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Forensic Fingerprint Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role also serves as a subject-matter expert to investigators and management, supporting the ... fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons. For more information about the duties of the ...

$28.76 - $35.59/hr

May serve as an expert witness in court. * Learns the requirements of and adheres to the Quality ... Experience conducting latent print inquiries with the use of an Automated Fingerprint ...

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Forensic Investigator

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

... fingerprinting, laboratory); to work at the scene of violent crimes or serious vehicle accidents ... present expert testimony in court; train department personnel in all aspects of forensic science ...

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Forensic Fingerprint Expert information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic fingerprint expert jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic fingerprint expert in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic fingerprint expert?

Forensic fingerprint experts are professionals who specialize in analyzing and comparing fingerprint evidence collected from crime scenes. They use scientific methods to identify, classify, and match fingerprints found on objects or surfaces to specific individuals. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, as fingerprint evidence can link suspects to crimes or help exonerate the innocent. These experts often testify in court about their findings and the reliability of their analyses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic fingerprint expert?

To thrive as a Forensic Fingerprint Expert, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, coupled with specialized training in fingerprint analysis and identification. Familiarity with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), digital imaging tools, and relevant certifications such as those from the International Association for Identification (IAI) are typically required. Keen attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help experts accurately interpret evidence and present findings. These skills ensure the integrity and reliability of forensic evidence, which is critical for supporting criminal investigations and court proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic fingerprint experts when analyzing evidence from crime scenes?

Forensic fingerprint experts often encounter challenges such as poor-quality prints due to smudging, overlapping impressions, or prints left on uneven or textured surfaces. Additionally, environmental factors like dust, moisture, or exposure to heat can degrade prints and make analysis more difficult. Overcoming these obstacles requires attention to detail, proficiency with various enhancement techniques, and close collaboration with crime scene investigators to understand the context of the evidence. Despite these challenges, thorough documentation and the use of advanced technology help experts draw accurate conclusions.

What is the difference between Forensic Fingerprint Expert vs Forensic Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic Fingerprint ExpertForensic Crime Scene Investigator
CredentialsFingerprint analysis certifications, forensic science degreesCrime scene processing certifications, forensic science degrees
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scene labs, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

While both roles work within forensic science, a Forensic Fingerprint Expert specializes in analyzing and comparing fingerprint evidence, often working in labs and courtrooms. A Forensic Crime Scene Investigator collects, documents, and processes physical evidence at crime scenes. The two roles collaborate but focus on different aspects of forensic investigation.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs?

The most popular types of Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs?

For Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Fingerprint Expert job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Forensic Specialist Trainee / Forensic Specialist

Riverside, CA • On-site

City of Riverside
1 - 5K employees

$54K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Position Forensic Specialist Trainee $26.43 - $29.15 Hourly $54,984 - $60,624 Annually Forensic Specialist $30.60 - $43.05 Hourly $63,660 - $89,556 Annually The City of Riverside Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Forensic Specialist Trainee / Forensic Specialist. The department is looking to fill the vacancy based on experience level of the candidate and create an eligibility list for any possible upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The Forensic Specialist performs routine technical crime scene investigation duties in the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence

Participates in various other criminal investigative and administrative work. This is the entry/journey level within the Forensic Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Senior Forensic Specialist by the performance of more routine and less complex crime scene duties.

Incumbent is expected to operate under direct supervision on routine crime scenes, provide expert testimony in court, and be aware of the operating procedures and policies within the unit. Incumbents may be promoted to the next level of Senior Forensic Specialist upon satisfactory job performance and meeting the minimum qualifications. Work Performed Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Locate, identify, collect, protect, preserve, and analyze materials and substances as evidence at crime scenes, other locations, and from person; use and employ a variety of techniques and specialized equipment.

Assist in the examination and processing of crime scenes; document crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports; locate and record physical or trace evidence using a variety of photographic techniques; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects when requested. Develop, lift, photograph, preserve, classify, compare and identify fingerprints, palm prints and inked prints; evaluate latent print evidence for CAL-ID computer system; conduct chemical fingerprint processing and process hazardous and drug related material for fingerprints. Preserve, compare and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint and glass fragments; collect pathological samples and evidence for later clinical examination; photograph results of autopsy for criminal investigation and prepare photos for court presentation.

Collect, photograph, preserve, identify and perform basic analysis of DNA, blood, ballistics, narcotics, tool marks and other types of physical evidence; assist in analysis and laboratory activities. Process, download, print, enlarge, and mount photographs; prepare castings of tire, foot, hand, tool, and other types of impressions. Prepare and maintain reports and records; support the preparation of information for court cases.

Assist and participate in the reconstructing of crime scenes. Operate City vehicles; transport, release, and retrieve evidence from forensic laboratories. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines: Forensic Specialist Trainee: Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). Experience: None A trainee in this classification serves in a training capacity and will learn to perform the duties as defined above. Forensic Specialist: Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) and completion of 15 semester or 20 quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, forensic science, or a closely related field.

Experience: One (1) year of experience performing routine crime scene duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence and receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence. Licenses, Certifications, and Necessary Requirements: Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, nights, and rotating shifts and be subject to recall as needed. Must be willing to work an "on-call" assignment.

Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation. Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a concealed weapons permit (CCW).

Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2)Completed Supplemental Questionnaire FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide). The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions.

Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment. Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer.

Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university. Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc

(AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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