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Fingerprint Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator Department/Division: Pala Raceway Status: Hourly/DOE (Full-time) $33.00 per hr ... Must be able to pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and ...

Equipment Operator Department/Division: Pala Raceway Status: Hourly/DOE (Full-time) $33.00 per hr ... Must be able to pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and ...

Equipment Operator Department/Division: Pala Raceway Status: Hourly/DOE (Full-time) $33.00 per hr ... Must be able to pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and ...

Surveillance Operator

Hawaiian Gardens, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Clear fingerprinting/background check. * We are Zero-Tolerance drug and alcohol company. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to ...

Water Operator I

Klamath, CA · On-site

$23.48 - $35.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Chief Water Operator, works to assist with the ... investigation and fingerprint clearance. 6. Position could require travel and occasional work ...

Operating and monitoring pumping plants and wells to regulate water flow between reservoirs. Using ... The background check will include fingerprinting, verified by the State of California Department of ...

Survey Instrument Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

... checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, pre-employment medical exam and other related ... Setting up, operating, cleaning, adjusting, and maintaining survey instruments and equipment ...

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Fingerprint Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$34

How much do fingerprint operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fingerprint operator in California is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fingerprint operator?

Fingerprint operators are professionals who collect, process, and analyze fingerprints for identification and verification purposes. They often work in law enforcement agencies, government offices, or private companies, capturing fingerprints from individuals using ink or electronic scanning devices. Their duties include ensuring the quality of prints, maintaining accurate records, and sometimes assisting with background checks and investigations. Proper training and attention to detail are essential, as fingerprints are critical for security and legal processes.

What does a fingerprint operator do?

A fingerprint operator, also known as a fingerprint technician, records fingerprints for law enforcement, legal, or identification purposes. In this job, your duties include scanning fingerprints using specialized image-making equipment. Some employers also expect fingerprint operators to be able to take fingerprints manually using ink. Once you have the imprint, you may utilize software to analyze and compare both analog and digital fingerprint records. Law enforcement officials and attorneys collaborate with fingerprint operators to record and match fingerprints in databases for specific cases. You find fingerprint operators in police stations, law firms, government agencies, financial organizations, and sometimes in health care facilities, though many are independent contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fingerprint operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fingerprint Operator, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with fingerprint scanning devices, biometric data software, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and reliability help in dealing professionally with individuals and maintaining confidentiality. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, compliance with legal standards, and integrity in sensitive identification processes.

What are some common challenges fingerprint operators face when collecting prints, and how can they be managed?

Fingerprint Operators often encounter challenges such as capturing clear prints from individuals with worn or damaged skin, or those who are uncooperative or anxious. To overcome these, operators use specialized techniques and equipment adjustments, and rely on strong communication skills to put individuals at ease. Attention to detail is crucial to ensure prints meet legal and identification standards. Regular training and teamwork with law enforcement or administrative staff also help maintain high-quality results and address any technical or procedural issues quickly.

What is the difference between Fingerprint Operator vs Fingerprint Technician?

AspectFingerprint OperatorFingerprint Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and fingerprinting certificationRequires similar certifications, often with additional technical training
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in law enforcement agencies or security settingsIn law enforcement, forensic labs, or security agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, security firmsLaw enforcement, forensic laboratories
Job FocusCollecting and processing fingerprint dataAnalyzing, comparing, and verifying fingerprint evidence

While both roles involve fingerprinting, the Fingerprint Operator mainly collects and processes fingerprint data, whereas the Fingerprint Technician focuses on analyzing and verifying fingerprint evidence for accuracy and identification. The Technician role often requires more specialized training and technical skills.

Infographic showing various Fingerprint Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,203 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Sewer Maintenance Equipment Operator

City of San Diego

San Diego, CA

$57K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform preventive maintenance and clean blocked mains using sewer cleaning equipment.

  • Lead the work of subordinates and perform minor servicing and maintenance on assigned equipment.

  • Keep mileage and service records related to sewer maintenance activities.


City Of San Diego (California) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB INFORMATION See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities. Sewer Maintenance Equipment Operator positions perform preventive maintenance and clean blocked mains using a variety of sewer cleaning equipment including, but not limited to, combination vacuum/flusher, power rodding trucks, flushers, and bucketing machines; lead the work of subordinates; perform minor servicing and maintenance on assigned equipment; keep mileage and service records; and perform other duties as assigned. NOTES: Employees in job classifications represented by AFSME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases: 3.5% effective 7/1/27 2% effective 7/1/28 2% effective 1/1/29 In addition to the scheduled general wage increases, the following equity adjustment wage increases are also scheduled to take effect for Sewer Maintenance Equipment Operator: 5% effective 1/1/29 Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS)

Sewer Maintenance Equipment Operator employees may be required to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, rotating and/or stand-by shifts for which they may receive additional pay. Sewer Maintenance Equipment Operator employees who operate commercial vehicles are required by California State Law, as a condition of employment, to submit to drug and alcohol testing. Prior to hire, a background check will be completed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and with former employers regarding drug and alcohol testing results.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated. EXPERIENCE: You must meet ONE of the following options: Six months of full-time experience operating medium-class industrial motive equipment similar to equipment operated by Equipment Operator I positions, such as combination vacuum/flusher, truck-mounted sewer rodders, flushers or other equipment of comparable difficulty. One year of full-time experience operating light industrial motive equipment similar to equipment operated by Light Equipment Operator positions, such as roller compactors, power augers, or other equipment of comparable difficulty.

NOTE: City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered. LICENSE: A valid California Class A or B Driver's License AND a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) medical certificate dated within the last two years are required at the time of application.

NOTE: A valid Tank Endorsement is required at the time of hire. HIGHLY DESIRABLE: Possession of a valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) certificate. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION): Proof of valid California Class A or B Driver License AND a valid DMV medical certificate dated within the last two years.

For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements. Required documents should be attached electronically to your application. If you are unable to attach at the time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax: (619) 533-3337; or to the Employment Information Center: City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue - Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101.

Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying. SCREENING PROCESS Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met.

Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days). For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting.

Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, which may include a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All of these processes must be successfully completed before employment begins.

A positive test for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may be cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change in their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 7 - September 4, 2026 (Recruitment Date Extended)


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