Criminalist

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is currently hiring for the position of Criminalist.  On-line applications are being accepted from Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8:00 A.M. (PT) until Thursday, May 19, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. (PT).

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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.

You may apply by clicking on the link below (Criminalist, Job Number J4333Q)

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