of Prescott Police Department. This position coordinates the intake, storage, chain of custody, and disposal of all evidence.

    Essential Duties:

    Receives property and evidence from law enforcement officers; assist the investigators in gathering evidence at major crime scenes.
    Documents receipt of items; maintains the chain of custody.
    Stores and safeguards property and evidence.
    Enters all necessary data into computer system; verifies completeness of impound report and other case documentation.
    Receives and processes requests from law enforcement officers and prosecutors to submit evidentiary items for forensic testing; follows up on requests; reviews and forwards reports; and participates in the weekly transport of evidence to and from crime lab.
    Prepares evidence for court or in response to subpoenas; releases items to authorized parties and documents that release.
    Maintains and preserves video evidence; ensures cameras in interview rooms are working; and troubleshoots related issues.
    Maintains vehicle impound lot.
    Auctions, disposes of, or destroys evidence and property or returns to owner upon notification of case closure from appropriate authority.
    Schedules and oversees monthly drug evidence burns.
    Documents and preserves police and fire department applicant fingerprint records performed for background checks.
    Updates and maintains activity logs and reports.
    Receives and processes incoming requests for copies of related digital and paper records; reviews and reacts documents per policy; and maintains related request records.
    Conducts periodic inventory or items; accounts for all items.
    Performs other duties as assigned.
    Qualifications:

    Education and/or Experience:

    Two (2) years of experience in property and evidence work, police work, warehousing, or related experience preferred. High school diploma or General Education Development (GED). Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Arizona driver's license.

    Employee Core Beliefs

    City of Prescott employees should seek to uphold the City's core beliefs throughout their day-to-day business and with every customer they come in contact with, both internal and external. Our core beliefs are: Act with Integrity, Work as a Team, Have Personal Commitment and Loyalty, Solve Problems, Take Pride In Excellent Results, High Level of Productivity and Being Nice.

    Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

    Knowledge of related processes and equipment used including evidence preservation and analysis.
    Knowledge of Department rules and regulations and applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances related to evidence security and chain of custody.
    Knowledge of the principles, practices, and requirements associated with the collection, documentation, storage, and destruction of property and evidence.
    Knowledge of chain of custody policies and procedures.
    Skill in understanding and interpreting complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
    Skill in safeguarding and retrieving property and evidence.
    Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement/regulatory agency/organization staff, City officials, criminal justice system staff, and the public.
    Physical Demands And Working Conditions:

    Work is performed in a City office environment or in the field at an assigned crime scene.
    Safely operates required equipment and City vehicle as needed.
    Clearly, concisely, and effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, and on the radio.
    Safely lifts (up to 50 lbs.), bends, stoops, and stands for a prolonged time on feet.
    Requires working with evidence contaminated with various materials in adverse conditions.
    Work is performed part of the time working in an environment where errors on this job can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for self or others.
    Successful candidate will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

    Drug screening
    Motor vehicle records check
    Criminal background screening
    City of Prescott Contact Information

    201 N. Montezuma Street, Suite 207

    Prescott, AZ 86301

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.prescott-az.gov

    Phone: 928-777-1410 / Fax: 928-832-1222

    When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the selection process. In accordance with A.R.S. 23 - 493, this position has been identified as "Safety Sensitive". The City of Prescott is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

    For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

    https://cityofprescott.applicantpro.com/jobs/3607255-226358.html


    Seniority Level

    Entry (non-student)

    Field of Interest

    Government & Public Administration

    Employment Type

    Full Time


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