Forensic Technician

City of College Station; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of College Station seeks a Forensic Technician I for entry-level technical support in crime scene processing. This role requires candidates to respond to various crime scenes and document, collect, and preserve evidence with supervision.

Qualified applicants should hold an associate degree in a relevant field and possess a Texas driver’s license. The job involves physical demands, including lifting and on-call responses.

Qualifications

• Ability to document and process crime scenes with guidance.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with legal standards.
• Physically fit to handle the demands of crime scene investigations.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crime scenes and evaluate them.
• Document and preserve physical evidence collected from scenes.
• Prepare written reports and provide testimony in court.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to respond on-call

Crime scene investigation

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Job description

FORENSIC TECHNICIAN I

Entry‑level class in the Forensics Technician series performing routine technical support in processing crime scenes. Incumbents at this level are not expected to have the same level of knowledge or competency as the Forensic Technician II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment. Work is usually supervised while in progress and follows an established structure or pattern. Advancement to the Forensic Technician II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and/or assessment that validates the performance of the full range of duties, obtaining applicable certification and meeting the minimum requirement of the Forensic Technician II.

Responsibilities

• Respond to various types of crime and accident scenes, as requested; evaluate the scene, conduct searches, and process the scene by utilizing disciplines related to crime scene investigation, at the direction of the supervisor in charge.
• Document, collect, package, preserve, and process physical evidence in order to conduct scientific evaluation; transport evidence to the department, ensuring evidentiary value is maintained and all evidence is preserved in the proper manner.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all laws, statutory and case, pertaining to search and seizure of evidence.
• Maintain a high degree of proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, lifting and developing fingerprints; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in the fingerprint database.
• Process evidence collected by members of the department as necessary for fingerprints.
• Download electronic devices for forensic analysis upon request.
• Provide testimony in court, as required, on an occasional basis.
• Prepare written reports as necessary.
• Attend autopsies as directed and collect evidence discovered as a result of the autopsy and transporting the evidence to the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications (Forensic Technician I)

Required

• Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory, or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Ability to respond to crime scenes on a 24‑hour "on‑call" basis, upon request.
• Ability to complete required training including but not limited to latent print development, digital/forensic photography, crime scene investigation, digital forensic analysis.
• Well organized, detail‑oriented, with the ability to maintain good and accurate records.
• Ability to learn basic knowledge of criminal investigation procedures and forensic science principles.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including extensive kneeling, stooping, reaching, climbing and standing for long periods of time; ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds; exposure to chemicals, body fluids/blood at crime scenes and autopsies.
• Must not currently be or have been within the last ten (10) years on court‑ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above; may not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years; may not have been, at any time, convicted of a felony offense or any family violence offense.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field.

FORENSIC TECHNICIAN II

Full journey level class within the Forensic Technician series performing more complex crime scene investigations. Employees are distinguished from Technician I by performing more complex and advanced crime scene processing duties, as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are generally filled by advancement from the Technician I level, or when filled externally require prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform all job duties of the Forensic Technician I.
• Maintain a high degree of proficiency in lifting, developing, comparing, and classifying fingerprints utilizing both chemical and powder processes; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in fingerprint database and compare unknown fingerprints with known samples in attempts to make proper identification.
• Maintain proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, to include specialized photography using an alternate light source.
• Maintain a level of proficiency and knowledge so as to qualify as an expert witness in court and provide testimony as requested.
• Utilize alternate light sources, chemical and physical processes, scientific methods, and equipment for the detection, collection, and processing of evidence.
• Assist with crime scene reconstruction including determining the sequence of events that took place, bullet trajectory, and identifying blood stain patterns to aid in blood stain analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications (Forensic Technician II)

Required

• Must meet all minimum requirements of the Forensic Technician I and the following: Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field and two (2) years’ experience, which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory, or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess IAI Level 1 (Certified Crime Scene Investigator) Certification.
• Ability to complete required training including, but not limited to latent print development, digital/forensic photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprint comparison courses, advanced crime scene methods courses.
• Ability to work with and train/educate other employees in fields related to crime scene investigation.
• Basic knowledge of criminal investigation procedures and forensic science principles.

Supplemental Information

• Drug Screening: Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position, individuals shall be subject to pre‑employment or pre‑placement drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.
• Additional Criminal Background Screening Required: In addition to the standard pre‑employment criminal background check, individuals receiving a conditional offer for this position shall be subject to a finger‑print based background screening due to the required access to secured buildings and/or secure data systems.

Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment consistent with applicable laws. The agency is an equal opportunity provider.