Salary : $80,682.72 - $102,985.20 AnnuallyLocation : Los Angeles County, CAJob Type: Full timeJob Number: J4332SDepartment: SHERIFFOpening Date: 12/13/2024Closing Date: 1/14/2025 5:00 PM PacificPosition/Program InformationFILING DATESDECEMBER 16, 2024, at 8:00 A.M. (PT) TO JANUARY 14, 2025, before 5:00 P.M. (PT)NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION FILING PERIOD, NO EXCEPTIONS.EXAM NUMBERJ4332STYPE OF RECRUITMENTOpen Competitive Job OpportunityREASONS TO JOIN OUR TEAM:Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation:
- Flexible Benefit Plans - The County provides each employee with a monthly benefit allowance they can use to pay Dental coverage, Group Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Health Care Spending Accounts.
- Robust Retirement Packages - Contributory-defined benefit plan; option tax-deferred income plans that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary.
- Generous Maternity and Family Leave Benefits.
- Thirteen (13) paid holidays per year.
For more details on employee benefits, please visit . NO OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED. DEFINITIONUnder close supervision, makes fingerprint comparisons, processes crime scenes for evidence, utilizes automated systems to compare latent fingerprints, prepares reports, and engages in other activities related to forensic identification.CLASSIFICATION STANDARDSPositions allocated to this class work under close supervision of a Forensic Identification Specialist II, Supervising Forensic Identification Specialist, or a higher-level supervisor. Positions in this class learn both field and laboratory analysis including processing crime scenes by recognizing, searching, collecting, and preserving physical evidence; developing latent fingerprints by using conventional techniques; utilizing automated systems for comparing latent fingerprints; and qualifying as an expert witness in court. Essential Job FunctionsTakes fingerprints and palm prints using printer's ink or computerized optical digital technology.Develops, collects, and preserves latent fingerprints from typical surfaces using conventional techniques, chemical processing, and alternate light source technologies.Compares latent prints to inked or digitally captured prints.Prepares, enters, and compares latent fingerprints in an automated fingerprint identification system. Participates in crime scene investigations to recognize, search for, collect, and preserve physical evidence. Documents crime scenes through note-taking, diagramming, photographing, and video recordingPreserves impressions of shoe prints, tire tracks, and other objects at crime scenes through casting and photography.Prepares detailed reports of crime scene investigations, other activities, and comparison results.Accesses crime scenes in a variety of environments including remote areas requiring mountaineering and other entrance and egress techniques to document and collect evidence.Testifies as an expert witness in court.Serves on-call and responds to crime scene locations within LA County jurisdiction within short notice (typically departing within 20 minutes of notice) to process crime scenes during a 24-hour operation, including nights and on holidays. Requirements SELECTION REQUIREMENTSOPTION IGraduation from an accredited college with an Associate of Arts or Science degree* in criminalistics, police science, or a related field** with completion of a minimum of eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, or criminalistics. ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BY JANUARY 14, 2025, IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS EXAMINATION.OPTION IITwo years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County's class of a Forensic Technician II***, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems Technician II***, Criminalistics Laboratory Technician***, Photographer I***, or work experience detecting, lifting, and retrieving latent prints from crime scenes, or providing direct assistance to forensic identification specialists or other law enforcement investigation professionals conducting field investigations.LICENSEA valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions. Candidates offered these positions would be required to show proof of a driver license prior to appointment.Out-of-state applicants must have a valid license from the state in which they reside at the time of filing. Out-of-state applicants will be required to obtain a California Class C Driver License prior to appointment. LICENSE INFORMATIONSuccessful applicants for this position will be required to obtain a copy of their driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before being appointed. A copy of your driving record must be presented at the time of your appointment. License must not be suspended, restricted, or revoked. AN APPLICANT WHOSE DRIVING RECORD SHOWS THREE (3) OR MORE MOVING VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE LAST YEAR WILL NOT BE APPOINTED. PHYSICAL CLASS:Physical Class III - Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION*In order to receive credit for the required coursework and degree, you MUST include a legible copy of the official transcripts AND official degree, or official letter from the accredited institution which shows the completed semester/quarter units of coursework in the areas of specialization at the time of filing, or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of filing your online application. Please submit documentation to and indicate your name, the exam title and the exam number. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in application rejection. