Occupation Details
Forensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$60,390.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,810.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$95,910.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
970
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,210
+24 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
156
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Benchtop mixers
- Biohazard suits
- Body fluid collection kits
- Breathalyzers
- Colored camera filters
- Crime scene evidence flags
- Crime scene tape measures
- Cyanoacrylate fuming chambers
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Distance measuring wheels
- Drug testing kits
- Electronic measuring devices
- Electronic precision balances
- Electrostatic dust print lifters
- Evidence collection containers
- Evidence scissors
- Fingerprint brushes
- Fingerprint evidence kits
- Fingerprint recognition systems
- Footwear protectors
- Fuming hot plates
- Gel lifters
- Glass specimen jars
- Glassware washers
- Gunshot residue kits
- Hand held magnifiers
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Combined DNA Index System CODIS
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- DM2 Bills of Lading
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- Graphics software
- IBM Notes
- Image enhancement software
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- draw maps or charts
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- collect samples for testing
- provide expert testimony on research results
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- work as a team member
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- adhere to safety procedures
- operate cameras
- operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use biological testing instruments
- use non-destructive test equipment
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- maintain records, reports, or files
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- file documents in court
- explain complex mathematical information
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze medical data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- analyze handwriting
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
- conduct tests or analyses of blood samples
- conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- test materials or solutions
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- communicate details in protective services settings
- communicate technical information
- confer with scientists
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- verify investigative information
- compile evidence for court actions
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- make decisions
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use health or sanitation standards
- follow infectious materials procedures
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow rules of evidence procedures in legal setting
- follow microbiology procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use clinical sterilizing technique
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of metric system
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- collect scientific or technical data
- gather physical evidence
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- understand properties or composition of drugs
- identify fingerprints
- identify firearms or weapons
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- understand properties of gases or liquids
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- identify properties of soil or water samples
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
- Examine physical evidence, such as hair, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
- Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
- Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
- Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
- Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
- Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. Academy's members are physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, physical anthropologists, document examiners, psychiatrists, physicists, engineers, criminalists, educators, and others.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators
The Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators introduces students, grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, to the enchanting world of forensic investigation! Learn about and participate in a number of hands-on, state-of-the-art techniques and tests.
Learn MoreCrime Scene Investigation Camp
Camp participants receive expert instruction from FBI investigators, State Police, ballistics experts, scientists and even a professional psychological profiler.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library
View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.
Learn MoreFivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th-12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreJCC Summer 2007 Workshops:Kids Camp Series
JCC Summer 2007 Workshops Kids Camp Series topics include the exploration of local wetlands and identify water pollution levels in local streams (The 3 Cs: Critters, Chemistry and Computers ), learn the techniques used by forensic scientists (Jefferson CSI ), and hands on demonstrations and a dissection experience(Camp Med )with Samaritan Medical Center.
Learn MorePace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Forensic Science Uncovering CSI
CSI has nothing on the Forensic Science Program at Pace. Come see how the real experts do it! From the crime scene to the laboratory, students will learn how forensic anthropologists recover and analyze skeletal remains and a look into the crime lab, students will see what a forensic scientists do on a daily basis.
Learn MorePutting DNA to Work
Explore how DNA analysis can catch criminals, improve crops and stop epidemics. Through these interactive multimedia activities you can explore some of the applications of DNA technology and discover some of the many ways these uses may affect your life.
Learn MoreRochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf TechGirlz Camp
Science or technology minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade build their own computers, investigate crime scenes and use high tech lab equipment to solve problems and more at TechGirlz Camp.
Learn MoreSUNY Cobleskill Crime Scene Investigation Camp
Camp participants receive expert instruction from FBI investigators, State Police, ballistics experts, scientists and even a professional psychological profiler.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreSaint Rose Summer Academy for Youth: Science and Technology
Hands on activities focusing on a variety of themes including: forensics, landscape architecture, web design and more.
Learn MoreScience technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSummer Academy for Youth: Explore a Dynamic Frontier (Week 5)
Hands-on activities focusing on a variety of themes including: forensics, landscape architecture, web design and more.
Learn MoreSummer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2006
Chemistry, Forensics, Anatomy and Physiology,Experimenting Excitement,Making Math Magic and Kids Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari.
Learn MoreSummer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2007
Camp Med, Magic World of Chemistry, Forensics: To Catch a Thief, Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Experimenting Excitement, and Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari 2007.
Learn MoreSummer Science Academy for Kids and Teens
Is your child a doctor or scientist in the making? Come to The Science Academy for a summer of scientific investigation and fun!
Learn MoreSummer Workshops for Kids
Explore local wetlands and identify water pollution levels in local streams (The 3 C's: Critters, Chemistry & Computers ), learn the techniques used by forensic scientists (Jefferson CSI ), or hands-on demonstrations and a dissection experience(Camp Med )with Samaritan Medical Center .
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes
This is two-week day camp provides middle school students an introduction to forensic science. Through class room lessons, hands-on laboratory exercises, field trips, and relevant guest speakers, students will learn the science behind crime scene investigations. This program is intended for students who have no prior experience with forensic science, but have an interest in learning about the topic.
Learn MoreSyracuse University Summer College Forensic Science Program
Summer College Forensic Science program is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, forensic psychology, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons and arson investigations, among others.
Learn MoreTechGirlz Camp
Science or technology-minded girls who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and entering 8th grade will build their own computers, investigate ?crime scenes,? use high-tech lab equipment to solve problems and more.
Learn MoreUnion College: FivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th to 12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreWestchester Community College Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens
Review the basic principles of biology, use skeletons and models to explore basic human anatomy, play detective and try to identify illnesses and learn more about cloning, DNA, and designing genes at the Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens.
Learn More