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Forensic Tech Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Exposure to cutting-edge technology and methodologies in the field of digital forensics and eDiscovery. * A supportive team that fosters professional growth and development. Requirements: * BA/BS in ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview ... forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive ...

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Forensic Tech information

See Portland, OR salary details

$27K

$64.9K

$100.2K

How much do forensic tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic tech in Portland, OR is $64,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $73,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do forensic technicians make?

Forensic technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What degree do I need to be a forensic tech?

To become a forensic technician, a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement, but most employers prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with forensic tools and procedures.

Is it hard to get a job as a forensic technician?

Securing a position as a forensic technician can be competitive due to specialized skills required, such as knowledge of crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and laboratory analysis. Candidates often need relevant education, certifications, and experience, which can influence the difficulty of obtaining the job.

What is the difference between Forensic Tech vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic TechCrime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; certifications like ASQ or FEPBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like CSCSA
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing evidenceOn-site at crime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for evidence processing rolesFocuses on scene investigation

Forensic Techs primarily work in laboratories, analyzing evidence collected from crime scenes, while Crime Scene Investigators are responsible for visiting crime scenes, collecting evidence, and documenting the scene. Both roles are essential in forensic investigations but differ in work environment and specific duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic tech?

To thrive as a Forensic Tech, you need a solid background in laboratory sciences, evidence handling, and crime scene investigation, often supported by a degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic software, and chain-of-custody protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication help you excel when documenting evidence and testifying in legal settings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the integrity and admissibility of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.

What is a forensic tech?

Forensic techs, also known as forensic science technicians, are professionals who assist in criminal investigations by collecting, analyzing, and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes. They work closely with law enforcement to document and process evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, and digital data. Their work is crucial in helping to solve crimes, ensure the integrity of evidence, and sometimes testify in court regarding their findings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic techs when processing crime scenes?

Forensic Techs often encounter challenges such as working in high-pressure environments, preserving the integrity of evidence, and meticulously documenting every step to ensure legal admissibility. They must be detail-oriented to avoid contamination and aware of chain-of-custody procedures. Additionally, Forensic Techs frequently collaborate with law enforcement and other specialists, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability to various crime scene conditions.
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Tech jobs in Portland, OR? For Forensic Tech jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Tech jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Tech jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Tech job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,856 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

IT Cybersecurity Specialist

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Portland, OR • On-site

$96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in Cyber Security Forensics and Intelligence (JBB), Cyber Security (JB), Information Technology (J).
A successful candidate in this position will serve as a Computer Forensic Analyst/Technician performing a wide variety of investigations, inquiries, and tasks concerning incident and investigations management and with the preservation, identification, extraction, interpretation, and documentation of computer evidence.Qualifications:

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.
For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

To meet this requirement, you must demonstrate proficiency in each of the four competencies listed above as follows:
GS-12: Advanced - You can perform the actions associated with each of these competencies without assistance. You are recognized within your immediate organization as "a person to ask" when difficult questions arise regarding each of these competencies. Focus is on broad organizational/professional issues; You have consistently provided practical/relevant ideas and perspectives on process or practice improvements which may easily be implemented; You are capable of coaching others in the application of each of these competencies by translating complex nuances relating to each competency into easy to understand terms; You participate in senior level discussions regarding these competencies; You assist in the development of reference and resource materials in these competencies.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) using forensic tools to acquire and analyze digital evidence from sources such as computer hard drives and servers in support of cyber investigations; 2) analyzing system logs and network traffic to identify potential security incidents and indicators of compromise; and 3) preparing technical reports that document the findings of forensic or security analyses.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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