Entry Level Crime Scene Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is accepting applications for the position of Crime Scene Technician (I and/or II). There is only one open position. Interested applicants must submit an online application no later than 5:00 p.m

on July 31, 2026. Within five business days of submitting the application, applicants will receive an email from Guardian Alliance Technologies containing login credentials and instructions for creating a secure online account. This account will be used to complete and submit the required Personal History Questionnaire and supporting documentation.

The Personal History Questionnaire must be completed and certified by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process outlined in the Hiring Process section below

If you have questions about the position or the hiring process, please contact Police Recruitment Specialist Mitch Olive at 520-229-4962 or by email at molive@orovalleyaz.gov. Hiring Process The selection process for the Crime Scene Technician (I and/or II) position includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire, a written exam, practical examination, and an oral board interview. Candidates who successfully advance through the process will also be required to complete the following pre-employment evaluations: Polygraph Examination Drug Screening Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination All phases of the selection process-the written examination, practical examination, and oral board interview-require in-person attendance

No exceptions will be made. Disqualification Standards Applicants may be disqualified from consideration for any of the following reasons: Participation in any serious criminal activity or conduct that the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD), at its sole discretion, determines to be serious, inappropriate, or incompatible with the position. Any misdemeanor conviction involving narcotics, controlled substances, or marijuana that OVPD, at its sole discretion, determines to be serious, excessive, or inappropriate.

A conviction for a domestic violence offense occurring at age 18 or older. Illegal use of opiates, hallucinogens, or other dangerous drugs-including, but not limited to, LSD, PCP, peyote, mescaline, heroin, morphine, opium, psilocybin, cocaine, hashish, amphetamines, MDMA (Ecstasy), barbiturates, or similar substances-that OVPD, at its sole discretion, determines to be serious, excessive, or inappropriate. A pattern of traffic violations demonstrating a disregard for traffic laws or the safety of others.

A history of failing to maintain financial responsibility. Failure to follow application or background investigation instructions, or failure to provide complete and accurate information during the hiring process. The Police Crime Scene Technician I provides specialized forensic, technical, and operational support to detectives, police officers, prosecutors, and other department personnel through crime scene investigation, forensic evidence processing, property and evidence management, and equipment and operational support activities.

Responsibilities include documenting, identifying, collecting, preserving, processing, storing, safeguarding, tracking, releasing, and disposing of physical evidence; coordinating forensic laboratory submissions, maintaining chain of custody, managing department equipment and operational inventories, and supporting criminal investigations through scientific, technical, and administrative expertise. This classification represents the entry level of the Police Crime Scene Technician series and performs routine and moderately complex assignments while developing proficiency under the guidance of experienced personnel. This position supports criminal investigations through the application of forensic science principles, evidence management practices, and specialized technical expertise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Crime Scene Response and Evidence Processing Independently respond to property and other routine crime scenes to provide technical forensic support. Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, respond to critical crime scenes (homicides, serious injury assaults, etc.) to provide technical forensic support. Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, respond to Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT) activations

Assigned duties on PRCIT events will be based on individual CST I's observed competencies. Identify, document, preserve, collect, and package biological evidence, latent fingerprints, footwear and tire impressions, firearms, tool marks, and other forms of physical evidence. Photograph and document crime scenes using digital cameras, measurement equipment, and approved forensic documentation techniques.

Process evidence in the field utilizing fingerprint powders, alternate light sources, specialized chemical techniques, and other forensic techniques. Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, process evidence in the laboratory utilizing fingerprint powders, chemical reagents, alternate light sources, specialized camera equipment, filters, and other forensic techniques. Conduct presumptive chemical testing for blood and other biological evidence.

Produce and preserve impression evidence through casting, scaled photography, and other approved documentation methods. Operate advanced crime scene documentation equipment, including digital photography systems, alternate light sources, forensic measurement equipment, and department-issued three-dimensional laser scanning systems, as assigned. Perform duties on elevated surfaces, including ladders, lifts, rooftops, and similar work platforms.

