FORENSIC TECHNICIAN

Socket.dev; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 47,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety is seeking a Forensic Technician to support investigations by collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence under the guidance of forensic scientists and law enforcement. Accuracy, attention to detail, and strict documentation are essential to maintain chain-of-custody and ensure admissibility of results.

This full-time position requires at least one year of relevant forensic or crime scene experience, familiarity with laboratory procedures and

Qualifications

• Experience with forensic science principles and medicolegal investigations.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, imaging techniques, and evidence handling procedures.
• Ability to assist in preliminary analysis under supervision.
• High accuracy in documenting and processing forensic evidence.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases and records.
• Ability to identify contamination risks and prevent procedural errors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reports and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Strong understanding of legal procedures and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ability to work with sensitive materials while maintaining professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Receive, document, and preserve physical and digital evidence following chain-of-custody rules.
• Analyze and catalog evidence using forensic software and instruments.
• Prepare materials, solutions, and equipment for lab testing under supervision.
• Operate and maintain forensic instruments used in evidence examination.
• Follow safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
• Maintain logs, reports, and case files documenting procedures and findings.
• Collaborate with analysts, law enforcement, and legal teams on investigations.
• Provide technical assistance in evidence handling and preservation.
• Ensure procedures comply with state/federal regulations and accreditation.

Skills

Forensic science principles

Medicolegal death investigations

Laboratory techniques

Forensic instrumentation

Evidence handling procedures

Documentation & records

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Chain of custody knowledge

Attention to detail

Tools

None

Job description

Position Number: 22090713
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: 47397
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The Department of Public Safety's mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state's premier public safety agency.

Position Information

Job Series: Forensics - Career Path

Classification: Forensic Technician

Class Code: SFO06P

Pay Grade: SGS05

Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148

Job Summary

The Forensic Technician plays a critical role in supporting forensic investigations by collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence under the guidance of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, and law enforcement personnel. This position requires strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, and excellent organizational skills to ensure accurate handling and documentation of evidence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Receive, document, and preserve physical and digital forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols.
• Utilize forensic software and laboratory instruments to analyze and catalog evidence.
• Assist forensic scientists by preparing materials, solutions, and equipment for laboratory testing.
• Operate and maintain specialized forensic instruments used in evidence examination.
• Follow safety protocols and laboratory best practices to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
• Maintain detailed logs, reports, and case files to document forensic procedures and findings.
• Work alongside forensic analysts, law enforcement agencies, and legal teams to support case investigations.
• Provide technical assistance in evidence handling and preservation.
• Ensure forensic procedures comply with state and federal regulations, legal standards, and accreditation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of forensic science principles, medicolegal death investigations, and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with forensic instrumentation, imaging techniques, and evidence-handling procedures.
• Ability to assist in preliminary analysis under supervision.
• High level of accuracy in documenting and processing forensic evidence.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases, maintain records, and track evidence.
• Ability to identify and minimize risks of contamination or procedural errors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Strong understanding of legal procedures, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ability to work with sensitive and sometimes disturbing case materials while maintaining professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

At least one year of experience in forensic analysis, laboratory work, crime scene processing, medicolegal death investigation, evidence management, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.