Forensic Science Technicians
On the Job
Forensic Science Technicians identify and analyze evidence in criminal investigations. They perform tests on weapons or substances. They may testify as expert witnesses at trials.
Physical Demands
This career requires good eyesight.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Record research or operational data.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
- Interpret research or operational data.
- Operate laboratory or field equipment.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Typical Working Conditions
- Using e-mail.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Dealing with external customers.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.