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Biological Sciences Technician/Technologist, Biological Scientist, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Investigator, Laboratory Technician/Technologist, Physical Sciences Technician/Technologist, Physical Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, to operate chemical and petrochemical pilot plants, and to conduct air and water quality testing and assessments
Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
Interest in supervising to oversee environmental monitoring and protection activities and compliance with standards; in assisting in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures; in assisting in studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Forensic laboratory analysts examine physical evidence to:
Their duties vary depending on their areas of expertise:
Forensic laboratory analysts are employed as scientists or technologists. In general, scientists in all sections:
In general, technologists in all sections:
Forensic laboratory analysts are civilian employees who work primarily in laboratories. Police officers conduct investigations. Forensic laboratory analysts receive and analyze materials from crime scenes, and present and discuss results with police investigators, lawyers and medical practitioners.
Forensic laboratory analysts often work in teams or perform specific parts of an analysis before passing a case to another analyst. Overtime may be required when there are high volumes of work. Specialists frequently travel to testify in criminal proceedings and other hearings.
Forensic laboratory analysts employed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are subject to transfer to other laboratory locations and must be prepared to travel.
Forensic laboratory analysts need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy using tools, instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information and solving problems, and supervising the work of others.
The minimum academic requirement for scientists in most of the discipline areas is a 4-year degree in physical, life or forensic sciences. Specific degree and course requirements vary depending on the employer and type of work. For example, some positions require a degree in a chemical or physical science, or mechanical engineering. Other positions require much more specific qualifications (for example, an honours bachelor of science degree in a field such as forensic science, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or population genetics and statistics).
4-year bachelor's degree programs in physical and life sciences are offered by universities and colleges throughout Alberta. Admission requirements vary but generally include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30 and 4 other approved or required subjects (for example, Math 30, Chemistry 30, Biology 30, Physics 30 or Math 31).
The minimum academic requirement for technologists is a post-secondary diploma or degree in physical, life or forensic sciences. Some positions require a 3-year diploma or specific courses.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Outside of Alberta, the following post-secondary schools offer programs directly related to forensic science:
After they are hired, specialists and technologists must complete in-house training programs before doing any casework. Training programs for specialists range in length from 9 months to 2 years or more. Training programs for technologists take up to 18 months to complete.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Forensic laboratory analysts are employed by:
In Alberta, the Medical Examiner's Office is responsible for performing autopsies and does toxicological work in cases where no foul play is suspected. The RCMP does all other forensic laboratory work.
Advancement usually takes the form of pay increases and increased responsibility for one or more types of analysis. Experienced forensic laboratory analysts may be promoted to supervisory positions.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Forensic laboratory analysts are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Chemical technologists and technicians occupational group earned on average from $21.65 to $44.24 an hour. The overall average was $30.64 an hour. For more information, see the Chemical technologists and technicians wage profile.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences website: www.aafs.org
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners website: www.acfe.com
Canadian Society of Forensic Science website: www.csfs.ca
Royal Canadian Mounted Police website, Forensic Science and Identification Services section: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Technology Alberta website: www.albertaict.ca
The Chartered Society of Forensic Science website: www.csofs.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 17, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.