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted to meet the educational requirement. **Related fields include, but are not limited to: Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, Fire Technology, Forensic Science, Geology, Genetics and Cell Biology, Health Science, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Photography, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, and Sociology. ***For a full description of the class specifications of Los Angeles County's (Item # 4888), (Item # 1552), (Item # 4331), and (Item # 7076) please click the hyperlink on the job title OR go to Department of Human Resources website at and type in the job title or item number under FIND JOB DESCRIPTIONS search box. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIREAs part of this application process, applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire contains a pre-investigative questionnaire which will be utilized as part of the background investigation process to ensure applicants meet the standards set forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Applicants who fail the pre-investigative questionnaire will be disqualified and will have to wait three (3) months from the date of the disqualification in order to reapply. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSCredit will be given to applicants who possess DESIRABLE qualifications and indicate so on their employment application at the time of filing.Coursework* completion earned as part of a certificate or degree program in the field of forensics (40 hours of coursework = 4 quarter units = 2.67 semester units):
- Coursework in the Friction Ridge Examination Process
- Coursework in Courtroom Testimony (which includes at least an overview of the legal system, how evidence is presented in court, and how to answer questions in the courtroom)
- Coursework in Crime Scene Photography
- Coursework in Sketching Crime Scenes or Measuring Crime Scene Evidence
At least two (2) years of experience as a latent print examiner, crime scene investigator, or crime scene investigator who investigates crimes against persons beyond the minimum requirements.A Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college or university. Additional Information EXAMINATION CONTENTThis examination will consist of three (3) parts:PART IA computerized multiple-choice test covering reading comprehension, written expression, checking for errors, pattern recognition, and situational judgement weighted 40%.THE MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST IS NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.ONLY CANDIDATES WHO ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART I WILL PROCEED TO PART II.PART IIA structured interview assessing applied experience and training, adaptability, friction skin evidence process, photography, identification of fingerprints, evidence processing, crime scene processing, verbal communication, and written communication, weighted 45%. As part of the interview, candidates will also be required to complete a brief writing exercise. Candidates who do not submit a writing exercise will be disqualified from this examination.ONLY CANDIDATES WHO ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART II WILL PROCEED TO PART III. PART IIIAn evaluation of training, education, and experience based upon application information and desirable qualifications weighted 15%.CANDIDATES MUST ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON EACH WEIGHTED PART TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST.TESTING ACCOMMODATIONIf you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation. Please note, you will be provided with an initial deadline to submit documentation. Failure to submit the required documentation by the deadline will delay your participation in the examination process and consideration for initial placement on the eligible list. TEST PREPARATIONStudy guides and other test preparation resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides will help you prepare for the test, we advise you to review all related materials you deem necessary.
- An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed at the Department of Human Resources website at Please click on Find a Job and then Job Search Toolkit. Test Preparation Information is located under the Employment Test Assistance section.
Please note that these resources are intended to provide general information about the types of tests and assessments used by the County of Los Angeles. These resources do not contain details of the exam nor specific questions you will be asked to answer during the test administration. The exam content section describes the areas assessed by the test and you are invited to study and review whatever material you believe will help you to prepare. VETERAN'S CREDITIf you served in the military and were honorably discharged, you may qualify for Veteran's Credit. To receive this credit, please include a copy of your DD214 Form issued by the branch of service with your application. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATIONThe names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible list in the order of their score group for a period of six (6) months following the date of promulgation. SPECIAL INFORMATIONSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING FINGERPRINT SEARCH. Examples of disqualifying factors include: Any felony convictions; job related misdemeanor convictions; certain serious traffic convictions or patterns of traffic violations (3 moving violations in one year; failure to appear; at-fault accidents; suspended license; driving under the influence); poor credit history; poor employment history; substance abuse; anyone on probation.ZERO TOLERANCE POLCIY IF HIREDThe Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (Department) has a zero tolerance policy for its employees for the following:
- use of narcotics, controlled substances, and/or prescription drugs without a prescription.
Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to discharge.VACANCY INFORMATIONThe eligible list resulting from this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Technology and Support Division, Scientific Services Bureau. AVAILABLE SHIFT Any ShiftAPPOINTEES MUST BE WILLING TO WORK ANY SHIFT, INCLUDING EVENINGS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS.APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATIONAPPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE ONLY. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY U.S. MAIL, FAX, OR IN PERSON WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.TO ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUBMITTED, YOU MUST HAVE RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION EMAIL AS VERIFICATION.All applicants are required to submit a Standard County of Los Angeles Employment application and supplemental questionnaire ONLINE only. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of applications, although resumes and supporting documents may be uploaded as attachments to the online application. Fill out your application and supplemental questionnaire completely. Provide any relevant education, training, and experience in the spaced provided so we may evaluate your qualifications for the job. All information is subject to verification and applications may be rejected at any time during the selection process.The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the SELECTION REQUIREMENTS and you have completely fill out your application. Apply online by clicking on the green Apply button at the top right of this posting. You can also track the status of your application using this website. Your application and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted electronically before 5:00 p.m., PT, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION FILING PERIOD, NO EXCEPTIONS. Plan to submit your online application well in advance of the 5:00 P.M. (PT) deadline on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account onyou can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address. IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please note that ALL information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made.
- FALSIFICATION of any information may result in DISQUALIFICATION or RESCISSION OF APPOINTMENT.
- Utilizing VERBIAGE from Class Specification and Selection Requirements serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION, and you may be DISQUALIFIED.
CORRESPONDENCE AND UPDATES WILL BE SENT VIA E-MAIL.
- All notices including invitation letters, result letters, and notices of non-acceptance will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add as well as and to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Please note, if you opt out of receiving emails, you can visit governmentjobs.com, log into your profile and check your inbox. The inbox retains a copy of all emails sent, for your records.
NOTE: Candidates who apply online must upload any required documents as attachments during application submission. If you are unable to attach required documents, you may fax the documents to (323) ###-#### or email any outstanding documents required to at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of application filing. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in application rejection. Please include your Name, the Exam Number, and the Exam Title on the faxed documents. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERPlease include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORDAll applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.California Relay Services Phone: (800) ###-####ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) ###-####Teletype Phone: (213) ###-####Department Contact Name: Professional Exams UnitDepartment Contact Phone: (323) ###-####Department Contact E-mail: For more information on Employment Information, click on the link below:COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment InformationAny language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.Your Responsibilities: 1. Completing Your Application:a. Before submission of the application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is correct and complete on the application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.b. List each payroll title separately for each job. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you are a Los Angeles County employee and have held multiple positions, do NOT list all of your time with the County under your present payroll title.c. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.d. To receive credit, include required documents (e.g., copy of your diploma, transcript, certificate, or license) as directed on the job posting. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. Refer to the job posting for specific deadlines for supporting documentation.2. Requirements on Job Posting:a. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time.b. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment unless other age limits are stated on the job posting. The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for any individual age 40 or older.c. Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40- hour week, unless specified otherwise. Prorated part-time experience may be acceptable.3. Application Deadline: All job applications must be completed and submitted before the closing time on the last day of the filing period as indicated on the job posting unless other instructions are provided. Job postings with an open continuous filing period are subject to closure without prior notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early and not wait until the last allowable date and time as you will not be able to apply once the filing period has closed.4. Change of Name or Address: To change personal information such as your name or address, log into your profile on and make the necessary change. This can be done at any time.5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy:a. It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. b. If you are an individual requesting reasonable accommodation(s) in the examination process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. The provision of accommodation(s) may be subject to verification, consistent with state and federal law. All accommodation-related information will remain