Forensic Investigator I/II

Salary : $68,205.00 - $101,557.00 Annually
Location : Elk Grove Police Department, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 100526MD
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR I/II
Forensic Investigator I: $68,205 - $91,401 annually

Forensic Investigator II: $75,783 - $101,557 annually

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a Forensic Investigator I/II. The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented individual who is motivated to serve the community through professional forensic services. They are organized, adaptable, and able to remain calm under pressure while handling sensitive evidence with care and professionalism. The successful candidate values teamwork, communicates effectively, and is committed to producing accurate, thorough, ethical work in support of public safety.

This recruitment may be used to fill the position at either the Forensic Investigator I or Forensic Investigator II level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

*The position and the associated rate of pay is subject to City Council approval.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: November 4, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Oral Board Interviews: November 18, 2026 (Virtual)
Selection Interviews: December 1, 2026 (in person)

Representative Duties

DEFINITION
Under direct (Forensic Investigator I) or general (Forensic Investigator II) supervision, performs a wide variety of complex specialized and technical forensic investigative duties within the Police Department by recording, collecting, analyzing, and processing evidence related to crimes. This is not a sworn position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct (Forensic Investigator I) or general (Forensic Investigator II) supervision from assigned management or supervisor personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Forensic Investigator I may receive technical direction and guidance from Forensic Investigator II.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Forensic Investigator I:This is the entry level classification in the Forensic Investigator series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical forensic investigative duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skills to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Forensic Investigator II:This is the journey level classification in the Forensic Investigator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The Forensic Investigator II is proficient in all aspects of the job, ranging from manual and automated examination of latent impressions to the full range of functions performed in a forensic laboratory as well as the broad range of duties performed in relation to crime scene investigation.

Positions in the Forensic Investigator class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Forensic Investigator II level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary funds.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
The duties listed below represent the responsibilities typically assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed. Incumbents may not be required to perform every duty listed and may be assigned additional or different responsibilities as needed to meet organizational objectives, operational requirements, and business needs. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed/exercised in a learning capacity for entry-level (I-level) positions.

• Responds to scenes of police-related incidents and performs a variety of forensic investigative duties; searches for, identifies, evaluates, and documents evidence utilizing various tools and methods, including photography, videography, and diagrams.
• Assesses evidence to determine the best means of collection, preservation, and packaging; collects various types of physical, trace, and biological evidence using a wide array of packaging materials and preservation methods while maintaining evidentiary integrity.
• Analyzes evidence at the scene in order to create a reconstruction of the incident; examines and interprets the location and condition of evidence, including blood stains, gunshot damage, and other physical evidence to aid in reconstructing the events that occurred; serves as the principal forensic investigator and point of contact for all forensic work processes and products for major crime scenes and other scenes as assigned.
• Processes evidence for latent impressions using various mechanical, chemical, and photographic techniques; evaluates evidence to determine the appropriate sequential processing methods; documents each stage of sequential processing; mixes and tests chemicals and reagents to ensure proper mixtures; utilizes and monitors forensic equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Conducts thorough examinations of latent print evidence utilizing current industry-accepted methodologies; identifies, analyzes, compares, evaluates, and verifies print evidence; uploads latent impressions to automated fingerprint identification databases and examines automated search results.
• Fingerprints living and deceased persons.
• Receives and maintains latent print evidence from crime scenes, laboratory processing, Community Service Officers, Police Officers, and Department of Justice returns in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Handles loaded firearms for the purpose of unloading, rendering safe, securing, collecting, and test-firing.
• Ability to complete Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requirements as a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Technician for NIBIN entries.
• Establishes and maintains the proper chain of custody for all items of evidence collected or obtained by the Forensic Unit.
• Provides instruction and training to police personnel, students, interns, and members of the community on techniques utilized in crime scene processing, crime scene photography, latent print processing, fingerprinting equipment, and Live Scan systems.
• Testifies in court, frequently as an expert witness, regarding crime scene investigation methods, techniques, and processes; diagrams, photography, and documentation; latent print processing and comparison; collection and processing of firearm evidence; collection of trace and blood/DNA evidence; laboratory processing methods; automated latent print search results; and manual fingerprint comparisons utilizing current industry-accepted methodologies.
• Maintains awareness of new forensic techniques and court rulings; attends and participates in job-related training courses; participates in the peer review process; and incorporates new developments into work practices as appropriate.
• Assists in the development and implementation of department operating procedures and forensic protocols.
• Prepares and maintains written records, logs, statistical information and supplemental forensic and routine reports.
• Researches and assists in the development of grant applications pertinent to forensic operations.
• Maintains assigned facilities, vehicles, equipment, forensic supplies, and forensic materials.
• Serves as a liaison with other law enforcement agencies, City departments, and members of the public.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of activities and operations.
• Crime scene evidence collection, preservation, processing, storage, and safeguarding practices and procedures, including the handling of hazardous materials.
• Analysis, processing, and comparison of latent impression evidence.
• Methods of latent print classification, including latent pattern recognition.
• Modern photographic and videographic equipment and techniques.
• Current scientific techniques and methods utilized in laboratory analysis of evidence.
• Use and care of laboratory instruments and apparatus used in evidence examination.
• Methods used to cast impressions of tire marks, shoeprints, and other physical evidence.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, department policies, procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Methods and techniques used in the preparation of sketches and diagrams.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of technical law enforcement activities involved in providing a variety of forensic investigative services, including the preparation of sketches and forensic documentation; work with a minimum of supervision.
• Understand the organization, operations, and services of the City, the Police Department, and outside agencies as necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Apply crime scene investigation and evidence collection practices and procedures.
• Recognize, collect, preserve, transport, process, and analyze physical evidence without contamination.
• Perform latent impression examinations, including recognizing fingerprint patterns and analyzing, comparing, evaluating, and verifying latent palm and fingerprint evidence.
• Prepare for and testify in court as an expert witness in a variety of forensic disciplines.
• Learn, utilize, and remain current with technological advances pertaining to forensic investigations.
• Perform effectively and maintain professional composure at unpleasant crime and accident scenes, including photographing and collecting evidence from deceased persons in varying stages of decomposition.
• Prepare clear, concise, factual, and thorough supplemental reports and other forensic documentation.
• Operate and use computers, software applications, and modern business equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Safely operate Police Department vehicles in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and City policies.
• Operate specialized law enforcement information and communication systems, including public safety computer systems, to access, enter, retrieve, and maintain information.
• Use and operate assigned forensic tools and equipment, including cameras, evidence collection kits, and fingerprint kits.
• Exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and sound independent judgment in analyzing situations, determining appropriate courses of action, and handling difficult situations within established policies and procedural guidelines; maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Work irregular and on-call hours, including weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays.
• Engage effectively with a diverse public and workforce and provide services in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• Forensic Investigator I/II: Completion of the twelfth grade suppl