Forensic Evidence Specialist

City of San Marcos, TX; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marcos, TX, is seeking an experienced Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support investigations and evidence management for police, fire, and marshal services. You will process scenes, maintain chain of custody, and assist with court testimony and outreach.

Requirements include a high school diploma, 60 college hours in criminal justice or related field, and a valid TX driver’s license. Certified training and willingness to work variable hours are needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Sixty college hours in Criminal Justice or related field.
• One year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, evidence handling, or related public safety work; OR completion of formal training in forensics, evidence handling, or crime scene processing.
• Ability to obtain Property and Evidence Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Ability to obtain Crime Scene Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work variable hours, respond to call-outs, and work in environments involving hazardous materials, biohazards, and crime scenes.

Responsibilities

• Processes crime scenes by collecting, analyzing, photographing, and documenting physical and biological evidence, including impressions, trace materials, firearms, and wound patterns, using specialized forensic techniques.
• Documents scenes through sketches, scans, measurements, and detailed reports to support accurate reconstruction and court testimony.
• Attends autopsies as needed to collect, secure, and document evidence from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Determines appropriate forensic laboratory testing, prepares evidence for submission, and transports items to accredited labs and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence; manages intake, storage, tracking, release, and returns in compliance with laws and departmental policies.
• Collects SAFE kits from hospitals in accordance with Texas law.
• Processes digital and physical evidence requested by prosecutorial agencies.
• Reviews case files to identify evidence eligible for destruction and prepares property and evidence for destruction or disposal, including hazardous and biological materials.
• Supports evidence and property operations by organizing and maintaining storage areas, supplies, inventories, and evidence management systems, including annual audits.
• Assists with firearms-related evidence by supporting test-fires and preparing items for NIBIN submission.
• Supports investigative units during search warrants and specialized operations by processing scenes and handling evidence.
• Trains new Patrol Officers and Police Support Specialists in crime scene processing, evidence packaging, documentation, and submission procedures; provides refresher training as needed.
• Engages with the community through presentations related to crime scene and evidence procedures and supports public safety outreach efforts.

Skills

Crime scene processing

Evidence handling

Documentation & reporting

Testifying in court

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Sixty college hours in Criminal Justice or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Evidence management systems

Laboratory procedures

Job description

The City of San Marcos, TX, is seeking an experienced Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support investigations and evidence management for police, fire, and marshal services. You will process scenes, maintain chain of custody, and assist with court testimony and outreach.

Requirements include a high school diploma, 60 college hours in criminal justice or related field, and a valid TX driver’s license. Certified training and willingness to work variable hours are needed.