Crime Scene Technician

About the role

Under the supervision of a law enforcement agency, this position is responsible for the processing of crime scenes, including photographic and physical collection of evidence, identification, and preservation of evidence in relation to criminal investigations and in accordance with modern investigative principles.

Responsibilities

• Process crime scenes for identifying and collecting relevant evidence for use in criminal prosecution, utilizing digital photography, diagrams and sketches, fingerprint collection procedures, plaster casts, and assorted physical and/or chemical tests.
• Document, package, and preserve evidence; assess evidence for further lab testing.
• Compose reports documenting relevant information and testify in criminal proceedings.
• Perform bio-evidence collection and cellular phone forensics.
• Train patrol officers and instruct the public at community events regarding crime scene protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Knowledge of digital photography and evidence collection and analysis.
• Ability to conduct specialized tests and evaluate situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, digital camera, latent print kits, electrostatic dust print lifter, communication radios, ladders, hand tools, shovels, casting kits, and lighting equipment.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree (minimum) in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Physics; AND three (3) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints; OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints.
• Must obtain and maintain at least one nationally or internationally recognized crime scene investigator certification (e.g., International Association for Identification, American Board of Medical Legal Death Investigators, International Association of Blood Spatter Analysis) within one (1) year of hire.
• Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License.
• Submit to and pass a County‑paid pre‑employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Submit to and pass a County‑paid criminal background screening; no felony convictions.
• Ability to lift over 100 lbs.
• Clarity of vision at long and short distance required.
• Willingness to work evening, holiday, and weekend shifts.
• Work performed frequently in an office environment and outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens.
• Work involves high‑risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery.
• Use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials required.
• Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger/handle/feel, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling or crou