FORENSIC SCIENCE

NATURE OF THE WORK

• Collect and preserve physical evidence, using the proper methods.
• Analyze fluid evidence from bloodstains or saliva.
• Examine DNA samples to see if they match other samples.
• Reconstruct crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence
• Testify as expert witnesses on evidence or in trials or hearings.

EDUCATION

• Requires a highschool diploma or a GED.
• At least a bachelor's degree in science or a science-related technology.
• On-the-job training can take as long as 1 year.
• No licenses are required to become a forensic science technician.

ABILITIES

• Forensic science technicians need to be able to clearly express ideas when speaking or writing
• They have to be able to read and understand written information.
• They must be able to listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
• They need to combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

INTERESTS

• Forensic science technicians should be interested in science
• An interest in problem solving is vital.

PREPARATION

• Forensic science courses are wonderful to take in highschool.
• Check with your teacher about out-of-classroom opportunities.
• Field-trips, internships, job shadowing, and work experience.

DAILY TASKS

• Processing information.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials.
• Analyze data or information.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Interpersonal relationships include working in a group or part of a team
• Physical work conditions include being exposed to diseases or other contaminants.
• Work performance includes abiding by strict deadlines.
• Hours/travel includes a 40-hour weekday, and being on call to go to crime scenes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Using hands to use objects, tools, and controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of living organisms and how they function.
• Knowledge of people, their actions, and mental processes.
• Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property.

JOB OUTLOOK

• There are 13,000 forensic science technician jobs in the US
• The growth rate through 2020 is 13.3% in Ohio, 18.5% in the US
• 17 job openings annually in Ohio, 790 in the US

YEARLY SALARY

• $43,500 - $68,450 yearly salary
• $20.91 - $32.91 hourly
• Health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, & retirement plans

HOURLY SALARY

JOB BENEFITS

• Health insurance
• Sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Retirement plans