Forensic Science Technician job description.
A Forensic Science Technician collects and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations. They document evidence, perform laboratory analysis, and provide findings and expert testimony that assist law enforcement and legal proceedings.
The Forensic Science Technician 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: Forensic Science Technician Reports to: Crime Lab Director or Forensic Unit Supervisor
A Forensic Science Technician collects and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations. They document evidence, perform laboratory analysis, and provide findings and expert testimony that assist law enforcement and legal proceedings.
- Collect, catalog, and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes
- Photograph and diagram scenes to document evidence placement
- Perform laboratory analysis on samples such as fibers, fluids, or fingerprints
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.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Crime Lab Director or Forensic Unit Supervisor
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.
- Collect, catalog, and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes
- Photograph and diagram scenes to document evidence placement
- Perform laboratory analysis on samples such as fibers, fluids, or fingerprints
- Maintain strict chain-of-custody protocols for all evidence handled
- Prepare detailed written reports summarizing analytical findings
- Testify in court as an expert witness when required
- Calibrate and maintain laboratory and field equipment
- Stay current with forensic techniques and accreditation standards
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field
- Strong understanding of chain-of-custody and evidence-handling procedures
- Attention to detail and rigorous documentation habits
- Ability to work in a laboratory and at active crime scenes
- Certification from a recognized forensic science body
- Court testimony experience
- Specialization such as DNA analysis, toxicology, or ballistics
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Forensic Science Technician 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 Forensic Science Technician 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 (Crime Lab Director or Forensic Unit Supervisor) 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 science degree required for this role?
- Yes, most employers require a bachelor's degree in a natural science such as chemistry, biology, or forensic science.
- Will the technician need to testify in court?
- Often yes; candidates should be comfortable explaining technical findings clearly to judges, juries, and attorneys.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
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.
Crime Scene Investigator
A Crime Scene Investigator documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes for forensic analysis and legal proceedings.
Forensic Technician
A Forensic Technician collects, documents, and processes physical evidence from crime scenes and laboratories to support criminal investigations.
This Forensic Science Technician 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.