Criminalist I-IV

Duties

Criminalists conduct forensic laboratory analyses of physical evidence, investigate crime scenes, and testify in court as an expert witness on the subjects of forensic analyses and crime scene investigation.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Knowledge of

• Principles, methods, materials, standards, practices, equipment, and techniques of forensic science
• Principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, physiology, zoology, botany, statistics, and photography as related to forensic science
• Common types of evidence, such as narcotics, poisons, trace, firearms, and explosives
• Laws of evidence, criminal procedure, and crimes
• Laboratory safety

Ability to

• Perform a variety of difficult chemical, instrumental, and other complex laboratory analyses
• Interpret federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to physical evidence
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with those encountered during the course of work
• Promote and enforce safe work practices and handling of hazardous substances
• Prepare and analyze complex reports and correspondence
• Testify in court
• Adhere to established code of ethics
• Handle exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, pharmacology, biology, microbiology, criminalistics (with emphasis in chemistry), or a closely related scientific field. Coursework must have included successful completion of 8 semester / 12 quarter units of general chemistry and 3 semester / 4.5 quarter units of quantitative analysis.
• Note: A Master's degree in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific field may be substituted for one year of required experience.
• Note: The level at which initial appointment to the class of Criminalist is made and/or movement from one level to the next is at the discretion of the appointing authority, in accordance with budget provisions, workload, and organizational needs, provided the experience requirements are met.
• Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.
• Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the final filing date listed in this notice.

Driver's License:

• Some positions in this class may require a valid California Driver (Class C) License prior to appointment. Failure to maintain a valid License may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Certificates/licenses:

• Incumbents appointed to positions whose duties include the analysis of blood alcohol are required to obtain a Forensic Alcohol Analyst / Supervisor License issued by the State of California within one year of appointment date.

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