About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Position Overview

Confidential Client is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Forensic Investigator I/II to support public safety through professional forensic services. This is a non-sworn, full-time role that may be filled at either the I or II level depending on candidate qualifications.

• Forensic Investigator I: $68,205 - $91,401 annually
• Forensic Investigator II: $75,783 - $101,557 annually

The successful candidate will be organized, calm under pressure, committed to handling evidence ethically, and able to communicate and collaborate across teams.

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Representative Duties

• Respond to police-related scenes and perform forensic investigative duties including photography, videography, diagramming, and documentation.
• Identify, collect, preserve, package, and maintain chain-of-custody for physical, trace, and biological evidence.
• Analyze scene evidence to aid incident reconstruction (bloodstain patterns, gunshot damage, etc.).
• Process evidence for latent impressions using mechanical, chemical, and photographic methods; document sequential processing.
• Conduct latent print examinations, comparisons, and uploads to automated fingerprint databases.
• Fingerprint living and deceased persons; handle, unload, render safe, secure, and test-fire firearms as required.
• Perform NIBIN (ballistics) entries if trained and certified.
• Provide training and instruction to staff, students, and community members on crime scene processing and forensic techniques.
• Testify in court as an expert witness on forensic methods and findings.
• Maintain forensic equipment, supplies, records, and reports; assist with procedure and protocol development and grant research as assigned.
• Serve as a liaison with other agencies and the public; perform other related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic law enforcement principles and forensic evidence handling practices.
• Latent impression analysis, fingerprint classification, forensic photography/videography, and modern laboratory methods.
• Methods for casting impressions (tire, shoe) and use/care of forensic instrumentation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws and departmental policies related to evidence handling.
• Proficiency with computers (word processing, spreadsheet, databases) and forensic information systems.

Abilities

• Perform full range of forensic investigative activities with appropriate supervision.
• Recognize, collect, preserve, transport, process, and analyze evidence without contamination.
• Perform latent print examinations and prepare clear, concise forensic reports.
• Testify in court as an expert witness.
• Operate specialized forensic tools, cameras, and evidence collection equipment.
• Maintain professional composure at unpleasant scenes, including deceased persons.
• Work irregular and on-call hours, including weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays.
• Communicate effectively and engage respectfully with a diverse public and workforce.

Education & Experience

• Completion of high school plus two years of college-level or specialized training in forensic science, criminal justice, criminology, chemistry, biology, or related field; bachelor’s degree desirable.
• Forensic Investigator I: Two years customer service experience; law enforcement evidence-handling experience desirable.
• Forensic Investigator II: Two years of increasingly responsible forensic work in a law enforcement setting (forensic photography, latent print comparison, crime scene documentation and evidence processing).

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Completion certificate from a recognized fingerprint course and IAI certifications desirable.
• Active membership in relevant professional organizations is desirable.
  This position is not eligible for H‑1B or other employment‑based visa sponsorship.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ranges by level (see above).
• Generous benefits package including CalPERS retirement benefits and deferred compensation match.
• Comprehensive leave, training opportunities, and professional development in a public‑service environment.

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Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to work in office and field settings; operate a vehicle; and perform activities that require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures, loud noises, road hazards, and hazardous substances in field environments.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities.

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Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

• Filing Deadline: November 4, 2026 by 11:59 PM
• Oral Board Interviews: November 18, 2026 (Virtual)
• Selection Interviews: December 1, 2026 (In person)

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Additional Information

• FLSA Status: Non-exempt.
• Retired annuitants are not eligible for appointment under specified Government Code sections; retired CalPERS members may apply only if voluntarily reinstating from retirement.
• Confidential Client participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of new hires.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.