JOB
Under immediate supervision, Forensic Scientist Trainee (FST) participates in an agency-sponsored training program to develop the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required in Comparative Analysis, and performs other related duties as assigned.
Under direct supervision, Forensic Scientist I (FS I) performs forensic science casework of limited complexity in Comparative Analysis, presents findings in court and other legal proceedings, and prepares documentation and written reports. May be authorized to perform administrative review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, Forensic Scientist II (FS II) performs more complex and difficult casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, prepares documentation and written reports, and presents finding in court. May be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.
Under direction, Forensic Scientist III (FS III) is the lead worker and performs the most difficult and complex casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, presents findings in criminal court, prepares documentation and written reports. Will be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Forensic Scientist Trainee classification differs from the Forensic Scientist I in that this classification is required to successfully participate in a forensic science training program. Throughout the training program, the Trainee will be required to demonstrate competence in one or more assigned specialty areas before being eligible to promote to the Forensic Scientist I level.
The Forensic Scientist I classification is characterized by the performance of professional forensic science analysis. Incumbents are not expected to have expertise in a complex specialty area. This classification differs from the Forensic Scientist II classification in that the latter classification is expected to perform journeyman-level analysis and casework. Incumbents in this classification typically receive mentoring as they continue their professional development in a specialty discipline.
The Forensic Scientist II classification is the journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. This classification is characterized by its thorough knowledge of forensic science in at least one specialty area of the lab. Trains other forensic scientists in specialized knowledge and work methods.
The Forensic Scientist III is the advanced journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. It differs from the Forensic Scientist II in that this classification provides lead direction on more complex, difficult, and highly visible cases. It differs from the Supervising Forensic Scientist in that the latter classification has full supervisory responsibility over a section of the forensic science laboratory.
PAYROLL TITLE and APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Forensic Scientist Trainee: $28.86 - $40.37 per hour
Forensic Scientist I: $37.39 - $52.31 per hour
Forensic Scientist II: $46.12 - $64.64 per hour
Forensic Scientist III: $49.89 - $69.99 per hour
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Possible educational incentive of 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of a Master's degree that is not required for the classification.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.
DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Sheriff's / Forensic Services Bureau
Forensic Scientists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.
NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
FST
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Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
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Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
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Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of evidence and handling procedures;
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Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
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Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
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Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
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Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
FS I
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Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
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Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
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Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments;
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Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
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Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
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Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
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Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results;
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Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
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Performs other related duties as required.
FS II
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Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
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Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
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Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
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Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
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Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
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Consults regarding cases with law enforcement, attorneys, and other appropriate personnel;
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Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
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Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results;
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Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
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Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
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Performs other related duties as required.
FS III
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Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
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Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusion;
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Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
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Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
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Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
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Conducts training for individuals and groups and participates in the forensic science laboratory training program;
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Provides expertise, mentoring, and consultation to other section staff to resolve complex problems;
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Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
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Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results and as an expert witness regarding interpretations and conclusions;
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Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
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Performs other related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at https://venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another merit or civil service public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a merit or civil service style examination, then appointment by Lateral Transfer may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download ADR Reader) for additional information.
Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility.
A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: An application evaluation will be conducted to determine whether each applicant meets the stated requirements. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will continue to the next step in the screening and selection process.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION -100%: A job-related written examination will be administered to test candidates' knowledge of general chemistry, and forensic science. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary), fixed-term, intermittent, and Extra-help for this and similar vacancies.
There is currently one (1) vacancy in Sheriff's Forensic Sciences Bureau. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Prior to actual appointment from the eligible list, the successful candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation, conducted by the sheriff's human resources bureau which may also include a polygraph examination. Background investigation findings may be a basis for removal from the eligible list. To speak to a sheriff's office representative concerning the background investigation process, call (805) 654-2375.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Melissa Kurtz by email at
[email protected].
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
