Forensic Technician Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides in-depth information on the forensic technician job description, to help you understand the work they do.

It highlights the key tasks, duties, and responsibilities that commonly make up the forensic technician work description.

This article also provides the major requirements candidates need to meet to be hired for the forensic technician role, as well as expected salary for the position.

Please, read on:

What Does a Forensic Technician Do?

The forensic technician job description entails collecting, analyzing, recording, documenting, preserving, packaging, transporting, storing, and disposing of evidence found at a crime scene or other locations (e.g., accident scenes).

Forensic technicians may be called upon to assist law enforcement officers with their investigations by providing technical expertise, information, and assistance.

They perform forensic examinations on physical evidence, such as fingerprints, hair samples, blood stains, etc.

Forensic technicians also analyze biological specimens such as semen, saliva, urine, vaginal fluid, blood, tissue, bone fragments, teeth, fingernails, and body fluids.

They conduct chemical analyses on items such as clothing, bedding, carpet fibers, paint, glass, soil, drugs, and explosives.

Furthermore, they may collect and preserve trace evidence, including gunshot residue, latent prints, tire tracks, shoe impressions, footprints, tool marks, and fibers.

Providing expert testimony in court proceedings is also part of the job of a forensic technician.

They may work closely with pathologists, medical examiners, coroners, criminalists, and other experts who are involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

Forensic technicians must maintain confidentiality regarding all aspects of the examination and analysis of evidence.

They may need to handle potentially hazardous materials such as chemicals, firearms, knives, and explosives, and operate equipment safely and effectively.

It is their duty to report any findings related to the examination of evidence to the proper authorities, and operate a variety of different types of machinery.

They make sure that the correct procedures are followed when conducting tests.

More on Forensic Technician Job Description

Part of the forensic technician duties is to perform routine maintenance on analytical instruments and use computers or other electronic devices to store data and images.

They may prepare reports and testify in court proceedings, make presentations to groups of people, and train others in the field.

Forensic technicians help develop new technologies, supervise other employees, and receive training from outside sources.

They may take part in special projects, act as a liaison between various agencies, and serve as a consultant for other organizations.

In addition, forensic technicians are responsible for maintaining records of their activities and may communicate with clients about their cases.

Forensic Technician Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The forensic technician job description involves the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Collecting evidence from crime scenes to be used as evidence in court or other investigations
• Analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes to determine if it can be linked to a suspect or victim
• Preparing evidence for use in court or other investigations by packaging, labeling, and storing it until needed
• Identifying and documenting evidence discovered at crime scenes
• Working with law enforcement agencies to collect and analyze evidence
• Reporting results of analysis to investigators
• Providing technical assistance to investigators
• Assisting in preparing reports for prosecution or defense attorneys
• Liaising with medical examiners and coroners
• Maintaining records on all cases handled
• Conducting research on new technologies related to forensics
• Preparing exhibits for trial
• Working closely with police officers, prosecutors, judges, and juries.
• Providing expert testimony in court proceedings
• Responsible for the safety of others while collecting and analyzing evidence
• Attending training programs offered by employers
• Utilizing computerized databases to assist in solving crimes
• Preparing written reports for supervisors and clients
• Arranging for transportation of evidence to labs or other locations.

Forensic Technician Job Description for Resume

If you are writing a new resume as someone who is presently working as a forensic technician, or have previously worked in that role, you can apply the forensic technician job description sample above in creating a compelling Professional  Experience section for your resume.

You can highlight the forensic technician duties and responsibilities from the above sample job description in your resume’s Professional Experience to show that you have been successful performing the role.

This can greatly increase your chances of being hired for the new position, especially if some work experience as a forensic technician is required for success on the new job.

Forensic Technician Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for a Successful Career

Here are major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the forensic technician job:

• Possess High School Diploma minimum educational qualification or GED
• Must have reliable transportation and available to travel
• Ability to frequently lift or carry 50 pounds of items in the course of work
• Must be able to sit/stand almost all through the work period
• Drug-free, without any contagious diseases
• Must be able to file paperwork accurately and on time
• Ability to speak Spanish and write legibly
• Must be able type using standard keyboard skills
• Strong ability to read documents and operate computers
• Must be able to utilize word processing software and use spreadsheets
• Ability to create presentations and prepare reports
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and follow instructions
• Ability to perform routine tasks independently
• Must be able to meet deadlines and handle stress
• Ability to work under pressure without losing composure and be effective
• Must be able to prioritize workload and work overtime when required
• Ability to take direction from supervisor
• Must be able to accept criticism and deal with difficult people
• Ability to keep confidential information
• Must be able to stay calm under stressful situations.

Forensic Technician Salary

The typical annual compensation for a forensic science technician is $58,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Conclusion

Individuals interested in the forensic technician career will find this post helpful. They will be able to boost their knowledge of what forensic technicians do.

It is also useful to employers/recruiters looking to hire for the vacant forensic technician positions in their organization and need to create a detailed job description for the role.

They can apply the forensic technician job description example provided on this page in making an effective one for their organizations for use in their hiring process.