Salary : $60,712.00 - $78,564.00 Annually
Location : Police Department 1 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 831-0526
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of WorkThe purpose of this job is to Identify, document, collect, and preserve evidence at all types of crime scenes including, but not limited to, homicides, suicides, assaults, shootings, robberies, burglaries, rapes, serious/fatal accidents, search warrants, arson, fraud, and larcenies. Crime scene investigation requires the use of specialized training and technology in order to properly process scenes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
- Responds to crime scenes, and in accordance with standardized crime scene and laboratory methods, determines tasks employed to ensure accurate and verifiable evidence in each investigation
- Employs proper protocol in testing, collecting and packaging of evidence to maintain integrity for further testing and court proceedings
- Evaluates evidence for physical or chemical processing methods employed either on scene or in the Forensic Services Unit
- Writes reports outlining processes employed and results obtained
- Attends autopsies, including- but not limited to- homicides and infant deaths to document and collect evidence from the examination
- Assists detectives with computer-generated line-ups and composite drawings
- Prepares photos and exhibits for presentation in court
- Attends pretrial conferences with prosecutors; meets with defense counsel as needed and provides court room testimony, including expert witness testimony
- Participates in research and continuing education both online and in the classroom
- Maintains equipment, supplies and files
- Interacts with the public in a mentor type role via presentations to schools and groups, job shadows and instructional guidance to interns
- Performs related work as required
Minimum Training and Experience- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a Natural Science, preferably in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Forensic Anthropology, or Criminal Justice or a related field
AND
- At least one (1) year of related work experience in a forensic laboratory, crime scene investigation or photography
OR
- Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
Other Necessary QualificationsPossession of a valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license.
Background Review:The background review process takes approximately
8-10 weeks and includes:
- Completion of a 65-page Personal History Questionnaire, providing detailed information and verification of education, employment, finances, legal history, driving record, references, relatives, residency, and an autobiography
- Comprehensive review and verification of all submitted documentation
- Legal, criminal, and financial records checks
- Reference checks, including primary, secondary, and tertiary contacts
- An in-person interview at the Grand Rapids Police Department
Other InformationWe Offer:- Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
- 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
- Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
- Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
- Paid Parking (if applicable)
- Employee Home Ownership Incentive
- Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
- Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
- Employee Discounts and Perks
Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Science, Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Forensic Anthropology, Criminal Justice, or a related field?
02
Do you have a minimum of one (1) year of related work experience in a forensic laboratory, crime scene investigation, or photography?
03
If yes, please describe your related work experience. If no, enter N/A.
04
Do you have a current warrant or PPO (restraining order) etc.?
05
Have you ever had a felony conviction, adjudication, expungement, or Felony set aside under Michigan law?
06
Have you been reprimanded for false statements, diligent performance of duty, unbecoming conduct, insubordination, or civil rights violation, within the last 2 years?
07
Have you had two or more misdemeanor convictions within the last 2 years?
08
Have you been terminated, failed probation, or been asked to resign under unfavorable circumstances within the last 2 years?
Required Question