Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/DNA (Open and Promotional)

Duties

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

• Examine and identify biological fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen.
• Perform microscopic examinations to identify biological cells.
• Perform DNA extractions.
• Perform quantitation of DNA extractions.
• Perform PCR amplifications.
• Analyze, interpret, and provide statistical significance to DNA typing results (including simple and complex mixtures).
• Prepare evidence for presentation at court and testify as an expert witness on the results of laboratory analysis.
• Engage in crime scene examination of major crime scenes; identify, document, and collect physical evidence.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to major crime scenes; approximately a one-week duration every eight weeks.
• Take photographs.
• Participate in public relations activities such as conducting tours of the Laboratory and speaking to various interested groups.
• Care for and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced Forensic Biology/DNA analyst dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the forensic industry.
• Have experience in biological screening, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and typing.
• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science.
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate or graduate coursework covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and/or population genetics.
• Have a minimum of three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience, which includes examining, collecting, and analyzing biological fluids, contact DNA, and other biological evidence collected from crime scenes.
• Be experienced in using a wide variety of equipment and instrumentation including alternate light sources, centrifuges, microscopes, DNA extraction robots, liquid handlers, thermal cyclers, and genetic analyzers.
• Have courtroom testimony experience.

Additional emphasis will be placed upon the following professional and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated project management proficiency, effective planning, organizing, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter, motivated and capable of demonstrating measurable work results in a timely manner.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge/experience in PCR DNA STR Systems.
• Knowledge/experience in probabilistic genotyping.
• Ability to persuasively communicate ideas and goals and effectively motivate others to achieve those goals.
• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Understanding of current forensic technology and experience in the collection and analysis of biological fluids and other physical evidence collected at crime scenes.

There is currently one vacancy in the Sheriff's Office. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Criminalist I or Criminalist II level.

Education and Experience:

• Criminalist I ($49.85 - $62.26/hr.): Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in criminalistics, chemistry or a related physical science.
• Criminalist II ($62.06 - $77.56/hr.): Three years of experience in the practice of criminalistics, which has included experience in collecting, analyzing and evaluating physiological fluids, controlled substances and other physical evidence gathered from crime scenes.

Knowledge of:

• Current forensic methods and techniques used in the analysis and evalua­tion of physical evidence likely to be used in a court case.
• Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and physiology.
• Various types of equipment found in a forensic laboratory.
• Courtroom procedures and testimony.
• Recent developments, literature, and sources of information relative to criminalistics.
• Principles of photography.

Skill/Ability to:

• Performing physical and chemical tests commonly used in the analysis of physical evidence.
• Using a wide variety of equipment including microscopes and cameras.
• Understanding and carrying out detailed, highly technical oral and written instructions.
• Communicating verbally.
• Writing clear, concise reports and correspondence.

Other Requirements:

• Participate in the Laboratory's on-call, crime scene rotation schedule.
• Pass a detailed background investigation and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

• Final Filing Date: Friday, January 2, 2026 by 11:59pm PST
• Applicant Screening: Week of January 5, 2026
• Panel Interviews: Week of January 19, 2026

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