APD - Forensic Technician I

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta is seeking a forensic technician to perform journey-level tasks related to the development, preservation, and presentation of firearm evidence. You will analyze firearms and evidence, test fire firearms, enter data into the department's systems, and prepare reports for criminal cases.

This role requires attention to detail, the ability to work under supervision while gaining independence, and compliance with accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of related work experience.
• Active certification for IBIS TRAX-HD3D (NIBIN) and MATCHPOINT V3.2.
• Internship or academic experience in a crime laboratory or law enforcement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enter and describe firearm evidence in the laboratory information management system.
• Create reports detailing findings and conclusions of processed evidence.
• Peer review reports of other technicians.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment in the lab and conduct audits as needed.
• Ensure compliance with accrediting body standards through audits and procedure maintenance.
• Provide expert witness testimony and document findings for court.

Skills

Crime scene processing

Evidence handling

Attention to detail

Data entry

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

2 years related work experience

Tools

LIMS usage

NIBIN database

Job description

Job Description

Position open until 11/11/2026

Salary: $47,474.94 annually

General Description And Classification Standards

Responsible for performing technical and journey-level tasks related to the development, preservation, and presentation of evidence in criminal investigations. This includes analyzing firearms and evidence collected, such as test firing firearms and collecting cartridge casings for analysis in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Additionally, responsibilities include processing firearms evidence, maintaining accreditation standards, and ensuring equipment in the lab is properly maintained. Training new technicians and facilitating equipment checks and training tasks for newly hired employees are also key aspects of the role. The ultimate goal is to provide unbiased analysis of evidence to assist in the investigative process and serve the community effectively.

Supervision Received

Works under close supervision while learning procedures and policies. Becomes increasingly responsible for independent decision-making as knowledge and experience increase.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Enter and describe firearm evidence into the laboratory information management system.
• Create reports detailing findings and conclusions of processed evidence.
• Peer review reports of other technicians.
• Pick up and return physical evidence from the property control unit.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment in the lab and conduct audits as needed.
• Complete routine cleaning and parts repair/replacement in the lab.
• Attend seminars and training sessions for self-improvement and training new personnel.
• Ensure compliance with accrediting body standards through audits and procedure maintenance.
• Receive and record physical evidence from crime scenes, maintain chain of custody.
• Conduct tests and examinations in Firearms Identification.
• Document findings for use in criminal cases and provide expert witness testimony.
• Enter data on evidence, tests, and findings into the department's database.
• Prepare daily and weekly reports on forensic activities.
• Train and assist new employees in forensic procedures.
• Work independently on forensic duties and exercise discretion in task completion.
• Create and enter cases into the justice Trax system.
• Acquire evidence on the NIBIN system and perform correlations.
• Test fire firearms for comparative evidence.
• Participate in virtual trainings and complete certifications.
• Scan and attach documents into the justice Trax system.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of Basic knowledge of crime scene processing and evidence handling preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures with accuracy.
• Ability to use laboratory and office equipment including computers and databases.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with staff.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and accurate records.
• Willingness to learn and participate in training and development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in related field, and two (2) years related work experience.

Licensures and Certifications

Active Certification for IBIS TRAX-HD3D on the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Active Certification for MATCHPOINT V3.2 Correlation on the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

Preferred Requirements

Internship or academic experience in a crime laboratory or law enforcement environment. Master’s Degree in Natural, Physical, or Forensic Science. Strong communication and writing skills. Experience using laboratory information systems or databases.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Schedule

This position follows the City’s hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.