Forensic Technician (DPS #10110127) State of New Mexico - 3.5 Las Cruces, NM Job Details Full-time $18.69 - $28.04 an hour 19 hours ago Qualifications Administrative experience High school diploma or GED Driver's License Clerical experience Defensive driving Full Job Description Posting Details The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic analysis to over 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony throughout New Mexico in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Controlled Substance Analysis. The Forensic Laboratory Bureau encompasses three forensic laboratories: Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Hobbs. The mission is to provide unbiased scientific results to client agencies, including federal, state, local and tribal agencies on criminal cases submitted for forensic analysis. Why does the job exist? Forensic Evidence Technicians provide support to the Forensic Laboratory Bureau and forensic scientists who utilize scientific principles to support or negate theories surrounding physical evidence found at a crime scene. The technician has a variety of critical responsibilities, administrative duties within property and evidence functions, including maintaining the evidential chain of custody and integrity of evidence and property. This position will receive, record, account for, store, safeguard, collect, verify, release and disburse evidence to laboratory clients. A significant degree of initiative, independent judgment, discretion and confidentiality is paramount. All duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an attentive, effective, efficient and safe manner. The laboratory supports all New Mexico law enforcement, criminal justice and court systems by analyzing forensic evidence collected at crime scenes and presenting their findings in court based on the results of their examination. How does it get done? Forensic Evidence Technicians support the Forensic Laboratory Bureau and scientists by managing evidence from crime scenes. Key responsibilities include maintaining the chain of custody, safeguard evidence, and performing various administrative duties. They receive, record, store, verify, and release evidence, ensuring its integrity. The role requires initiative, independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Technicians must perform their tasks attentively, efficiently, and safely. The laboratory serves all New Mexico law enforcement and judicial systems, analyzing forensic evidence and presenting findings in court. This position also responds to discovery requests from district attorneys' offices, which includes interacting with the requesters and promptly providing them with confidential information about active criminal cases. Who are the customers? Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens. Ideal Candidate Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens. Minimum Qualification High school diploma or equivalent. For positions in the Forensic Laboratory, one (1) year experience in general clerical work and computer operations. For positions in the Law Enforcement Records Bureau, one (1) year experience in general clerical work and computer operations. Employment Requirements Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy. In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire. This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to applicable drug and alcohol testing requirements. A pre-employment drug and alcohol test is required as a condition of employment. Employees occupying safety-sensitive positions are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and Department policy. Working Conditions Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft will be required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; and exposure to noise from equipment and instruments utilized in the laboratory is required. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information:

William Watson, 505-470-1276 Email For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.