Collision Reconstructionist

Collision Reconstructionist

Salary

$78,493.54 - $109,015.59 Annually

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

13110-26-01Unc

Division

Highway Patrol Division

Opening Date

10/16/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Statement

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking an experienced Collision Reconstructionist who will work under general supervision and be responsible for conducting specialized collision investigation and reconstruction. This is a non-sworn, unarmed position, with no arrest authority. Conducts collision at-scene and follow-up investigations, causation and contributing factor analysis, and completes detailed reports and court testimony. Provides investigative and expert support to Department employees and attorneys representing the Department. Performs related duties as assigned. This position is uncovered; the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Public Safety. Application period may close without notice.

Must successfully complete a background investigation.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

1. Analyzes physical evidence in or from the collision scene, including tire friction marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions.

2. Collects, reviews, and analyzes witness statements and other testimonial evidence.

3. Inspects, measures, and obtains crash data through photographs, videos, notes, the use of a 3D scanner or total station, Event Data Recorder technology, or any other means useful to the investigation.

4. Utilizes computer simulations and animations to model collision scenarios and dynamics.

5. Prepares detailed reports that outline findings and conclusions.

6. Testifies in interviews, depositions, and court as expert witness to present findings.

7. Collaborates with law enforcement and legal teams to support investigations.

8. Examines vehicle components to identify mechanical failures or defects.

9. Determines the speed and dynamics of vehicles involved based on evidence.

10. Reconstructs human occupant kinematics.

11. Reconstructs the sequence of collision events leading to the collision.

12. Conducts field investigations and site visits to gather additional data.

13. Uses photogrammetry and other technologies to create accurate representations of the collision scene.

14. Evaluates human factors, such as driver behavior and reaction times, influencing the collision.

15. Stays updated with the latest advances in collision reconstruction techniques and technology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• business English, spelling, grammar and punctuation required to produce and proofread complex written documents.
• records management systems (automated and manual files).
• physics and engineering principles related to motion, force, energy, and momentum to analyze collision dynamics.
• state and federal traffic laws and regulations.
• scene analysis, evidence collection, and documentation.
• downloading and interpreting event data recorder information.
• vehicle, environment, and human analysis in pre-impact, impact, and post-impact phases.
• total station, unmanned aerial system, or 3d scanner use and data interpretation.
• computer-aided diagramming and animation and simulation software.
• human behavior and perception-reaction times, visibility, and driver decision-making.
• collision and crime scene documentation, processing, and evidence collection.
• Traffic Incident Management (TIM) system principles.

Skill in:

• the use of a computer-aided diagramming software.
• the use of measuring instruments, such as 3d scanners, unmanned aerial systems, and total stations.
• the general use of computer hardware and software programs.
• providing expert court testimony.
• presenting complex information to a diverse audience.

Ability to:

• work independently and as part of a team.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during assignment.
• communicate orally and in writing to present information in a logical and understandable format.
• understand written and verbal instruction to complete assigned tasks accurately.
• exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
• read, comprehend, and interpret written materials of simple to moderate complexity.
• work with interruptions.
• adapt to changing priorities.
• organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks.
• work within stringent deadlines to complete work assignments.
• effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• evaluate information, make decisions, and take appropriate action.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires ten (10) years of experience as a police officer with at least five (5) years of experience as a technical collision investigator or collision reconstructionist OR ten (10) years of experience as an automotive or insurance industry investigator, with at least five (5) years of experience as a technical collision investigator or collision reconstructionist OR three (3) years of experience as a civilian collision reconstructionist with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering, or other physical science-based degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Availability to work irregular hours and/or respond to emergency callouts on a 24-hour basis.

Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 75 pounds).

Physically able to inspect vehicles by going in, over, and beneath as required.

Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Ability to travel extensively throughout the State.

Must successfully complete a background investigation.

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

01

NOTE: Please upload a resume with your application.

02

Select the option below that indicates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this job.

• Ten (10) years of experience as a police officer with at least five (5) years of experience as a technical collision investigator or collision reconstructionist
• Ten (10) years of experience as an automotive or insurance industry investigator, with at least five (5) years of experience as a technical collision investigator or collision reconstructionist
• Three (3) years of experience as a civilian collision reconstructionist with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering, or other physical science-based degree (You must upload a copy of your diploma or official/unofficial transcripts.)
• None of the above

03

Describe the specific experience which qualifies you for this classification. (See resume is not an acceptable response.)

04

Select the option which describes your highest level of education completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Other

05

Place a checkmark next to each item below to indicate you understand, acknowledge, and agree to the following working conditions and physical requirements associated with this classification.

• Availability to work irregular hours and/or respond to emergency callouts on a 24-hour basis
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 75 pounds).
• Physically able to inspect vehicles by going in, over, and beneath as required
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the State

06

Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

07

DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following: • Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest are prohibited. • Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards. • Ear-piercing openings must not exceed the size of a standard piercing (approximately 1 mm). Any visibly stretched or enlarged ear-piercing opening is prohibited. I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I must meet the standards above.

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my background including any past drug use. While some experimentation with drugs is allowable, providing untruthful or misleading answers is not. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.

• Yes
• No

10

Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other illegal drug, for sale?

• Yes
• No

11

Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, marijuana extracts, or marijuana edibles) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.

• No experimentation with marijuana
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

12

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

13

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

14

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

15

Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

16

Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

17

Please select the option below which details your heroin usage over your lifetime.

• No experimentation with heroin
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

Required Question

Employer Arizona Department of Public Safety

Address 2102 W. Encanto Blvd.

Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

Phone 602-223-2290

Website http://www.azdps.gov