# Tasks & work activities — linguist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-4092.00 (Forensic Science Technicians) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2643; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- **[Supplemental]** Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
- **[Core]** Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- **[Core]** Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- **[Core]** Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- **[Supplemental]** Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
- **[Supplemental]** Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- **[Core]** Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
- **[Core]** Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
- **[Core]** Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
- **[Core]** Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- **[Supplemental]** Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
- **[Core]** Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- **[Core]** Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- **[Core]** Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
- **[Core]** Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
- **[Core]** Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- **[Supplemental]** Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
- **[Supplemental]** Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
- **[Core]** Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- **[Core]** Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
- **[Supplemental]** Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze biological samples.
- Analyze crime scene evidence.
- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
- Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
- Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
- Interpret research or operational data.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Measure distances or dimensions.
- Operate laboratory or field equipment.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Record research or operational data.
- Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
- Verify accuracy of data.
- Verify information or specifications.