Forensic Science Technicians

Skills

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Writing

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

• Flexibility of Closure

  The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

• Inductive Reasoning

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Post-secondary certificate
  36 %

  Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

• High school diploma or equivalent
  29 %

  or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Documenting/Recording Information

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Record research or operational data.
• Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Work 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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• 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 human resources.

• 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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.