Forensic Associate Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $76,940.86 - $109,368.48 Annually
Location : Municipal Services Building, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026 - 01111 PO Lateral
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
For detailed information on this recruitment process and what QCPD can offer to you, please view the Join QCPD page
APPLICATION PROCESS - IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
This job posting will run continuously until filled. First review of applications will be October 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis thereafter. Please note that this job posting may close at any time without notice after the first review date in October.
OFFICER SALARY
QCPD will offer pay rates commensurate with years of sworn service:

• Less than 1 year: $37.36/hour ($77,726/year)
• 1 to < 2 years: $39.23/hour ($81,612/year)
• 2 to < 3 years: $41.19/hour ($85,693/year)
• 3 to < 4 years: $43.25/hour ($89,977/year)
• 4 to < 5 years: $45.42/hour ($94,476/year)
• 5 to < 6 years: $47.69/hour ($99,200/year)
• 6 to < 7 years: $50.07/hour ($104,160/year)
• 7+ years: $52.58 ($109,368/year)

This job classification is FLSA Non-Exempt.
HIRING BONUS
All hiring bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.

• Lateral Officer incentive pay is $15,500 payable as follows:
  • $3,000 after hire date.
  • $2,500 after successful completion of Field Training.
  • $5,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)

EDUCATION BONUS
All educational bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.

• The degree must be from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice studies, social sciences, business management, leadership, forensic science, psychology, or other degree related to the core functions of your position.
• The degree must be earned/awarded prior to your hire date. If you earn a degree following your hire date, you may qualify for a different educational incentive provided by the Town. More information will be provided during your initial orientation.
• If you have earned multiple degrees, you will receive the incentive specified for the highest degree earned/presented.
• The incentive will be paid after successful completion of your probation.
  • Associate Degree: $500
  • Bachelor Degree: $1,000
  • Masters (or higher): $1,500

MOVING EXPENSES
All moving expenses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.
If a police department employee moves to within 30 miles of the Town borders after receiving a final offer of employment, that individual may be eligible for a one-time payment of potential expenses.*

• Guidelines for this payment are as follows:
  • In-state (Arizona) move under 90 miles: $250
  • In-state (Arizona) move over 90 miles: $500
  • Out-of-state move: $3,000

*The costs/expenses incurred must be between the date a FINAL offer of employment letter is received and one year from date of hire. Any exceptions must be authorized by the Chief of Police.
PAID VACATION TIME & SICK TIME

• For the lateral officer, at the time of hire you will receive a one-time addition of 80 hours of vacation time and 80 hours of sick time.
• Vacation accrual rates will be adjusted based on prior full years of (sworn) service.

TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

• We will reimburse travel costs related to testing activities that occur after you have received a conditional offer.
• The maximum daily reimbursement will be based on current GSA rates:
  • Airfare:
  • Per Diem & Lodging:
• Keep all receipts.
• Contact QCPD command staff for specific details or guidance prior to travel.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION

• Specialty Assignment Pay for Detectives, Field Training Officers, Motors, SWAT, Negotiations, etc.
• Shift Differential Pay
  • Power Swing Shift: $.75 per hour
  • Swing Shift: $1.00 per hour
  • Graveyard shift: $1.25 per hour
• Overtime, Callout, Stand-By, and other Premium Pay

If you are having technical (computer-related) difficulties while completing the online application, please contact the governmentjobs.com "Applicant Support Line" at 1-855-524-5627.
JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Positions assigned to this class are responsible for performing general and specialized police work involving the enforcement of laws and ordinances, protecting life and property, conducting investigations, detection and arrest of violators, effecting crime prevention, providing community services, responding to requests for assistance, or acting in some other specialized assignments of comparable responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first level in the sworn police job family responsible for performing law enforcement activities.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town's needs.

