Evidence Technician

Harris County • Houston, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Evidence Technician is an entry-level position with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The role receives, stores, and distributes evidence to crime laboratory disciplines while preserving the chain of custody and maintaining evidence integrity so that evidence can be recognized as legally valid if used in court. The Institute’s mission is to provide high-quality, unbiased medical examiner and crime laboratory services with uncompromised integrity, and its vision includes consistent death investigation and laboratory analysis, technological support for legal agencies, and an academic environment for forensic science training.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday, in an office/laboratory setting. Weekends, evenings, holidays, severe-weather events, or other emergencies may require work. The position involves physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting or standing for long periods, and potentially bending and climbing ladders. Possible exposures include dangerous chemicals, blood or bloodborne pathogens, and unpleasant odors. The position reports to the Manager, Evidence Intake and is subject to criminal-history screening and drug/alcohol screening before and, randomly, during employment.

Requirements

• Associate degree or 60 college credits in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• Obtain Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) or International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE) certification within two years of employment.
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with effective organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening before employment; drug/alcohol screening may also occur randomly during employment.
• Physical strength to lift up to 50 pounds in routine duties; ability to sit or stand for long periods. Bending and climbing ladders may be necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Experience involving receipt and handling of evidence.

Responsibilities

• Receive evidence from law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and medical examiner services staff, and release or submit evidence to crime laboratory disciplines using approved protocols that preserve chain of custody.
• Verify that evidence submission documentation and packaging are correct and secure.
• Log evidence receipt into an internal database and produce case numbers.
• Scan and upload forms into the case management system.
• Inventory and audit stored evidence to maintain evidence integrity and security.
• Follow safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance and quality control protocols.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree