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Night Shift Forensic Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... to shift and team to team. Prepares and submits to all designated parties reports covering ...

Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Investigations Opening Date: 05/06/2026 Closing Date: 7/1 ... shift and team to team. * Prepares and submits to all designated parties reports covering ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... to shift and team to team. Prepares and submits to all designated parties reports covering ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$23.90 - $29.88/hr

... forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative ... include shift work, holidays, and weekends; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$23.90 - $29.88/hr

... forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative ... include shift work, holidays, and weekends; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather ...

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Night Shift Forensic Science information

See salary details

$35.5K

$52.4K

$78.5K

How much do night shift forensic science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for night shift forensic science in the United States is $52,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $55,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Night Shift Forensic Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Night Shift Forensic Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and chain-of-custody documentation systems is crucial for accurate evidence processing. Keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills set standout professionals apart, especially when working independently during night shifts. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the integrity and reliability of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.

What are night shift forensic science jobs?

Night shift forensic science jobs involve working outside of traditional daytime hours, typically in crime laboratories or at crime scenes. Professionals in these roles analyze physical evidence such as biological samples, fingerprints, and digital data to assist law enforcement investigations. Night shifts are crucial for timely evidence processing, especially in urgent cases or when crimes occur overnight. These positions require attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Working nights can also involve collaborating closely with law enforcement officers and other forensic specialists.

What are 5 potential jobs for forensic science?

Forensic science graduates can pursue roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, forensic technician, and forensic laboratory manager. These positions involve analyzing evidence, collecting crime scene data, and preparing reports, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and certification in forensic methods.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is a forensic science professional who collects and analyzes evidence from crime scenes. CSIs are often civilian employees and do not need to be police officers, but they typically require a background in forensic science, biology, or chemistry, along with relevant certifications. The role involves working in labs and on-site at crime scenes, often with a focus on evidence collection, documentation, and analysis, and may require working irregular hours or night shifts.

What is the difference between Night Shift Forensic Science vs Night Shift Crime Scene Technician?

AspectNight Shift Forensic ScienceNight Shift Crime Scene Technician
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisHigh school diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime labs, sometimes crime scenesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Job FocusAnalyzing evidence in labs, report writingCollecting, processing evidence at crime scenes

Night Shift Forensic Science professionals primarily analyze evidence in labs, requiring specialized degrees and certifications. In contrast, Night Shift Crime Scene Technicians focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes, often with less formal education. Both roles support law enforcement but differ in work environment and job focus.

Do forensic scientists work at night?

Forensic scientists working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies may work night shifts, especially in roles that require 24-hour coverage or emergency response. Shift schedules vary by employer and department, and night work often involves handling evidence, conducting analyses, and supporting investigations outside regular business hours.

Is AI taking over forensics?

In forensic science, AI is increasingly used to assist with tasks such as image analysis, pattern recognition, and data management, improving accuracy and efficiency. However, human expertise remains essential for interpretation, decision-making, and maintaining legal standards, so AI currently supports rather than replaces forensic professionals. Forensic scientists often need skills in technology, data analysis, and certification in digital forensics tools.

What unique challenges might I face working the night shift as a forensic science professional, and how can I best prepare for them?

Working as a forensic scientist on the night shift often means responding to crime scenes with little notice and managing fatigue due to irregular hours. You may encounter increased pressure to process evidence quickly, as law enforcement relies on timely results during active investigations. To succeed, it's important to develop strong time-management skills, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and communicate effectively with day-shift colleagues to ensure seamless case handovers. Building resilience and practicing self-care will help you stay focused and deliver accurate results even during demanding night hours.
More about Night Shift Forensic Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Night Shift Forensic Science jobs? Cities with the most Night Shift Forensic Science job openings:
What states have the most Night Shift Forensic Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Night Shift Forensic Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Night Shift Forensic Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Night Shift Forensic Science jobs are:
Infographic showing various Night Shift Forensic Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $52,397 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Forensic Science Technician

Forensic Science Technician

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$35K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Submit an application at https://slmpd.org/forensic-science-technician/

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for securing information and evidence, classifying, analyzing and comparing records and assisting with the maintenance of relevant files. Duties include fingerprinting conscious, unconscious and deceased subjects to establish identity; photographing subjects; transmitting fingerprints to other law enforcement agencies; chemically processing and logging items for evidence and attending pre-trial conferences and testifying in court as to prisoner identifications and evidence processing results.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Essential Functions

  • Classifies searches and compares fingerprints on arrested and potential suspect subjects for the purpose of determining prisoner's correct identification.
  • Classifies, searches and compares the fingerprints of certain job applicants to determine if these individuals have criminal records.
  • Notifies the appropriate authorities when arrested subjects use an alias identity.
  • Uses MULES and REJIS name checks to assist in determining prisoner's true identity.
  • Uses state and national AFIS systems to establish prisoner's true identity.
  • Assists with the maintenance of the Departments and Missouri Highway Patrol's criminal and civil fingerprint files.
  • Complies with revisions from time to time after mutual consultation.
  • May be required to testify in court concerning prisoner identifications. Maintains Department's criminal records.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be available to work all shifts which include days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Shift differential of 1% is paid for evening, night and weekend shifts.
  • Must successfully complete AFIS Certification by the Missouri Highway Patrol within 24 months of date of hire. Must also become certified to use REJIS and MULES criminal history files and arrest records by completion of the working test period.

Knowledge:

  • An Associate’s degree in Physical or Forensic Science. OR one year of experience receiving, collecting, or processing forensic evidence for analysis. OR one year of experience working with fingerprint classification and identification. OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Data Utilization: Requires the ability to process, calculate, compute, summate, and/or tabulate data and/or information. Includes the ability to perform subsequent action in relation to these computational operations.
     
  • Human Interaction: Requires the ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify routine information to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
     
  • Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Use: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as computer terminal, scanners, fax, magnifiers, camera, electronic storage systems and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
     
  • Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information such as forms, orders, packing slips, schedules and general operating manuals.
     
  • Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
     
  • Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Involves semi-routine standardized work, with some latitude for independent judgment regarding choices of action.
     
  • Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
     
  • Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold or chemicals.
     
  • Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to lift laboratory equipment and supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; push and pull carts weighing over one hundred (100) pounds. Requires the ability to stoop, crouch, climb and balance to handle laboratory equipment and supplies.
     
  • Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of shapes to clearly identify objects.

Working Environment:

  • Normal office environment with attending outside functions when required.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:

  • Personal Computer
  • Telephone
  • Cell Phone
  • Copier/Fax Machine
  • Vehicle

PHYSICAL/VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, talk, and hear.

This position requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and the ability to bring objects into sharp focus, while reading from a computer screen.

The job has light physical demand (primarily sedentary) requiring the employee to exert negligible force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the normal course of routine office activities.

The St. Louis Metropolitan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The job description does not necessarily contain all of the actual or essential duties of this position. All job offers are contingent upon passing a medical evaluation/drug screen, psychological exam, and criminal background check.

Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

"Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.

Company Description

Welcome to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the home to some of the nation’s finest police officers and civilian employees. Established in 1808, our Department has a rich history and many traditions. We strive to provide the city of St. Louis with the highest level of police service.
Our department is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and we are committed to community policing. Our workforce is made up of over 400 civilian employees and 1,100 sworn officers. Our police officers interact daily with citizens and they have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of St. Louisans. We believe policing is one of the most rewarding and noble professions.