confidential.Disclaimer: The County of Los Angeles is not responsible or in any way liable for any computer hardware or software malfunction that may affect the employment application or the application selection process.You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of this system and the Internet generally. This system and the information provided on it are provided on an as is and as available basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. No advice or information given by the County of Los Angeles or its respective employees shall modify the foregoing or create any warranty.The County of Los Angeles expressly disclaims any warranty that the information on this system or on the Internet generally will be uninterruptible or error free or that any information, software or other material accessible from the system is free of viruses or other harmful components. You shall have no recourse against the County of Los Angeles as the system provider for any alleged or actual infringement of any proprietary rights a user may have in anything posted or retrieved on our system.The County of Los Angeles shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this system or with the delay or inability to use it (or any linked sites), or for any information obtained through this system, or otherwise arising out of the use of this system, the Internet generally or on any other basis.NOTE: Your application is submitted using Secure Encryption to ensure the privacy of all information you transmit over the Internet.By accepting the Use Disclaimer set forth herein, you agree to all of the above terms and further agree to use this Online Job Employment Application System only for the submission of bona fide employment applications to the County of Los Angeles. Any other use of this Online Job Employment Application System, including without limitation any copying, downloading, translating, decompiling, or reverse engineering of the system, data, or related software, shall be a violation of the Use Disclaimer.Test Preparation: Study Guides and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive system for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at /. Additional resources may be listed on the job posting. Veteran's Credit: In all open competitive examinations, a veteran's credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examinations will be added to the final passing grade of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under any of the following conditions: During a declared war; -or- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; -or- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010 the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; -or- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti qualifies for credit.A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty.This also applies to the spouse of such person who, while engaged in such service was wounded, disabled or crippled and thereby permanently prevented from engaging in any remunerative occupation, and also to the widow or widower of any such person who died or was killed while in such service. A DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference. Applicants must submit the documentation for each open competitive exam to qualify for veteran's credit. More information available at: Accreditation Information: Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information is available at: and Background Check: The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.Career Planning: Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at Benefit Information: Depending on the position, the successful candidate will enroll in a contributory defined benefit pension plan if the candidate is a new member of the County's defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013 (first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012) - unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. It should be noted that County employees do not pay into Social Security, but do pay the Medical Hospital Insurance Tax portion of Social Security at a rate of 1.45%. The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) has reciprocal agreements with several public retirement systems in California.Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: All positions are open to qualified men and women. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons with disabilities who believe they need reasonable accommodation, or help in order to apply for a position, may contact the ADA/Personnel Services for Disabled Persons Coordinator. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible.Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. All positions are open to qualified men and women pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants. Los Angeles County Child Support Compliance Program: In an effort to improve compliance with court ordered child, family and spousal support obligations, certain employment and identification information (i.e., name, address, Social Security number and date of hire) is regularly reported to the State Directory of New Hires which may assist in locating persons who owe these obligations. Family Code Section 17512 permits under certain circumstances for additional employment and identifying information to be requested. Applicants will not be disqualified from employment based on this information.Social Security Act of 2004: Section 419 (c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires State and local government employers to disclose the effect of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset Provision to employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security. The County of Los Angeles does not participate in the Social Security System. All newly hired County of Los Angeles employees must sign a statement (Form SSA-1945) prior to the start of employment indicating that they are aware of a possible reduction in their future Social Security benefit entitlement. For more information on Social Security and about each provision, you may visit the website , or call toll free 1-800-### ####. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number 1-800-###-#### or contact a local Social Security office.Employment Eligibility Information: Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States. Immigration law provides that all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present origin