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:
| Starting | $25.11 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.56 |
| Top | $33.42 |
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 work as either scientists or technologists. In general, scientists in all sections:
In general, technologists in all sections conduct tests and examinations and take part in in-house research. They also:
Forensic laboratory analysts receive and analyze materials from crime scenes. They present and discuss the results with police investigators, lawyers, and medical practitioners.
Forensic laboratory analysts often work in teams. Sometimes, they perform part of an analysis before passing a case to another analyst. Overtime may be required when there are high volumes of work. Specialists travel to testify in criminal proceedings and other hearings.
Analysts employed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) may be transferred to other lab locations and must be prepared to travel.
Forensic laboratory analysts need:
They should enjoy using tools, instruments, and equipment to perform precision tasks. They should be comfortable with analyzing information, 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 more specific qualifications. These may include 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.
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 (except in Ontario and Quebec).
Advancement usually takes the form of scheduled pay increases and increased responsibility for one or more types of analysis. Experienced forensic laboratory analysts may be promoted to supervisory positions.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $39.00 | $25.11 | $23.00 |
| Overall | $17.50 | $52.76 | $30.56 | $27.88 |
| Top | $19.60 | $52.76 | $33.42 | $32.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $79,642 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,911 |
| Manufacturing | $55,874 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $48,139 |
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: technologyalberta.com
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 Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.