Crime Scene Investigator job description.
A Crime Scene Investigator documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes for forensic analysis and legal proceedings. They photograph scenes, gather trace and biological evidence, and maintain strict chain-of-custody procedures to support investigations.
The Crime Scene Investigator job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Crime Scene Investigator Reports to: Forensic Services Supervisor or Detective Sergeant
A Crime Scene Investigator documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes for forensic analysis and legal proceedings. They photograph scenes, gather trace and biological evidence, and maintain strict chain-of-custody procedures to support investigations.
- Secure and document crime scenes through photography, sketches, and notes
- Collect, package, and label physical and biological evidence
- Maintain chain-of-custody records for all collected evidence
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Forensic Services Supervisor or Detective Sergeant
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Secure and document crime scenes through photography, sketches, and notes
- Collect, package, and label physical and biological evidence
- Maintain chain-of-custody records for all collected evidence
- Process scenes for fingerprints, trace evidence, and biological samples
- Coordinate with detectives, forensic labs, and medical examiners
- Prepare detailed written reports summarizing scene findings
- Testify in court regarding evidence collection and scene documentation
- Maintain and calibrate forensic equipment and supplies
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field
- Completion of accredited crime scene investigation training
- Ability to work in varied and sometimes distressing environments
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Certification from a recognized forensic identification association
- Prior law enforcement or laboratory experience
- Experience testifying as an expert or fact witness
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Crime Scene Investigator job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Crime Scene Investigator job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Forensic Services Supervisor or Detective Sergeant) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is a Crime Scene Investigator a sworn law enforcement officer?
- It depends on the agency. Some CSIs are civilian forensic specialists, while others are sworn officers with additional crime scene training.
- What certifications should we look for?
- Look for completion of accredited crime scene technician training and, where available, certification through a recognized crime scene or forensic identification association.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
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Forensic Scientist
A forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA, fibers, and toxicology samples, using laboratory techniques to support criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Police Officer
A Police Officer patrols an assigned area to protect life and property, enforce laws, and respond to calls for service.
This Crime Scene Investigator job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.