Forensic Services Technician

Forensic Services Technician

Salary

$58,080.26 - $78,407.47 Annually

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

6408-26E-02

Division

Agency Support Division

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/8/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Statement

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking motivated and experienced personnel to join our team. Forensic Services Technicians, under general supervision, responds to requests for crime scene assistance and photography. Performs basic processing and triaging of crime scene evidence, produces reports, provides expert testimony in court, facilitates forensic field-testing programs, and maintains field instruments and equipment. Conducts training. Performs related duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification. This recruitment will be used to establish an eighteen-month eligibility list to fill current and future Forensic Services Technician vacancies in the Phoenix area.

TESTING

In-person Written Exam - 25% weighted (top passing candidates will advance to QAB), Friday, November 13, 2026

Qualification Appraisal Board (QAB) - 75% weighted

View Exam Plan for additional information about the examination process.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

• Performs initial screening, processing, and triaging of evidence from crime scenes.
• Performs function tests on firearms retrieved from crime scenes and in support of the Firearms Unit.
• Provides assistance to troopers conducting field tests.
• Facilitates Department and laboratory field programs such as the Intoxilyzer, Field Drug Testing, and Rapid DNA programs.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs/coordinates repair of field and laboratory instruments, equipment, and software including, but not limited to, camera equipment, breath testing instruments and simulators, Rapid DNA instruments, digital evidence software, and sex assault kit tracking software.
• Presents expert testimony to support role in criminal investigations.
• Searches, identifies, documents, measures, diagrams, preserves, and collects all types of physical evidence at crime scenes.
• Prepares supplemental reports for crime scene activity, evidence testing results, and instrument repair.
• Responds to requests for assistance with hazardous materials scenes.
• Conducts overall, macro, and aerial photography of accident and crime scenes. Serves as in-house photographer in support of law enforcement functions.
• Conducts various preliminary examinations of evidence in the field.
• Maintains official Department images and processes public and Department requests for photos.
• As an AZ P.O.S.T.-certified instructor, provides instruction to troopers and other state agency personnel on various topics (i.e., Intoxilyzer, Rapid DNA operations, crime scene processing).
• Maintains instrument reports and records of calibration, certification, and maintenance to ensure admissibility of evidentiary samples.
• Maintains unit vehicles, vehicle bay, and supply inventory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• the principles, practices, and techniques of evidentiary identification, documentation, and collection.
• safety precautions related to processing and photographing crime scenes.
• criminal law sufficient to process and photograph scenes without compromising criminal investigations.
• the principles and technologies of relevant crime scene, photographic, and field testing equipment and software.
• repair techniques for field services instruments and software.
• firearms safety.
• evidence processing techniques using a variety of technical equipment, materials, and processes.
• applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• applicable Department policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• the use of specialized crime scene processing and diagramming equipment.
• the use of photographic equipment and image enhancing software and programs.
• recognizing transient evidence and systematically processing crime scenes.
• the use of specialized equipment and software for processing evidence.
• effectively troubleshooting equipment.
• working as part of a team to form and implement a plan and working together to achieve a common goal.
• problem solving.

Ability to:

• attain and maintain technical certification (Rapid DNA Operator, Intoxilyzer, Operator/Quality Assurance Specialist or Clandestine Laboratory Response) as required.
• establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and the public.
• recognize hazardous situations.
• work independently.
• work in stressful or hazardous environments.
• work around, or come into contact with, deceased individuals in various stages of decomposition.
• survey crime scenes and process them in a logical fashion.
• maintain professionalism and composure and work effectively during long, stressful, and/or complex scenes.
• exercise care in performing intricate, detailed work.
• identify problems and determine solutions.
• take detailed and thorough notes.
• give and take orders in support of the lead investigator at a crime scene.
• follow oral and written instructions.
• communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, explain technical concepts, and write detailed reports.
• appropriately prioritize work assignments.
• organize and maintain a laboratory area.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires an Associates degree in crime scene investigations, crime scene technology, criminalistics, electronics technology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with coursework in forensic science, crime scene technology, photography, or chemistry. Degree requirement may be substituted by four years full-time experience working in an accredited forensics laboratory performing any of the essential functions as described OR four years experience as a law enforcement photographer or as an electronics technician.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.

Must have a valid Arizona driver license by the date of hire, and maintain throughout employment,

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), are corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive.

May be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds.

Must be able to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed.

Must be able to respond to requests for photography and scene assistance on a 24-hour basis. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, squat, or kneel to perform job functions.

Must be able to work outside of normal business hours including nights and weekends and in extreme weather conditions.

Participates in on-call rotation to respond to requests for photography and scene assistance on a 24-hour basis.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.

FLSA status - Non-exempt

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

01

Select the option which best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for Forensic Services Technician.

• possess an Associates degree (or higher) in crime scene investigations, crime scene technology, criminalistics, electronics technology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with coursework in forensic science, crime scene technology, photography, or chemistry.
• four or more years of experience working full-time in an accredited forensics laboratory performing any of the essential functions as described in the job description
• four or more years of experience as a law enforcement photographer or as an electronics technician
• none of the above

02

If you meet the education requirement, please list your degree and major. You must upload/attach a copy of your transcript or degree with your application unless previously submitted. If you meet the full-time work experience requirement, list the name of the accredited forensics laboratory where you worked, include dates of employment and job title. If you meet the law enforcement photographer or electronics technician requirement, list the name of the law enforcement agency or employer and dates of employment.

03

From the list provided, select each course subject you have completed which relates to the Forensic Services Technician. If applicable, please upload/attach a copy of your transcripts with your application.

• forensic science
• crime scene technology
• photography
• chemistry
• none of the above

04

Do you understand and acknowledge you must provide a DNA sample for the staff database?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you understand and acknowledge you must have a valid Arizona driver license by the date of hire and maintain throughout employment?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), are corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you understand and acknowledge you may be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you understand and acknowledge you will be required to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you understand and acknowledge you must be able to respond to requests for photography and scene assistance on a 24-hour basis?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you understand and acknowledge you must be able to stand for extended periods of time, squat, or kneel to perform job functions?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you understand and acknowledge you must be able to work outside of normal business hours including nights and weekends and in extreme weather conditions?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you understand and acknowledge you will participate in an on-call rotation to respond to requests for photography and scene assistance on a 24-hour basis?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

14

DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following: • Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest are prohibited. • Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards. • Ear-piercing openings must not exceed the size of a standard piercing (approximately 1 mm). Any visibly stretched or enlarged ear-piercing opening is prohibited. I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I must meet the standards above.

• Yes
• No

15

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?

• Yes
• No

16

I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my past drug use among other items. Providing untruthful or misleading answers will result in disqualification. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.

• Yes
• No

17

Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other drug, for sale?

• Yes
• No

18

Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, or marijuana extracts) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

19

Please select the option below which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

20

Please select the option below which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

21

Please select the option below which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• More than 8 times

22

Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

23

Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

24

Please select the option below which details your heroin usage over your lifetime.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

25

Please indicate your preference for work assignment areas for the Forensic Services Technician classification. Select all that apply. You will only be contacted if/when there is a vacancy in the assignment area(s) you select.

• Crime Scene Assignment - primary duty is responding to crime scene callouts, processing crime scenes and taking photographs.
• Laboratory Assignment - primary duty is assisting one or multiple disciplines exclusively in a laboratory setting and support general laboratory needs.

Required Question

Employer Arizona Department of Public Safety

Address 2102 W. Encanto Blvd.

Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

Phone 602-223-2290

Website http://www.azdps.gov