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Forensic Science Technician Job Description
Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. Proper collection and storage methods are important to protect the evidence. Forensic science technicians also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and they may provide information and expert opinions to investigators. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often give testimony as expert witnesses on laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the scene of a crime. Some forensic science technicians work closely with other experts or technicians. For example, a forensic science technician may consult either a medical expert about the exact time and cause of a death or another technician who specializes in DNA typing in hopes of matching a DNA type to a suspect.
Forensic science professionals work in laboratories, at crime scenes, in offices, and in morgues. They may work for federal, state and local government, forensic laboratories, medical examiners offices, hospitals, universities, toxicology laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner offices, or as independent forensic science consultants.
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Forensic Science Technician Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies "Forensic science technicians" as one of the fastest growing occupations, with numbers nationwide expected to jump from 13,000 in 2006 to 17,000 in 2016.
Job opportunities are expected to increase as a result
of the judicial system's continuing need for corroborating evidence in prosecutions. Opportunities will be best for crime lab proessionals who have an advanced degree or certification in a forensic specialty--especially one that is growing rapidly, such as DNA analysis.
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Forensic Science Technician Salary
In May 2006 the BLS reported the mean annual wage was $48,130 (annual wages at the 10 percentile were $27,530 and the 90 percentile were $73,100). Experienced crime lab professionals earned about $40,000 to $85,000, and some lab directors earned as much as $100,000.
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Forensic Science Career Advancement
Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions, under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors.
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Forensic Science Education and Skllls
Forensic science technicians typically hold a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or physcial anthropology. Knowledge and understanding of the legal system can also be very helpful.
Students don't need to specialize at the undergraduate level. In fact, broad training allows bachelor's degree holders more flexibility for job hunting or changing jobs. Students who pursue study beyond a bachelor's degree often specialize in a subfield of forensic science, such as firearms examination, depending on their interests. A Ph.D. is usually preferred for advancement to many administrative positions such as a lab director.
Communication skills are important because technicians are often required to report their findings both orally and in writing. In addition, technicians should be able to work well with others. Because computers often are used in research and development laboratories, technicians should also have strong computer skills, especially in computer modeling. Organizational ability, an eye for detail, and skill
in interpreting scientific results are important as well, as are a high mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and analytical thinking.
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Professional Certification
Currently, there is no professional certification for forensic science technicians and forensic scientists.
Forensic Science Professional Organizations
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
410 N. 21st Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
719-636-1100
www.aafs.org
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