The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Law Enforcement
ForensicScientist
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“Forensic Scientist at The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Skills: Forensic analysis, Crime scene processing, Evidence collection. Collect, document, analyze evidence. Analyze crime scenes”
Industry & Context.
Determine and evaluate the values of evidence; Decision-making; Concentration/vigilance
Pass background review, Pass polygraph examination, Pass psychological exam, Work under highly emotional conditions, Work under adverse conditions, Deal with distressing sights, Deal with distressing smells, Deal with distressing touch, Deal with dead bodies, Deal with victims of violent crimes, Work in all weather conditions, Exposure to chemicals, Exposure to bio hazard environments, Deal with traumatic subject matter, Deal with suspects, Deal with victims, Be on call 24/7, Work in temperatures above 90 degrees, Work in temperatures below 40 degrees, Work in dim lighting, Work in bright lighting, Exposure to contagious diseases, Exposure to chemicals/fumes, Exposure to smoke/dust, Work in wet/damp area, Work in confined area, Climb stairs or ladders, Work at unprotected heights, Work in high noise level, Sit, Stand, Walk, Drive a vehicle, Speak, Hear, See, Read, Distinguish colors, Bend/kneel, Reach, Twist, Climb, Crawl, Crouch, Balance, Wear protective gear, Precise dexterity, Lift floor to waist fifty (50) pounds, Lift waist to shoulder twenty-five (25) pounds, Lift shoulder to overhead fifteen (15) pounds, Carry fifty (50) pounds for 100 feet, Push/pull fifty (50) pounds for 100 feet, Work in dangerous environment, Handle high volume of work, Handle interruptions, Handle time pressures, Handle multiple tasks, Handle complicated tasks, Handle unscheduled tasks, Handle frequently changing tasks, Work in close proximity with others, Work in isolation, Work overtime, Work rotating shifts, Work in emergencies
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Criminalistics, or related field, Completion of 40-hour Fingerprint Classification School or a similar program, Valid Arizona driver’s license
Nice to Have
Two (2) years of experience in crime scene processing, latent comparative analysis, and laboratory examinations, Completed 80 hours in specialized photography/forensic courses, AZAFIS IAI Certification (Crime Scene and/or Latent)
What You'll Do.
Document physical evidence
Collect physical evidence
Photograph crime scenes
Recover latent fingerprints
Perform chemical tests
Write narrative reports
Complete crime scene paperwork
Document impression evidence
Perform comparative analysis
Identify unknown subjects
Collect evidence at autopsies
Photograph deceased individuals
Obtain fingerprints of deceased
Respond to follow-up procedures
Prepare documentation for court
Transport evidence for court
Provide expert testimony
Mix chemical processes
Adhere to safety protocols
Handle hazardous materials
Determine precautions
Complete technical tests
Communicate in person
Follow chain of custody
Maintain crime laboratory
Maintain evidence processing equipment
Order forensic supplies
Provide in-service training
Communicate over radio
Provide information to agencies
Conduct presentations
Respond to public requests
Maintain relationships
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Work with other law enforcement agencies; Work with the public; Work with MCSO personnel; Work with criminal justice community
Communication Scope
Communicate successfully in oral and written formats; Communicate per MCSO radio protocol
Full Job Description
**Posting Date** 05/27/26 **Application Deadline** 06/10/26 **Pay Range** MIN - MID - MAX $28.80 - $36.90 - $45.00 **Job Type** Unclassified **Department** Sheriff **About the Position** The Forensic Scientist collects, documents, analyzes, compares, and testifies regarding all types of evidence and crime scenes that occur within Maricopa County and occasionally outside of the county to aid in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases. This position requires separate unbiased analysis of crime scenes, evidence, comparative, and testimony in a court of law. The Division ensures that the mandates are adhered to that are set forth by the Constitution, Arizona Revised Statues (ARS), and Rule of Court Procedures. **About the Maricopa County Sheriff 's Office:** Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety. **Compensation is more than a salary with MCSO:** * Growth and stability since 1871 * Exceptional work-life balance: 4/10 schedule based on business needs * Manageable workload * Opportunity for criminal polygraph examinations * Training opportunities with AZ Polygraph Association, American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists * Network with other case agencies * Choice of three medical plans – starting as low as $70/month * Holidays – 10/year + 1 personal day * Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System (Pension) * Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption) * 30% discount at KinderCare daycare facilities in the Valley * [MCKids Club](https://www.maricopa.gov/6007/Other-Benefits-2024#:~:text=Even%20though%20MCKids%20Club%20isn,facilities%20starting%20November%2
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