Forensic Science Technician Job Description

Forensic science technicians often go by the title criminalist and have similar job descriptions and educational requirements. Forensic science technicians go to crime scenes and gather physical evidence such as DNA, fibers, hair, fingerprints, bullet casings, bullets, notes/handwriting samples and anything else that can be analyzed in the lab and link a suspect to the victim of the crime. Forensic science techs conduct physical evidence analyses at the lab and use the results to reconstruct the crime scene. Specializations in forensic science include criminalistics, engineering sciences, general, jurisprudence, odontology, anthropology, biology/physiology, psychiatry, document examination, and toxicology.

Employers include local, state and federal run labs as well as privately run laboratories that contract out to government agencies. Some forensic science technicians will hire themselves out as consultants. Typical organizations that hire forensic science technicians are hospitals, universities, police and sheriff departments and toxicology labs. Generally, a work week is 40 hours, but being on-call is not uncommon. Working weekends and holidays may be required during an investigation.

Forensic Science Technician Requirements

A bachelors degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminalistics or a related natural or physical science discipline is required for most positions. College courses should include physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and biology with laboratory time. Some labs are moving toward requiring a masters degree in forensic science or criminalistics. Graduate level work will payoff in the long run, opening up opportunities for advancement and higher pay. Entry-level positions generally require a bachelors and some laboratory experience, preferably in a forensic lab environment. Laboratory experience in college course labs or working for a professor in a lab during college can often suffice for the required lab experience. Interning in a forensic lab is the best option. There are no certification requirements for this profession, though certain related professional boards do offer certification programs that can be professionally and personally beneficial.

Forensic Science Technician Salary and Job Outlook

Job growth in the forensics field is projected to grow at an average pace. Since most forensic science technicians work in local, state or federally funded departments, budgets will have an impact on the number of positions open each year. Based on the nature and prevalence of crime across the country, there will be a continued and growing demand for professionals that are formally educatied and trained in forensic science. Our research found that median annual salaries are around $37,500 to $45,300 based on location, experience, responsibilty, and authority and can actually be much higher.

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