O*NET Career Intelligence

Forensic Science Technicians

SOC 19-4092.00

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.

Zone 4 Life, Physical, and Social Science

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Reading Comprehension

3.9

Active Listening

3.9

Writing

3.9

Speaking

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.9

Complex Problem Solving

3.8

Science

3.4

Active Learning

3.2

Knowledge Areas 8

Law and Government

4.4

Public Safety and Security

4.0

English Language

3.6

Chemistry

3.3

Computers and Electronics

3.1

Engineering and Technology

3.0

Mathematics

2.9

Customer and Personal Service

2.9

Key Tasks

1Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.

2Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.

3Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.

4Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.

5Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

Also Known As

Ballistic Expert Ballistic Technician Ballistician Ballistics Expert Biometric Fingerprinting Technician Blood Splatter Analyst Computer Forensics Technician Crime Lab Technician Crime Laboratory Analyst Crime Scene Analyst