Salary: $7,642.27 - $9,760.40 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:Department: POLICE
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENTIN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.The
City of Torrance is recruiting for a
Senior Forensic Identification Specialist to be a part of the Police Department! The DivisionThe Torrance Police Department
Forensic Identification Specialist Unit is responsible for providing comprehensive forensic and crime scene support to the Torrance Police Department. The unit conducts detailed crime scene documentation; collects and preserves physical evidence; performs fingerprint processing and comparison; and utilizes advanced forensic technologies to assist in criminal investigations. Forensic Identification Specialists work closely with detectives, patrol officers, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and professional forensic services that uphold the highest standards of evidence integrity and investigative support.
The PositionsThese positions operate on a 4/10 work schedule and may be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and participate in a rotating on-call schedule. Incumbents work in the field under various weather conditions, as well as in laboratory and general office environments. Physical demands include climbing, bending, lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 60 pounds; exposure to blood-borne and airborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and hazardous chemicals used in latent print development; and occasionally crawling in confined spaces. Duties also require the ability to tolerate prolonged computer use and work in situations involving fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons.
Senior Forensic Identification Specialists perform advanced forensic and crime scene duties and provide lead-level guidance to staff within the Forensic Identification Specialist Unit. This position conducts complex crime scene investigations, collects and processes physical evidence, performs detailed fingerprint examinations, and prepares technical documentation and reports. Senior Forensic Identification Specialists assist in training and mentoring staff, ensure adherence to forensic standards and departmental procedures, and may coordinate assignments or specialized projects. The role supports investigators by providing expert-level forensic analysis to aid in the identification, documentation, and preservation of evidence for criminal investigations.
For more information about the duties of the position, click
here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
Three years paid experience as a Forensic Identification Specialist or the equivalent at an accredited forensic laboratory, or law enforcement agency, participating in site investigations and laboratory analysis. Experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years experience.
Must possess a valid State of California driver's license of the appropriate class.
Successful candidates will possess the following:
- The ability to conduct, document, and manage complex crime scene investigations, including detailed report writing skills.
- Effective report writing skills and courtroom expert testimony.
- Skills and knowledge in recognition, search techniques, collection, and documentation of latent prints from physical evidence.
- Competence in the operation of digital imaging systems used for documentation and analysis purposes.
- Knowledge and skills in automated systems and chemical methods used to identify and compare latent fingerprints to partial and distorted friction skin evidence as well as known friction skin exemplars.
- Adequate knowledge and skills in training and evaluating staff members, especially pertaining to the related fields of Crime Scene investigations and Latent print examinations.
- Working knowledge and skill sets in entering and comparing latent print impressions in the local and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
An International Association for Identification (IAI) certification as a crime scene investigator (CCSI) and/or a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) is desirable.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and resume at
www.TorranceCA.Gov/JobsApplication submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position(s) is/are filled.
First review of applications will be those received by Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Written Test: 40% (Tentatively scheduled on December 8, 2026.)
Oral Exam: 60% (Tentatively scheduled on December 8, 2026.) SPECIAL NOTES Visit
www.TorranceCA.Govto find out more information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements
must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.
Candidates must pass each component of the exam process, as well as a thorough background investigation to be considered for hire. The background investigation will include job and personal references, arrest records, credit history, use of controlled substances, medical and psychological evaluations, drug screening and a polygraphThe provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association bargaining unit, visit:
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Criminal Justice or related field?
04
Indicate the number of years of paid experience that you have as a Forensic Identification Specialist or equivalent position at an accredited forensics laboratory or law enforcement agency.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than two years
- More than two years, but less than three years
- More than three years
05
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?
06
Do you possess an International Association for Identification (IAI) certification as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)?
07
Do you possess a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) certification?
Required Question
