19-4092.00 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Forensic Science Technicians

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Key Tasks

  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
  • Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
  • Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
  • Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
  • Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
  • Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
  • Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
  • Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
  • Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
  • Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
  • Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
  • Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
  • Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
  • Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
  • Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
  • Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
  • Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
  • Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
  • Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
  • Enter data into databases.
  • Operate drones to capture aerial footage or photographs of crime scenes for further analysis.

Skills

Active Listening
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Speaking
75%
Writing
75%
Complex Problem Solving
66%
Active Learning
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
Monitoring
56%
Science
56%
Social Perceptiveness
56%
Coordination
53%
Learning Strategies
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Time Management
50%
Instructing
44%
Mathematics
44%
Operations Monitoring
44%
Persuasion
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Operation and Control
41%
Quality Control Analysis
38%
Negotiation
35%
Equipment Selection
25%
Troubleshooting
25%
Equipment Maintenance
16%
Operations Analysis
16%
Management of Material Resources
13%
Programming
13%
Repairing
13%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Technology Design
10%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Law and Government
87%
Public Safety and Security
79%
Education and Training
68%
English Language
65%
Computers and Electronics
60%
Customer and Personal Service
58%
Administration and Management
55%
Administrative
53%
Chemistry
53%
Biology
50%
Telecommunications
42%
Physics
41%
Mathematics
39%
Engineering and Technology
36%
Medicine and Dentistry
35%
Psychology
32%
Communications and Media
31%
Geography
30%
Production and Processing
30%
Sociology and Anthropology
26%
Transportation
26%
Mechanical
24%
Personnel and Human Resources
24%
Therapy and Counseling
17%
Design
15%
History and Archeology
11%
Building and Construction
7%
Philosophy and Theology
6%
Foreign Language
5%
Sales and Marketing
3%
Economics and Accounting
2%
Fine Arts
1%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Flexibility of Closure
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Near Vision
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Written Expression
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Problem Sensitivity
72%
Category Flexibility
69%
Far Vision
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Speech Clarity
69%
Speech Recognition
69%
Visual Color Discrimination
60%
Fluency of Ideas
56%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Speed of Closure
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Visualization
50%
Finger Dexterity
47%
Manual Dexterity
47%
Originality
47%
Control Precision
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Mathematical Reasoning
44%
Memorization
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Number Facility
41%
Auditory Attention
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
35%
Static Strength
35%
Trunk Strength
35%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Stamina
28%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Peripheral Vision
22%
Rate Control
22%
Reaction Time
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Gross Body Equilibrium
19%
Night Vision
19%
Sound Localization
19%
Explosive Strength
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
87%
Documenting/Recording Information
81%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
80%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
79%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
77%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
77%
Working with Computers
75%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
74%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
74%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
73%
Processing Information
73%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
72%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
72%
Analyzing Data or Information
70%
Handling and Moving Objects
67%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
65%
Performing General Physical Activities
64%
Performing Administrative Activities
60%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
59%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
58%
Controlling Machines and Processes
53%
Coaching and Developing Others
51%
Developing and Building Teams
50%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
50%
Assisting and Caring for Others
49%
Training and Teaching Others
49%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
48%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
48%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
46%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
46%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
45%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
35%
Scheduling Work and Activities
35%
Thinking Creatively
34%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
29%
Staffing Organizational Units
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
20%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
17%
Selling or Influencing Others
12%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

95%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

95%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

93%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

93%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

92%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

88%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

83%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

80%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

80%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

80%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

78%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

74%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

74%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

74%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

73%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

73%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

73%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

72%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

71%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

70%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

70%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

67%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

66%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

66%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

66%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

62%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

61%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

61%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

61%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

60%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

57%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

56%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

55%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

54%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

54%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

53%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

53%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

51%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

46%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

42%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

41%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

40%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

38%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

37%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

35%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

33%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

30%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

28%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

26%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

25%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

24%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

18%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

15%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

13%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

13%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

11%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

6%

Education

Post-secondary certificate

36%

High school diploma or equivalent

29%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

85

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

67

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

67

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

13

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

12

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

12

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Integrity
98%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
87%
Self-Control
77%
Stress Tolerance
74%
Intellectual Curiosity
72%
Perseverance
66%
Achievement Orientation
56%
Adaptability
53%
Sincerity
50%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
50%
Self-Confidence
49%
Cooperation
39%
Initiative
38%
Innovation
34%
Humility
16%
Leadership Orientation
15%
Social Orientation
13%
Empathy
8%
Optimism
5%

Work Values

Support
72%
Recognition
56%
Achievement
50%
Independence
50%
Working Conditions
47%
Relationships
33%

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