Senior Forensic Evidence Technician

Austincc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is seeking a Senior Forensic Evidence Technician to lead forensic operations within the Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigation team. The role includes identifying, collecting, preserving, and transporting physical evidence from crime scenes and autopsies, with extensive documentation and processing duties.

The position requires an associate degree or higher and relevant experience; it offers a path for growth and future salary enhancements in a demanding, protective services

Qualifications

• An associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, plus an Evidence Technology certificate or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of full-time experience as an Evidence Technician in a law enforcement agency.
• Alternatively, two (2) years as a Forensic Evidence Technician with the County of San Diego or as an Evidence Technician in a law enforcement agency.

Responsibilities

• Identify, collect, preserve, and transport physical evidence from crime scenes and autopsies.
• Perform crime scene documentation, fingerprint processing, living and deceased print collection, firearms processing, photography, and in-house latent print development.

Education

Associate degree or higher + Evidence Tech cert

Two years experience as Evidence Technician

Job description

Salary - $87,859.20 - $108,014.40 Annually

Location -County of San Diego, CA

Job Type -Regular - Full time

Job Number -25571908

Department -Sheriff

Division -Law Enforcement Support

Opening Date -09/05/2025

Closing Date -9/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Grow Your Forensic Professional Career with the County of San Diego, Crime Scene Investigation team, by becoming a Senior Forensic Evidence Technician!

Future Salary Increase

June 2026 – 5.07% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.57% Market Adjustment)

June 2027 – 4.57% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.57% Market Adjustment)

In addition to the base salary listed above, employees in this job class may be compensated at a rate approximately two and half percent (2.5%) above their regular base rate for the Forensic Chemical Premium and two and half percent (2.5%) above their regular base rate for the Crime Scene Premium, dependent on the needs of the organization and determined by the Appointing Authority.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a lead level, the Senior Forensic Evidence Technician, you will work under general direction, of a Supervising Criminalist or Supervising Forensic Evidence Technician.

This role is responsible for the identification, collection, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence from crime scene investigation and autopsies. They perform crime scene documentation, fingerprint processing, living and deceased case print collection, firearms processing, and photography work, and in-house latent print development. They may also identify prints and/or classify firearms using classification systems. They perform more difficult and complex assignments and provide technical guidance and training to Forensic Evidence Technicians and Crime Scene Investigation personnel.

HIRING TIMELINE & DATES

• Job Offer and Background Process begins the week job offers are made.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An associate's of science degree or higher from an accredited U. S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, and a certificate in Evidence Technology or equivalent; AND, two (2) years of full-time experience as an Evidence Technician in a law enforcement agency; OR,
• Two (2) years as a Forensic Evidence Technician with the County of San Diego or as an Evidence Technician in a law enforcement agency.

NOTE

• Field calls: Incumbents are required to be on standby, 24 hours per day, for approximately one-to-two-week intervals during each month for immediate response to field calls. Work may be indoors or outdoors in all types of weather conditions and terrain. Travels to crime scenes throughout the County and out of County for special investigation. Incumbents may be required to work in confined spaces (i.e. attics, crawl spaces, basements) and at heights (i.e. ladders, rooftops, photo flights). Exposure to deceased and living subjects, noxious odors, biological fluids, chemical/biohazards, and firearms. Wearing of personal protective equipment is required.
• Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.

The Department of Human Resources removes all personally identifiable information from new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or Supplemental Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

EVALUATION PROCESS

Qualified candidates will be placed on a nine (9) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

About Our Values

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.