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Police Lab Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$108K - $141K/yr

... deaths between police and the public by 50% in 10 years. As an Electrical Engineer, you'll ... Excellent hands-on skills: able to assemble board prototypes with lab equipment * Excellent all ...

Senior Electrical Engineer I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$108K - $141K/yr

... deaths between police and the public by 50% in 10 years. As an Electrical Engineer, you'll ... Excellent hands-on skills: able to assemble board prototypes with lab equipment * Excellent all ...

Police Lab information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$9

$25

$44

How much do police lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for police lab in Phoenix, AZ is $25.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police lab?

A Police Lab, also known as a forensic laboratory, is a specialized facility where scientific techniques are used to analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes. These labs are staffed by forensic scientists and technicians who examine evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, drugs, firearms, and other materials to assist law enforcement in criminal investigations. The findings from police labs can be crucial in identifying suspects, supporting prosecutions, and exonerating the innocent. Police labs play a vital role in modern policing by providing objective, scientific support to solve crimes.

What is the difference between Police Lab vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectPolice LabCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisHigh school diploma or associate degree, training in evidence collection
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, offices, sometimes crime scenesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for forensic analysis rolesFocuses on evidence collection at scenes

The Police Lab primarily conducts forensic analysis in labs, requiring specialized degrees and certifications. 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 responsibilities.

What are the typical responsibilities of a police lab technician during a criminal investigation?

Police Lab technicians play a crucial role in criminal investigations by analyzing physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and chemical substances. They are responsible for maintaining the integrity of evidence, conducting various laboratory tests, documenting results, and preparing detailed reports for law enforcement and court proceedings. Collaboration is common, as technicians often work closely with detectives, prosecutors, and sometimes testify in court as expert witnesses. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols to ensure the validity and reliability of results.

What do you need to be a police lab technician?

To become a police lab technician, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and understanding of forensic procedures; certifications in forensic science can also be beneficial. Prior experience in a laboratory setting may be required or preferred by employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Lab Technician, you need a solid background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence management systems, and certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication skills help you accurately process evidence and convey findings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring evidence integrity and supporting law enforcement investigations with scientifically sound results.

How to work in a police lab?

To work in a police lab, candidates typically need a background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, along with relevant education such as a degree in forensic science or a related field. Skills in laboratory techniques, evidence handling, and familiarity with forensic tools are essential, and some positions require certification or specialized training. Attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to work under pressure are important for success in this environment.
What are popular job titles related to Police Lab jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Police Lab jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Lab jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Police Lab jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
Infographic showing various Police Lab job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,144 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Chief Materials Technician (Aviation Projects) - Street Transportation Department

Phoenix Police Department

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$26.07 - $34.94/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Phoenix rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION
Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the country, serving as Arizona's center of government, commerce, and culture. It is emerging in the new economy with strength in high technology, manufacturing, bioscience research and advanced business services. Phoenix is a young, progressive city, brimming with sports and cultural attractions, distinctive restaurants, fascinating museums, diverse residential options, and endless outdoor opportunities.
The Street Transportation Department, Design and Construction Management Division is seeking one motivated individual for our Chief Materials Technician (Aviation Projects) vacancy in the City of Phoenix Materials Lab. The Chief Materials Technician (Aviation Projects) performs involved construction materials testing and quality control engineering work in the field and/or laboratory as related to airport projects at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Deer Valley Airport, and Goodyear Airport.
Additionally, this position supports the Material Supervisor with planning, coordinating, and facilitates testing standards in the day-to-day activities of construction materials testing technicians, schedules all the physical testing assigned to the material laboratory, builds data summaries, and monitors activities concerned with the application and maintenance of quality standards for processing materials used on City aviation projects.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Knowledge of:
  • COP, MAG, ADOT and FAA specifications and their application to airport construction projects.
  • Testing of properties, characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of materials, items or products used in public works construction.
  • Cement Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO formerly AMRL), and other Arizona test methods.
Ability to:
  • Analyze, compute and upload quality acceptance data to project software systems.
  • Observe, compare, and monitor testing equipment or data to determine if materials tested meet prescribed standards.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers.

SALARY
Pay Range: Pay and Hiring Range: $26.07 to $34.94 per hour.
Pay Range Explanation:
  • Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
  • Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 242. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.
  • Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
  • Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
  • Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
  • When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.
The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page .
BENEFITS
A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
  • Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information .
  • 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
  • Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
  • Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
  • Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
  • Employer paid long-term disability.
  • Free Bus/light rail pass.
  • Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
  • Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
  • Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi .
For more details, visit: Unit 002 Benefits
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Five years of experience in materials quality control engineering work.
  • Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
  • Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
  • For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .
  • The City job description can be found here .
Working conditions and requirements:
  • Working irregular hours, second or third shift, weekends, holidays and evenings will be required.
  • Lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds may be required.
  • Working with chemicals may be required.
  • Working in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications listed above plus:
  • Lead Material Technician experience with structural and civil construction practices.
  • Aviation construction materials testing experience.
  • Current certification with Arizona Technical Testing Institute (ATTI) and American Concrete Institute (ACI). Additional certifications will be beneficial.
  • Current possession of Class D drivers license.
Experience with/in:
  • Reading construction plans and specifications.
  • Construction materials testing and special structural inspections.
  • Federally funded projects.
  • Laboratory management software.
  • Primavera Unifier, Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe products.
  • Working on airport projects.

RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes August 13, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
  • Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
  • If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
  • Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
  • Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix .
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
  • If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939 . You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

REFERENCE
Chief Materials Technician, JC:19180, ID# 62098, 07/13/2026, USM, CR, Benefits:002
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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