Forensic Science Technicians

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 34,600 - 97,200; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is hiring a Forensic Science Technician in the United States. This role involves collecting and analyzing evidence related to criminal investigations and requires strong analytical and technical skills. Candidates should have a background in areas such as ballistics or crime laboratory techniques. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $34,600 to $97,200 annually and includes opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding field with job openings expected yearly.

Qualifications

• Strong reading comprehension skills to understand written documents.
• Excellent active listening to grasp information from others.
• Proficient writing skills for effective communication.
• Good speaking abilities to convey information clearly.
• Critical thinking skills for evaluating solutions.
• Complex problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence.
• Perform tests on weapons or substances related to investigations.
• Confer with experts regarding evidence interpretation.
• Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths.
• Train new technicians on forensic science techniques.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Active Listening

Writing

Speaking

Critical Thinking

Complex Problem Solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Laboratory information management system LIMS

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System

National Integrated Ballistics Information Network

Job description

Job Description: Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

A Day in the Life of a Forensic Science Technician

• Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
• Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
• Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
• Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Forensic Science Technician?

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Types of Forensic Science Technician Jobs

• Crime Laboratory Analyst
• Polygraph Examiner
• Forensic Specialist

Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians

In the United States, there were 15,400 jobs for Forensic Science Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,600 new jobs for Forensic Science Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Forensic Science Technician are Colorado, Delaware, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, New Jersey, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Forensic Science Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Forensic Science Technicians is somewhere between $34,600 and $97,200.

Forensic Science Technicians who work in Illinois, California, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

What Tools do Forensic Science Technicians Use?

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Visio
• IBM Notes
• Graphics software
• Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
• Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
• Laboratory information management system LIMS
• National Crime Information Center NCIC database
• Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
• National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
• DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
• The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
• SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal