Crime Scene Specialist I

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by 05-31-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to upload a resume to their application; failure to upload a resume will result in an incomplete application.

The recruitment process will include a written assessment, scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Those scoring 80% or higher on the written assessment will be invited to a practical assessment, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 22, 2026. The top 30 passing applicants from the practical assessment will be invited to a screening panel interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of July 6, 2026. You will be advised via email of your status in the process after each stage.

Applicants for this position need to be aware of these working conditions:

• Seasonal exposure to extreme heat and cold. Must have the ability to work prolonged hours outside in these seasonal conditions.
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as confined spaces, direct sun, dust, fumes, traffic, deceased individuals in various states of decomposition, blood and bodily fluids.
• Requires necessary and frequent bending, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping, fine movement, grasping.
• Prolonged standing and walking on a frequent basis.
• Ability to reach overhead, walk, stand, climb, balance, and move about on hands and feet and knees.
• Frequently lift, move or carry objects up to 50 pounds.

Candidates selected for hire must have a valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D driver license, and must be able to obtain Terminal Operator Certification (TOC): Level C within six weeks of hire.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL TESTING
Basic Physical
50-lb. Lift Test
Non-NIDA Drug Test
Respirator Physical
Twinrix Vaccine (Hep A & Hep B Combination)

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Summary

The Crime Scene Specialist I position at the City of Tucson’s Police Department conducts crime scene investigations, and identifies, photographs, collects, and preserves evidence associated with crime scenes. Employees in this classification play a critical role in ensuring unit compliance with quality assurance and forensic accreditation standards, enforcing unit policies, and contributing to the overall mission of delivering accurate and timely forensic services for the unit’s law enforcement partners and the criminal justice system in Southern Arizona.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Crime Scene Specialist Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Documents crime scenes, victims, suspects, autopsies, physical injuries, and evidence through specialized standard and ultraviolet/infrared photography. Utilizes 3D laser scanner for documentation of measurements. Operates small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for scene photographic documentation.

• Utilizes various methods to develop and collect friction ridge detail, swabs evidence for DNA. Utilizes presumptive tests to identify body fluids, lead or copper. Utilizes gel lifts, electrostatic dust print lifter, forensic light source, blood enhancement chemicals to develop, collect, and preserve evidence.

• Maintains equipment and supplies; takes notes; prepares written reports; uses verbal and written communication regarding key findings with appropriate personnel; submits physical evidence; uploads images and documents to electronic case files.

• Attends meetings; initiates/responds to communications; completes tasks related to office/vehicle maintenance; maintains current official documents/forms; provides public customer service; maintains subpoena records; updates proficiencies, certifications, and CV; prepares for and testifies in court; provides public and court-ordered fingerprinting services on a weekly basis. Maintains current/updated knowledge of procedural standards and competencies.

• Attends and photographs multiple types of ceremonies; photographs units/squads upon request; public relations photography; gives presentations to students and citizens at schools and events.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work any shift required by the department, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Indoor and outdoor work with some exposure to physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment.

• Work may be subject to confined spaces, direct sun, dust, fumes, hostile situations and biological fluids.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associate Degree
Experience: One year of relevant experience
Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree with a concentration in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice or a related field.
• Specific coursework in photography, crime scene investigation, or evidence collection and preservation.
• Experience working in law enforcement, crime scene processing, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Photography experience using a digital SLR camera.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6350 - Crime Scene Specialist

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G104

Hourly Range

$19.97 - 29.95 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Police Department, ZBUDG HIER - Recurring

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police

Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.

Recruiter Name

Carolyn Pearson (200331)

Recruiter Email

tpd_hr@tucsonaz.gov

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.