• Monitors radio communication and responds to community requests, calls-for-service, and emergencies.
• Assists other officers, department personnel, and Town staff as needed.
• Investigates crimes, complaints, accidents, and other situations.
• Administers first aid, secures crime and accident scenes, conducts investigations, and identifies and preserves evidence.
• Interviews individuals with complaints and provides an appropriate disposition or refers to proper authorities.
• Assesses activity or situations and takes appropriate action to enforce laws and maintain safety and security.
• When appropriate, apprehends suspects, makes/processes arrests; and transports offenders.
• Patrols designated areas to maintain order and to prevent, deter or discover violations and other criminal activity.
• When appropriate, conducts traffic stops and issues citations or warnings.
• Prepares and completes a variety of reports to provide documentation of daily shift activities, investigations, law and code violations, civil process, warrants, individual statements, critical incidents, and evidence management.
• Prepares, obtains, and/or serves warrants, court orders, civil processes, and other legal documents.
• Enforces traffic laws, codes, and regulations; facilitates traffic safety around accidents or congested areas; provides assistance to disabled motorists.
• Enforces other state laws and local codes/ordinances.
• Reviews and prepares case documentation for trials, hearings, depositions, etc.
• Provides testimony for trials, hearings, depositions, etc.
• Attends all designated meetings, briefings, training, and required appearances.
• As assigned, serves as a liaison to community groups, businesses, individuals, and other stakeholders to promote public safety, crime prevention, and awareness.
• Participates in community events and meetings.
• Conducts training for department staff, residents, volunteers, and other designated individuals.
• Cross-trains in a wide variety of law enforcement skills and disciplines.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the Town and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, business owners, organizational leaders, and other community members.
• Responds to questions, provides information, resolves complaints, and promotes positive public and community relations.
• Stays informed on all new or of new or updated laws, courts decisions, department policies, division procedures, and other important notifications.
• Maintains compliance with all Town, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations.
• Maintains compliance with all Town and Departmental rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Embraces the Town's and department's mission, vision and values.
• Provides support to special projects, tasks, or other assignments.
• Provides appropriate notifications for critical incidents or other designated situations.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)
Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED;
• Completion of a Law Enforcement / Police Academy OR
• Completion of an AZPOST-certified, open enrollment program within the past 3 years;

Special Requirements:

• This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. Upon conditional offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances;
• A thorough background investigation will also be conducted and will include a polygraph exam, psychological examination, an AZPOST medical examination, and testing for alcohol and controlled substances;
• Out-of-state candidates will also be required to complete a physical agility assessment as part of the testing process.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Arizona Driver's License;
• Must be certified as an Arizona Police Officer within three (3) months of hire and continue to maintain Arizona Peace Officer and Standard Training (AZ POST) standards;
• For AZPOST certification, out-of-state candidates will be required to complete the AZPOST waiver process which includes firearms qualification (day, night, target ID/discrimination), tactical driving qualification, a Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), a written test, and documentation for (academy) equivalency training.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and practices of modern municipal police organizations, including mission, vision, objectives, policies, procedures, and operations;
• Ethical decision-making;
• Local, state and federal laws as applicable to municipal law enforcement;
• Contemporary legal issues, such as criminal, civil, and labor laws, and municipal ordinances that affect police agencies;
• Police Department functions, procedures, policies, goals, organization, general orders, and rules and regulations;
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of law enforcement practices;
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of court proceedings;
• Laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, search and seizure, and the rules of evidence;
• Police methods and procedures related to patrol, traffic control, investigation, and identification

techniques;

• Operation and capabilities of the various types of equipment used by a police department;
• Effective methods of community policing efforts;
• Customer service principles and practice;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• The geography and demographics of the Town.

SKILLS

• Solving problems and making sound decisions;
• Analyzing and resolving operational and procedural problems;
• Managing stressful and complex situations;
• Using and caring for firearms;
• Driving in emergency situations;
• Operating of a motor vehicle;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards;
• Maintaining physical and mental fitness;
• Providing customer service;
• Implementing investigative techniques;
• Managing time effectively while remaining agile and flexible;
• Applying investigation techniques;
• Building consensus and cultivating adaptability;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Supplemental Information
OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:
Physical Strength for this classification is indicated below with an "X"
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Medium: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
Heavy: Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
X
Very Heavy: Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
C
F
O
R
N
Continuously
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
2/3 or more time
1/3 to 2