FORENSIC TECHNICIAN

Date: Oct 23, 2025

Req ID: 53756

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72209

Category: STATE CRIME LABORATORY

Anticipated Starting Salary: 47397

Position Number: 22090737
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 10/30/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 47397

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.

This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.

If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.

"The histotachnologist serves in the Medical Examiner section of the laboratory. Histotechnologists prepare paraffin tissue blocks and tissue slides for review by the forensic pathologist. Routine and special staining is performed by the histotechnologist. Preferred requirement: completion of an approved training program."

Position Information

Job Series: Forensics – Career Path

Classification: Forensic Technician

Class Code: SFO06P

Pay Grade: SGS05

Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148

Job Summary

The Forensic Technician plays a critical role in supporting forensic investigations by collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence under the guidance of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, and law enforcement personnel. This position requires strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, and excellent organizational skills to ensure accurate handling and documentation of evidence.

Primary Responsibilities

Receive, document, and preserve physical and digital forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols. Utilize forensic software and laboratory instruments to analyze and catalog evidence. Assist forensic scientists by preparing materials, solutions, and equipment for laboratory testing. Operate and maintain specialized forensic instruments used in evidence examination. Follow safety protocols and laboratory best practices to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Maintain detailed logs, reports, and case files to document forensic procedures and findings. Work alongside forensic analysts, law enforcement agencies, and legal teams to support case investigations. Provide technical assistance in evidence handling and preservation. Ensure forensic procedures comply with state and federal regulations, legal standards, and accreditation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong knowledge of forensic science principles, medicolegal death investigations, and laboratory techniques. Familiarity with forensic instrumentation, imaging techniques, and evidence-handling procedures. Ability to assist in preliminary analysis under supervision. High level of accuracy in documenting and processing forensic evidence. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases, maintain records, and track evidence. Ability to identify and minimize risks of contamination or procedural errors. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports and interdepartmental collaboration. Strong understanding of legal procedures, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody requirements. Ability to work with sensitive and sometimes disturbing case materials while maintaining professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

At least one year of experience in forensic analysis, laboratory work, crime scene processing, medicolegal death investigation, evidence management, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.