Crime Scene Technician

Role overview

The City of Charlotte is hiring a Crime Scene Technician to support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in the detailed processing of crime scenes. The role involves locating, collecting, documenting, and preserving physical evidence such as latent finger and palm prints, trace materials, DNA, and other biological or physical evidence. The position also includes photography, sketching, and evidence documentation. This job requires availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response assignments, including severe weather and disaster situations.

About the city and culture

Charlotte describes itself as a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive city focused on public service, safety, health, and quality of life. The city emphasizes teamwork, accountability, service excellence, initiative, and collaboration across stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

This position supports investigations by examining property crimes, violent crimes, and complex scenes in a structured, lawful manner. It includes forensic documentation, evidence handling, scene processing, and courtroom support. The technician may also train staff, demonstrate procedures to outside groups, and assist with evidence-related communication and routing.

Duties and work expectations

Work may involve decomposing remains, body fluids, infectious disease risks, hazardous materials, heavy objects, and specialized tools and equipment. The incumbent must be prepared to process scenes in any weather or at any time of day and to work in physically demanding or emotionally difficult environments.

Qualifications and preferred background

Minimum entry requirements include either a high school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of related work experience, or an associate degree with 1 year of related work experience. Preferred preparation includes a 2-year degree in forensic science, a related natural or physical science, or criminal justice plus 2 years of relevant crime scene investigator experience; or a 4-year degree in forensic science, a related natural or physical science, or criminal justice.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The role calls for strong scientific understanding, close attention to detail, sound judgment, fast and accurate decision-making, strong organization, and the ability to remain composed in stressful situations. Familiarity with forensic methods, evidence custody rules, investigative techniques, laws, court procedures, and written/oral directions is important.

Physical, sensory, and environmental requirements

The work requires abilities such as grasping, speaking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. It may involve long periods of sitting, standing, or walking, along with crouching, kneeling, climbing, reaching, bending, and carrying equipment. The job can require ladder use, stair climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Sensory concentration is needed for reading, data entry, proofreading, and understanding speech. The position may be performed in indoor and outdoor settings with exposure to extreme weather, noise, poor lighting, bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, fumes, mold, biohazards, confined spaces, unstable footing, heights, and threatening or disruptive individuals. Consistent use of PPE is required.

Pre-employment and other conditions

Candidates must successfully complete all required pre-employment evaluations. Final selection is subject to background checks, which may include reference verification, Social Security verification, education verification, criminal history, sex offender registry checks, motor vehicle records checks, and credit checks where permitted. Candidates must also pass a drug screening test and physical examination, and may be asked to complete skills tests or other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Application and support

Applications are submitted online. For applicants who need access support, self-service kiosks are available at the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST, excluding official City holidays. Questions about the application or hiring process may be directed to Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. Accommodation requests can be made through the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or by calling 704.336.4120.

Benefits and workplace notes

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package. The City of Charlotte maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Posting details

This opening was listed on Tuesday, July 07, 2026 at 12:00 AM and closes on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 12:00 AM. The department is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Compensation

The salary range is $25.00 to $33.50 per hour, depending on experience.