Salary : $98,866.56 - $119,593.76 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-V69-A
Department: Sheriff Services
Division: Identification Unit
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01

Description
Under close supervision, to perform physical, chemical, biological and/or digital analyses related to scientific examination of physical evidence in criminal cases.
The Sheriff's Identification Unit of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is recruiting for a Criminalist I position specializing in latent and tenprint examination. The incumbent will perform forensic friction ridge examinations to support investigations and legal proceedings.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Performing the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of friction ridge skin impressions from evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
• Conducting biometric identification examinations and preparing AFIS submissions and inquiries.
• Documenting examination processes and results accurately and thoroughly, generating clear and concise written technical reports, and presenting findings to investigators, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Providing effective expert testimony in court regarding fingerprint identification methods, conclusions, and related forensic principles.
The selected candidate must successfully pass a full background investigation prior to appointment.
Typical Tasks

• Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Print Processing, Toxicology, Questioned Documents, Footwear/Shoe Print Analysis, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene Analysis;
• Examines evidence, evaluates findings and interprets results utilizing various techniques including photography, microscopy, wet chemistry, immunoassay, chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, DNA typing, data searching and recovery, and digital processing;
• Assists with field investigations at crime scenes and other locations to search for, collect, document and preserve evidence;
• Consults and advises law enforcement, attorneys and the courts regarding nature of evidence or the results of laboratory analyses and their meaning;
• Testifies on the results of laboratory analyses and may interpret the findings for the courts and other legal hearings;
• Prepares clear, comprehensive, technically sound and accurate casework reports, including all determined facts and conclusions;
• Assists in determining the interrelationship of various pieces of physical evidence;
• Maintains laboratory, instruments, equipment and glassware in a constant state of cleanliness, order, and good repair;
• Serves as a liaison with applicable professional organizations to provide and obtain pertinent information necessary in maintaining subject matter expertise;
• May be assigned to deliver technical presentations to outside groups;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or applied science, or related field;

An incumbent must possess the minimum qualifications for the discipline assigned as defined by the Laboratory's current accrediting body as well as applicable requirements as set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards and the California Code of Regulations.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County driver's authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Modern criminal investigation and identification techniques and procedures;
• Basic laboratory safety procedures;
• Techniques of scientific research, analysis and report writing.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of basic chemical, instrumental, biological, digital and other laboratory analyses;
• Learn a variety of techniques for specialty discipline(s) where casework is assigned and performed;
• Study and keep current of new techniques and procedures in the specialized areas of forensics;
• Establishes competency and maintain proficiency in specialty disciplines where casework is performed;
• Document activities in an accurate and clear manner;
• Use the scientific method to solve a variety of complex problems to explain the significance of the results obtained;
• Prepare and present clear, accurate and detailed analytical reports for law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, the courts and other agencies;
• Gather and analyze physical evidence and formulate conclusions;
• Analyze, interpret and present data and outcomes to a broad audience, including law enforcement agencies, the courts and other agencies;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including when serving as an expert witness in the presentation of laboratory findings.

Physical Requirements

• Be free from any deficiency in the ability to distinguish colors;
• Must have vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye, unless appointed to perform audio analyses;
• Must not have suffered hearing loss of over 25 decibels in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hertz ranges for appointment to audio analyses.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer Name
b) Job Title
c) Start Month/End Month Dates of Employment
d) Total Hours Worked per Week
e) Detailed Description of Job DutiesDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03

If you possess a Bachelor's Degree or higher, please indicate the major field of study below. If none, type "N/A".
04

Indicate all forensic fields in which you possess education, training, or experience

• Audio/Video
• Bloodstain Pattern
• Computer Forensics
• Crime Scene Analysis
• Drug Chemistry
• Firearms/Toolmarks
• Forensic Biology/DNA
• Footwear/Shoe print
• Latent Print Processing
• Toxicology
• Trace Evidence
• Friction Ridge Examination
• None of the above

05

List courses you have successfully completed in an accredited college as it relates to the forensic discipline(s) you selected. Include the semester/quarter units earned (must attach college transcripts). If you do not have applicable education in the listed forensic areas, type "N/A".
06

In order for your application to be accepted, you must attach your college transcripts to your application. Transcripts must indicate the courses you successfully completed at an accredited college as it relates to the forensic discripline(s) you selected and described in the previous questions. Did you attach your college transcripts to your application?

• Yes
• No

07

List any certifications (other than college degrees) or professional associations you are a member of that specifically focus on the forensic discipline(s) you have selected. If you do not have certifications, or you are not a member of professional associations focused on your selected discipline(s), type "N/A".
08

How many years of work experience do you have in the forensic discipline(s) you have selected?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four years or more

09

Describe your work experience in the forensic discipline(s) you have selected. In your response, include your job title(s), employer name(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and duties assigned. If no experience, type "N/A".
10

Describe your experience and/or education in the following areas: In your response include employer name(s) or educational institution(s). If no experience, type "N/A" . a) Finger and palm print identification and classification
b) Friction ridge examination
c) Laboratory processing
d) Crime scene processing
e) Courtroom testimony
11

Have you completed the Ron Smith & Associates (RS&A) International Latent Print Examiner Training Academy? If yes, attach certificate. If no, provide date of graduation.
12

I understand that I must successfully pass a full background investigation prior to appointment.

• Yes
• No

13

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

14

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify here. If not, type "N/A".
Required Question