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Forensic Technician

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Forensic Technician

Salary

$66,480.00 - $82,068.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Monica, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

254066-01

Department

Police

Division

Criminal Investigations

Opening Date

09/29/2025

Closing Date

10/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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Job Summary

Join Our Team as a Forensic Technician — Where Science Meets Justice

Are you passionate about forensics and ready to put your skills to work in real-world investigations? This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team of professionals committed to the pursuit of justice and public safety. As a Forensic Technician, you’ll play a hands-on role in crime scene investigations, collecting and preserving critical evidence, processing fingerprints and DNA, and testifying as an expert witness in court.

This entry-level role is ideal for those eager to apply their education or early career experience in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, and grow into a rewarding career in law enforcement forensics. You’ll gain valuable exposure to cutting-edge tools, hands-on fieldwork, and the chance to contribute directly to solving cases that impact the community.

If you’re detail-oriented, curious, and driven to serve, we encourage you to apply and bring your skills to a role where precision and passion truly matter.

On-line applications will be accepted by the Human Resources Department September 29, 2025, through October 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Only the first 50 qualified applications received will be accepted for further consideration .

Job Summary: Performs technical work associated with the identification, collection, and preservation of physical and biological evidence.

Representative Duties

Conducts entry-level crime scene investigations. Documents, collects, and preserves physical and biological evidence including fingerprints and DNA.

Performs field and laboratory processing of physical evidence collected at crime scenes and performs subsequent chemical processing for the detection of latent fingerprints and DNA.

Performs presumptive chemical tests on various types of substances, including blood.

Takes photographs and video using digital cameras indoors and outdoors. Maintains repository of crime scene evidence photographs.

Downloads digital images form field cameras. Formats memory cards and creates tracking entries.

Testifies in court as an expert witness.

Provides information and assists the public and other law enforcement agencies with a variety of requests and inquiries.

Operates and maintains a variety of forensic equipment and stocks forensic vehicles with supplies.

Rolls and processes fingerprints using both ink and digital fingerprint computer systems.

May assist with sketching and measuring at major crime scenes. May assist with cast impressions, including tool marks, tire tracks, and shoeprints at major crime scenes.

Files and maintains a variety of records.

Generates reports related to crime scene processing.

Orders office supplies.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Basic principles of fingerprint classification systems.

Alphabetical and numerical filing techniques.

Record keeping techniques.

General computer software applications, including word processing.

Basic principles of crime scene investigation.

Basic photographic techniques and photographic equipment.

Basic digital computer imaging techniques.

Basic video techniques.

Basic mathematic.

Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

Collect and preserve fingerprints using ink rolling technique

Lift and preserve latent fingerprints

Identify physical and biological evidence of probative value

Collect and preserve physical and biological evidence

Accurately adjust color digital images for output to storage media and printers

Take photographs with digital cameras

Learn fingerprint lifting and classification work

Organize and manage accurate files and records

Learn special computer software applications such as Photoshop, Alternate Light Source (CrimeScope) and fingerprint detection, capture and enhance workstation such as (Foster & Freeman - DCS5)

Perform data entry

Prepare and maintain a variety of reports

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Learn and use law enforcement telecommunications databases and other applications in an appropriate manner, including standards of confidentiality

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public

Use a measuring device such as measuring tape and/or laser measure

Make cast impressions of tool marks, tire tracks and shoeprints

Perform presumptive testing on various substances in the field and in the laboratory

Perform chemical processing for the development of fingerprints

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

One year of recent, paid work experience performing crime scene field work in a law enforcement agency. An associate degree in criminal justice or forensic Science; 30 semester units of college level course work in fingerprint classification and identification or a closely related field; or completion of a Forensic Certification program may substitute for the one year of required work experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:

+ Oral Interview: 100%

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed indoors in an office environment and/or in a field setting under a full range of weather conditions. Physical demands include frequent standing, climbing, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying objects and using a mobile date computer (MDC) screen for extended periods of time. May be required to work weekends, evenings, nights and/or holidays and on an on-call basis. For more comprehensive information, click HERE (https://www.smgov.net/departments/hr/efja/EFJA\_Forensic%20Technician\_072413.pdf) to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.