Crime Scene Investigator I

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County is hiring an entry-level Crime Scene Investigator I in the Forensic Services Division. You will learn to identify, collect, preserve evidence, analyze data, prepare reports, and testify in legal proceedings.

Under supervision, you will handle documentation tasks, operate scientific instruments, and support law enforcement partners. A high school diploma or GED plus a California driver’s license is required; an associate’s degree with relevant coursework is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a California driver’s license.
• High school diploma or GED; associate’s degree with coursework in English/Math/Chemistry/Biology (lab).
• Ability to pass background checks and work with sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Document, preserve, and collect crime scene evidence.
• Operate scientific equipment and complex databases.
• Collaborate with sworn and civilian law enforcement personnel.
• Create crime scene notes and written reports; testify as needed.
• Provide training to law enforcement personnel as assigned.
• Possible on-call crime scene response and processing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Integrity

Analytical thinking

Oral & written communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree with relevant coursework

Tools

LIMS

Scientific instrumentation

Job description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: DSA - Deputy Sheriff's Non-Sworn Rank & File Unit

Why Join Contra Costa County - Office of The Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff strives to maintain the highest standard of professional integrity, and ethics. The Office of the Sheriff is dedicated to pursuing excellence in performance throughout the organization and in the community through the quality of its personnel.

The Forensic Services Division is recruiting for one (1) vacancy that may be filled at either the Crime Scene Investigator I or II level.

This announcement is for Crime Scene Investigator I.

Under direction, Crime Scene Investigator I learns to identify, collect, and preserve crime scene evidence, analyze evidence, prepare reports, testify in legal proceedings and perform other laboratory-related work as required. This is the entry-level class in the Crime Scene Investigator Series. After receiving training, incumbents in this class handle evidence collection and documentation tasks and may provide guidance, technical assistance, or training to law enforcement. This position may involve on-call responsibilities for crime scene response and processing.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Is committed to honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct
• Understands the importance of quality, impartiality, confidentiality, efficiency, and effectiveness in conducting forensic work
• Is detail-oriented, diligent, and results-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Is able to maintain focus and exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition
• Is able to learn new techniques, manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and follow established policies and instructions
• Is able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating adaptability and professionalism

What You Will Typically Be Responsible For

• Documenting, preserving, and collecting crime scene evidence
• Operating scientific equipment and instrumentation, as well as complex computer systems and databases
• Working cooperatively with sworn and civilian members of law enforcement agencies
• Creating detailed crime scene notes and examining crime scene evidence in accordance with established procedures
• Preparing written reports and testifying regarding findings, as required
• Providing training to law enforcement personnel, as assigned

A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job

• You will work with a dedicated team of professionals in an environment that provides career long learning and training opportunities
• You will have the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your knowledge and skills in a field that directly benefits communities through service to the criminal justice system
• You will have the ability to work with cutting-edge forensic technologies
• You will have the opportunity to learn about multiple forensic disciplines

A Few Challenges You Might Face In This Job

• You will be expected to respond to crime scenes and autopsies, including being called-out to crime scenes in the middle of the night
• You will work in a stressful environment that includes prioritizing multiple assignments with competing deadlines and encountering disturbing information about crimes
• You may be asked to work overtime to meet the needs of our customers
• You will be asked to handle firearms and biological evidence

Competencies Required

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a California Motor Vehicle Driver’s License. Out of state valid motor vehicle driver’s license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D equivalency, or a high school proficiency certificate. Completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university which included coursework in (1) English Composition or Report Writing; (2) Mathematics or Statistics; and (3) Chemistry or Biology (which must have included a laboratory section).

Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a respiratory physical and be medically cleared to wear an air purifying respirator.

Visual Requirement: No deficiency in the ability to distinguish colors.

Background: As determined by a thorough background investigation conducted by the Office of the Sheriff, shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach unofficial transcripts with their application. If education completed outside the United States is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, a credential evaluation from a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) must also be provided.

Desirable Qualifications

• Individual Crime Scene Certification
• Experience with crime scene processing & documentation
• Experience handling firearms and biological evidence
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment, including those operating under ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO/IEC 17025

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants must complete a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to determine which candidates will advance to the next phase of the recruitment. Applications must be submitted online at www.cccounty.us/hr by the filing deadline.
• Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple-choice assessment. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but are not limited to: Critical Thinking, Professional & Technical Expertise, Attention to Detail & Professional Integrity & Ethics, Safety Focus and Oral Communication. (Weight: 100%)
• The multiple choice assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely): September 2026
• Departmental Interview: The department will contact all referred individuals estimated October 2026

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at [e-mail]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at [phone].

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodations, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.