Job Description

Posting open until 1/2/2026

Salary Range: $47,475 (Trainee) - $54,418 annually

General Description and Classification Standards

Under the general direction of the Crime Laboratory Director, performs technical work in the development, preservation, and presentation of evidence relating to criminal activities. Work is reviewed through observation of the quality and quantity of results obtained and detailed oral and written reports. Works closely with law enforcement staff to identify latent impression evidence previously retrieved from crime scenes. An employee in this classification may be required to work alternate shifts and perform other lab duties as requested.

Supervision Received

Work is performed with limited supervision and requires that the duties be accomplished with a degree of independence and at a level of responsibility where the employee must exercise considerable good judgment and individual initiative in the performance of assigned duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Receives and records fingerprint evidence from crime scenes.
• Compares and searches latent prints on the AFIS computer system for classification, comparison, and identification.
• Follows section-specific policies and procedures, and maintains files, and chain of custody for evidence.
• Enters prints into the database for use by Atlanta Police and other law enforcement agencies.
• Documents findings and issues reports for use in prosecuting criminal cases.
• Testify as an expert witness on evidence collected and test results upon examination.
• Enters data on all evidence, tests, and resulting findings into the police department's computerized laboratory management database.
• Prepares daily and weekly reports on activities.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.

COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Decision Making

The examiner works independently conducting the duties of the forensics unit. May use some discretion in the completion of assigned tasks.

Leadership Provided

Experienced examiners will be available to assist.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Some basic knowledge of latent print processing and evidence handling is required.
• Skill in the use of computers and other office equipment.
• Ability to work in stressful environments and maintain focus on assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate with other staff members and accurately record information received, to use appropriate equipment/instruments, to maintain accurate case records, to prepare technical reports, and to conduct repetitive tasks daily.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in natural, physical, or forensic science from an accredited college or university with the successful completion of at least 40 semester hours (or 60 quarter hours) of coursework in natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.).

Licensures and Certifications

None required

Preferred Requirements

Experience working in a team environment meeting identified individual benchmarks. Experience working in a law enforcement environment or laboratory setting and familiar with laboratory management systems or equivalent.

OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. The environmental conditions typically associated with a laboratory are present with the position and necessary precautions are expected.

Lifting Requirements: Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.