Forensic Evidence Technician 1

Job Description

Reporting and Technical Authority

• Administratively reports to the Laboratory Director of Operations.
• Technically reports to the appropriate Technical Leader.
• Receives case-level and batch-level direction from the assigned Forensic DNA Analyst for the work being executed.

• Executes authorized procedures and instrument operations independently within the authorized scope.
• Escalates technical, quality, or safety concerns to the assigned analyst or supervisory staff.

Core Responsibilities (Applicable to Levels I-II)

• Receive, verify, organize, label, and document forensic evidentiary items, including databasing samples.
• Support verification of case submission forms and supporting documentation for completeness.
• Maintain chain of custody and sample control through all handling phases.
• Handle, secure, repackage, and store evidentiary items, and maintain the associated evidence tracking records.

• Perform presumptive and confirmatory screening tests, hair washing and root identification, and M-VAC collection, and record the observations for analyst determination.
• Perform DNA extraction, purification, dilution, and concentration, including automated extraction platform operation.
• Perform quantification and amplification, including thermal cycler operation and setup of controls.
• Perform capillary electrophoresis setup and run operation, including plate preparation and polymer, buffer, and array changes.
• Perform sequencing library preparation, target enrichment, normalization, pooling, and sequencing run operation.
• Record execution data, observations, and run parameters, and transfer generated data to the designated location for analyst evaluation.

• Prepare reagents and solutions, perform reagent quality control checks, and manage labeling, storage, and inventory of reagents and consumables.
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, consumable replacement, and performance checks on laboratory instrumentation and ancillary equipment, and maintain the corresponding records.
• Coordinate scheduled service visits and support external service and calibration activities.
• Remove non-conforming equipment from service and notify the assigned analyst or the responsible Technical Leader.
• Perform facility cleaning, decontamination, biohazard disposal, and temperature and environmental monitoring, maintaining contamination control across pre-PCR and post-PCR areas.

• Support analysts during evidence examination, sample selection and cutting, and specialty processing (bone, petrous, teeth), including handling and positioning materials, equipment, supplies, and lighting, and preparing the work area.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable laboratory records for all work executed.
• Participate in required meetings, training, competency assessments, and continuing education activities.
• Provide court testimony regarding evidence handling and procedure execution when authorized.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the responsible Technical Leader or the Laboratory Director of Operations within the level, training, and authorization of the technician.

Additional Responsibilities by Level

• Execute authorized evidence handling, testing, maintenance, and facility tasks.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities and inventory management.
• Perform data handling and software entry within the authorized scope.
• Support consistency in laboratory workflows and documentation practices.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow written procedures, protocols, and verbal instructions accurately and without deviation.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation correctly and safely within the authorized scope.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential laboratory records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, sterile technique, and contamination control.
• Ability to recognize when an outcome departs from the procedure and to escalate it.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn laboratory information systems and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• High school diploma.

• Ability to follow written procedures, protocols, and verbal instructions accurately and without deviation.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation correctly and safely within the authorized scope.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential laboratory records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, sterile technique, and contamination control.
• Ability to recognize when an outcome departs from the procedure and to escalate it.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn laboratory information systems and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Training in laboratory-based methods.
• Exposure to laboratory instrumentation and general laboratory methods.