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Physical Scientist (Forensic Technician)

Office of Science and Technology
Beltsville, MD Other
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/22/2026
This position is located in one of the Forensic Science Laboratories within the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Science Laboratory-Washington in Beltsville, MD. Serves as a technical expert who is responsible for processing forensic evidence from criminal investigations primarily relating to firearms investigations, processing evidence for fingerprints, swabbing for DNA, test firing weapons and processing other types of evidence.

Qualifications:

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Requirements

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of:

  • Processing forensic evidence from criminal investigations primarily relating to firearms investigations; AND
  • Utilizing a variety of different techniques, instruments, and methods to analyze and examine forensic evidence to recover DNA and latent prints; AND
  • Capturing comparison quality images of friction ridge detail through the use of photography and digital imaging equipment; AND
  • Identifying firearm types to properly and safely handle them, and conducting test firing of firearms to preserve test fired specimens.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Responsibilities:

The major duties of the Physical Scientist (Forensic Technician) position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Functions as a technical authority in the Triage Section, responsible for independently processing evidence for fingerprints, swabbing for DNA, test firing weapons, and processing other types of evidence as deemed necessary.
  • Processes forensic evidence, primarily firearms and firearms accessories, for fingerprint and DNA collection.
  • Recognizes various types of firearms in order to properly and safely handle them and performs test fires of firearms and properly preserves the fired bullets, cartridge cases and shot shells from test firing.
  • Writes laboratory reports regarding all processes performed and reviews the reports of other physical scientists for technical accuracy and proper methodology.

Salary : $85,447

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