Forensic Specialist I

Do you aspire to apply your passion for public service in the City of Irvine, nationally-ranked for safety, educational institutions, business enterprises, and quality of life? Then join our collaborative workforce and advance your forensics career by discovering and analyzing evidence with the Irvine Police Department.

The City of Irvine seeks a Forensic Specialist I to perform non-sworn crime scene investigations involving the identification, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.

The Crime Scene Investigation Unit operates 365 days a year and requires working various hours, overtime, rotating shifts and working holidays and weekends.

All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process, including a psychological exam. The ride-along and physical agility test are not required for this position. 

Your Impact

• Locates, collects, protects, preserves and analyzes materials and substances as evidence at crime scenes and other locations using a variety of specialized equipment and techniques.
• Develops and lifts latent prints; prepares and enters latent prints into CAL-ID computer system; compares latent prints.  Collects and classifies other types of impression evidence.
• Records or visualizes physical or trace evidence through photographic techniques such as macro, micro, infrared, ultraviolet and alternate light sources.
• Prepares castings of tire, shoe, tool and other types of impressions.
• Performs basic analysis of blood and other types of biological evidence.
• Documents crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports; searches criminal and court records and files.
• Takes various types of photographs of evidence, recovered property, and suspects, victims, arrestees, and other persons; may prepare chemicals for latent print development; develops prints; downloads and prints digital photographs.
• Prepares evidence for courtroom presentation.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, reports and files including those regarding the detection, protection, collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes.
• Interviews victims and witnesses at crime scenes; may interview and process arrestees to gather evidence. 

• Exemplary analytical skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Completion of a forensic academy or other crime scene investigation program.

• Completion of an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology or related field with courses pertaining to Forensic Science or Crime Scene Investigation.
• Three (3) years paid work experience in law enforcement supplemented by specialized training in Crime Scene Investigation.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must possess a valid California driver license.
• A certificate of completion from a crime scene investigation program or forensic academy is preferred.

The City
Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime.

Your Team
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, Youth Services, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Investigations, Crime Scene Investigation, and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Irvine is committed to a full community oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community.

The Process
The selection process may include an examination and background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of: legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.

This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.

Salary : $51,646 - $81,224