Evidence and Property Management Receive, inventory, document, barcode, transport, store, safeguard, release, and dispose of evidence, found property, and safekeeping items in accordance with department policy and applicable laws. Inspect submitted evidence to ensure compliance with approved packaging, labeling, and submission standards. Maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation utilizing electronic records management systems and physical records as required.

Coordinate the submission, transfer, tracking, and return of evidence with forensic laboratories, prosecutors, detectives, outside agencies, and authorized property owners while maintaining accurate documentation and chain of custody. Research ownership, legal disposition, retention requirements, and release eligibility for evidence, found property, safekeeping items, and unclaimed property in accordance with applicable laws and department policies. Prepare and destroy evidence, found property, and unclaimed property as authorized and in accordance with legal retention requirements.

Maintain the integrity, security, accountability, and documentation of evidence management systems while ensuring evidence and property are released only to authorized individuals. Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, assist with Safekeeping and Found Property destruction processes. Records, Reporting, and Court Testimony Prepare detailed reports and complete all documentation associated with crime scene investigations and evidence handling.

Enter and maintain accurate data within department records management systems. Provide testimony in court and other legal proceedings regarding crime scene processing, evidence collection, chain of custody, and evidence preservation. Customer Service and Administrative Responsibilities Provide professional customer service by responding to inquiries regarding evidence and property disposition.

Perform routine filing and other administrative duties. Participate in after-hours on-call rotations supporting crime scene response, property and evidence management, and equipment and operational support functions. Equipment, Training, and Operational Support Issue, receive, inspect, inventory, maintain, and document department-issued firearms, less-lethal weapons, body-worn cameras, personal protective equipment, uniforms, radios, specialty equipment, and operational supplies.

Maintain accountability records for department-issued equipment. Conduct inventories and inspections of department equipment and supplies. Coordinate repair, replacement, procurement, and maintenance activities for assigned department equipment.

Obtain vendor quotations and assist with purchasing activities. Assist department personnel regarding equipment issuance, accountability, and inventory procedures. Maintain operational readiness of assigned equipment and inventory systems.

Assist with maintaining inventory accuracy through routine inspections and reconciliation of department equipment records. Assist in the training and instruction of department personnel regarding crime scene processing and property and evidence procedures. Attend required training to maintain proficiency and remain current with evolving forensic practices, technology, and legal requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing crime scene investigations, evidence handling, and property management, and chain of custody. Knowledge of forensic evidence collection, preservation, documentation, latent fingerprint development, and crime scene processing methods, and basic forensic processing techniques. Knowledge of evidence management principles, records management systems, evidence tracking systems, and applicable property and evidence laws and procedures.

Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, inventory accountability, and equipment management procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with department personnel, outside agencies, and members of the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, outside agencies, and the public.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and follow established policies and procedures. Ability to organize work, prioritize assignments, coordinate multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to accurately gather, analyze, document, preserve, package, and maintain physical evidence while ensuring chain of custody.

Ability to prepare clear, articulate, and comprehensive reports, records, and other documentation. Ability to operate computers, records management systems, forensic equipment, and standard office equipment. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively in English in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio. Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments. Ability to safely perform duties while complying with all applicable safety standards and procedures.

Ability to apply established forensic processing techniques and operate department issued crime scene equipment under general guidance MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or GED. One (1) year of experience in forensic evidence collection, crime scene processing, digital photography, or a closely related field. Arizona Terminal Operator Certification must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire.

Valid Arizona Class D Driver License at the time of employment. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Perform duties under challenging and potentially hazardous conditions, including exposure to decomposing human or animal remains, insects, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, arson scenes, offensive odors, emotionally charged situations, hostile individuals, and incidents involving child or animal victims. May be required to work in biohazard environments while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment. Duties require moderate physical exertion, including frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

Must possess normal color vision sufficient to distinguish colors used in forensic examinations and evidence identification. Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and areas with heavy vehicular traffic. Participate in a rotating twenty-four-hour, seven-day on-call schedule.

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person's race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information or marital status.