CRIMINALIST

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

We welcome applications from everyone.

We will be accepting online applications from Friday, February 20, 2026, at 8:00 A.M. (PT) until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. (PT)

All applications must be received before 5:00 P.M. (PT) on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to be accepted.

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Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California, over 116,000 employees in more than 38 Departments, we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more.

We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2,300 different job descriptions, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the country. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

Positions allocable to this entry level class typically report to a Supervising Criminalist and work under close supervision and guidance in a forensic science or criminalistics laboratory, receiving work of a progressively responsible nature and of broadening scope where capability develops and complete familiarity with all phases of laboratory analysis is gained. Incumbents in this class are characterized by their participation in an extensive, mandatory in‑service training program designed to teach the techniques and procedures used in forensic science or criminalistics laboratories and, through classroom instruction and hands‑on training, prepare incumbents for higher‑level criminalistics positions.

Incumbents are required to respond to crime scenes at any time during their assigned shift, as well as during off‑duty hours, and will be required to testify in court regarding their analyses. Upon completion of a one‑year probationary period with a rating of competent, incumbents may be assigned to any laboratory section or regional laboratory.

• Performs, under close supervision, physical, biological, and chemical analyses of evidentiary materials such as blood, narcotics, drugs, hairs and fibers, metals, questioned documents, firearms, ammunition, toolmarks, and body tissues and fluids; utilizes microscopic techniques, comparison macrophotography, chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrography, and physical, analytical, and comparison techniques.
• Prepares written findings and displays for court presentations; testifies in court concerning findings as established by the laboratory analyses and interprets findings as a qualified expert witness.
• Upon successful completion of training requirements, responds to crime scenes and independently examines, collects, interprets, and preserves physical evidence for analysis and evaluation.
• Researches technical journals, textbooks, chemical manuals, and other source materials to determine the best methods of performing analytical testing.
• Participates, as assigned, in conducting research into new methods and procedures of scientific criminal investigation.

A Bachelor's degree
* from an accredited college or university with specialization in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field, including eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.

A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job‑related essential functions. Candidates offered this position would be required to show proof of a driver license prior to appointment.

Out‑of‑state applicants must have a valid license from the state in which they reside…