Sheriff's Forensic Laboratory Technician

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Works with forensic scientists to perform robotic DNA extraction, quantification, short tandem repeat (STR) amplification and electrophoresis of casework material;
• Assists forensic scientists with preparation of samples to be analyzed;
• Verifies accuracy of breath alcohol-testing instrumentation under the supervision of a forensic scientist;
• Makes reagents and performs quality control checks;
• Assists in preparation of case work and prepares statistical reports;
• Maintains current inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies; orders supplies as needed for the Forensic Science Laboratory;
• Cleans and prepares surfaces, test tubes, and other laboratory equipment as required;
• Prepares kits for Blood Alcohol, Toxicology, and Forensic Biology Sections;
• May testify in court; and
• Performs related duties as required.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

• Some experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• The required knowledge, skills, and abilities can also be obtained by the equivalent of two (2) years of college which has included at least twenty (20) semester units or thirty (30) quarter units in science laboratory courses such as biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, criminalistics, forensic science, quantitative analysis; or a closely related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Verification of course work is required if your qualifications for this position are based on the college courses completed. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted either with your application or within three (3) business days after the recruitment closes to continue in the process. You may attach a copy to your online application, email a copy to the recruitment analyst at melissa.kurtz@venturacounty.gov or you may mail or deliver a copy to Sheriff's Human Resources Bureau, 800 South Victoria Ave., #3330, Ventura, CA 93009-3700, Attn: Melissa Kurtz. If transcripts are not submitted, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process - no exceptions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• You must submit your college transcripts with your application, a hard copy with a paper application or a scanned copy as an attachment for an online application. If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it is a copy. Whatever you submit will not be returned to you. To attach a scanned copy to an online application, use the Add Attachment(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.
• If the name on your college transcripts is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
• College transcripts from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.

DESIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in the laboratory sciences field (e.g., biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, forensic science; or a closely related field).
• Three (3) semester units or four and a half (4.5) quarter units each in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
• Eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.
• Experience in operating microscopes.
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation.

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