WHO WE ARE
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Equal Access to Civil Service Testing
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at [email protected]. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at [email protected]
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
- work.phila.gov
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
- www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
- www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
- www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
- www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
This is forensic science technician work at the full performance level in support of criminal investigations for the Office of Forensic Science (OFS) or a patrol district or investigative unit of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Employees in this class assist qualified forensic examiners by supporting forensic science duties involved in the receipt, transfer, preservation, handling, preparation, analysis and comparison of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Employees in this class perform work in one of the following assignments: Biology/Chemistry, Evidence Control or Pattern Evidence. Positions within the Biology/Chemistry assignment prepare samples for analysis by a forensic scientist, enter forensic sample data into databases and perform other basic laboratory and evidence duties. Positions in the Evidence Control assignment receive, analyze, classify and store all evidence submitted to the Office of Forensic Science (OFS) or Patrol District or Investigative Unit, coordinate digital evidence activities to include Body Worn Cameras, make recommendations to increase efficiency of evidence submission and storage processes, utilize evidence databases, and assist with forensic forms and reports. Positions in the Pattern Evidence assignment classify, and analyze physical evidence related to a specified functional area; Firearms Identification, Document Analysis or Fingerprint Identification, assist forensic examiners, enter forensic sample data into databases and perform other basic laboratory and evidence duties.
An employee in this class may be required to work on a rotating shift. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical or administrative superior and involves some disagreeable aspects. Employees assigned to a patrol district or investigative unit will receive technical supervision from a technical superior at the Office of Forensic Science and onsite supervision from an administrative supervisor.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Stefan Koprivica
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-3159
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: [email protected]
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or [email protected]
ELIGIBLE LIST: DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL
Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Philadelphia Police Department will be established as a result of this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score. For Training and Experience evaluations, in which applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination, the residency preference eligibility date is the planned eligible list date listed on this announcement.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.
The response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
An Eligible List will be established the week of July 27, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
CERTIFICATION RULE
Rule of List
TEST REVIEW
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 6 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS: Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Philadelphia Police Department with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND
Option 1: Biology/Chemistry Assignment
EDUCATION: Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a related physical or natural science.
OR
EDUCATION: Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE: Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in biology, chemistry or clinical laboratory technology.
OR
Option 2: Pattern Evidence Assignment
EDUCATION: Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in a physical, natural or forensic science.
OR
EDUCATION: Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience as a Fingerprint Identification Specialist 2.
OR
Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in armor, artillery, engineering or military police.
Option 3: Evidence Control Assignment
EDUCATION: Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in:
-
Criminal Justice
-
Legal Studies
-
Paralegal Studies
-
Computer Forensics
-
Computer Science/Information Technology
-
Digital Filmmaking and Video Production
-
Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
-
Media Studies
-
Photography
-
Physical or Natural Science/Forensic Science
OR
EDUCATION: Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Two years of clerical experience in the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department or in an accredited Forensic Laboratory.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience performing specialized clerical work in support of law enforcement activities following chain-of-custody handling techniques for receipt and storage of evidence in the Office of Forensic Science.
OR
EDUCATION: Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE: Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in digital forensics, computer science or logistics.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the experience or education in the area of study to fill specific positions by assignment in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified experience or education.
City of Philadelphia Class(es) which typically meet the experience requirements:
Pattern Evidence Assignment:
Fingerprint Identification Specialist 2 (6C13)
