JOB
There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, to perform a variety of specialized technical duties involved in processing crime scenes including collecting, protecting, and preserving evidence for criminal prosecution; and to maintain records and prepare reports regarding activities.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications must be completed and submitted on-line. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.
The first application review date is Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application.
Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.
It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address.
Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your on-line application.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate’s legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Identify, document, collect, protect, and preserve any material or substance as physical evidence at crime scenes and other locations using a variety of specialized equipment and techniques for the purpose of criminal prosecution.
Process crime scene for latent fingerprints and conduct latent print comparisons and Cal-ID entries.
Perform basic presumptive tests for blood, narcotics, and other types of physical evidence.
Document crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports.
Take various types of photographs of physical evidence, recovered property, and persons including injuries to the body.
Collect buccal (DNA) swabs, finger and palm prints from victim(s), suspect(s) and other individuals when deemed necessary.
Process major case suspect(s) which includes photography, buccal (DNA) swabs, finger/palm print collection and when necessary suspect rape kit collection.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and schedules including those regarding the detection, protection, collection, and preservation of physical evidence in a crime scene; testify in court as necessary regarding findings.
Assist Crime Scene Investigation Supervisor in the processing of evidence and photography.
Transport physical evidence, drugs, and biological evidence back and forth to the Orange County Crime Lab.
Perform matron duties when applicable.
Performs related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
