Intern

The City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transit pass

Paid sick leave after 90 days

Job summary

The City of San Diego Crime Laboratory Internship offers hands-on experience in forensic science at the San Diego Police Headquarters. Interns gain exposure to evidence handling, laboratory procedures, and accreditation basics in a professional, in-person setting.

Minimum 10 hours per week, with potential for more during breaks; internships may be paid or unpaid and require a background check and polygraph screening.

Qualifications

• Completion of a hard science lab course.
• Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in biology, chemistry, genetics, or molecular biology.
• Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 quarter units of college.

Responsibilities

• Assists with planning and conducting investigations and data collection.
• Supports analysis and reporting of findings in forensic disciplines.
• Works under supervision to learn evidence handling and laboratory procedures.

Skills

Lab techniques

Evidence handling

Attention to detail

Education

Enrollment in hard science degree

Completion of hard science lab course

75 semester units / 112.5 quarter units

Job description

• Job Req ID: 671
• Division: Crime Lab Interns
• Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75
• Job Type: Unclassified
• Business Area: Police
• Personnel Area: Police
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026

The San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory that provides the highest quality scientific examination of physical evidence collected from crime scenes.

This internship is designed to provide students with a professional learning experience that includes meaningful, hands‑on work related to their field of study or career interests. The program offers opportunities for career exploration and professional development while allowing interns to gain practical experience in a crime laboratory setting.

During the internship, participants will learn about general laboratory procedures, accreditation standards and requirements, and proper evidence handling. Interns will also gain insight into the movement of evidence through the criminal justice process—from collection at a crime scene to its use in court. In addition, the program highlights the importance of maintaining reference collections and utilizing forensic databases in laboratory work.

Internship Information

Internship Title: San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory Internship

Department Name: San Diego Police Department

Format: In-Person

Address: San Diego Police Headquarters, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

General Schedule/Hours per week: Require a minimum of 10 hours per week in the office, Monday through Friday. Options to work more hours during school breaks are available and will require approval from the Intern Supervisor.

Internship Duration: Varies by project. Maximum Hours: 1200

Internship opportunities may be available in a variety of forensic disciplines, including Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Firearms, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene, Latent Prints and Forensic Technology.

Requirements For The Following Units In The Laboratory

• Forensic Biology – DNA Analysis
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Forensic Chemistry – Alcohol and Narcotics Analysis
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (Chemistry preferred)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Forensic Technology – Process Digital Evidence
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a computer forensics or computer science degree
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Trace – Hair, Fiber, GSR etc. Analysis & Comparison
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Firearms – Bullet and Cartridge casing Analysis & Comparison
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Crime Scene – Evidence collection from crime scenes & processing of evidence (** If selected, 2 weeks of training are required)
  • Completion of the following courses:
    • Basic and Advanced Forensic Photography
    • Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting
    • Basic Forensic Technology
• Latent Print – Fingerprint Examination
  • Completion of Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting Courses

Applicants will have to undergo a background and polygraph examination to work in the Crime Laboratory.**

For additional information, please visit: Crime Laboratory | City of San Diego Official Website

Overview

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands‑on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example Of Duties

Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders’ meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.

Minimum Requirements

• 15 ½ years of age or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level.
• Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
• Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).