1

Forensic In Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic In information

What are the 9 different forensic specialties?

Forensic investigators can specialize in areas such as forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, forensic entomology, digital forensics, forensic odontology, forensic chemistry, forensic ballistics, and forensic document examination. Each specialty focuses on different evidence types and requires specific skills and certifications. These fields often work together in criminal investigations to analyze evidence accurately.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Investigator, you need a strong background in criminal justice, scientific analysis, and evidence collection, typically supported by a degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, digital forensics tools, and crime scene photography is essential, and certifications like Certified Forensic Scientist (CFS) or similar can be advantageous. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurately analyzing evidence and presenting findings. These skills ensure the integrity of investigations, support the justice system, and help uncover the truth in complex cases.

What is the highest paid forensic job?

The highest paid forensic jobs are often forensic pathologists and forensic odontologists, with forensic pathologists earning salaries exceeding $200,000 annually due to their medical training and specialized skills. Forensic toxicologists and forensic laboratory directors also tend to have high salaries, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience in forensic science laboratories.

What are forensic investigators?

Forensic investigators are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret evidence from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. They use scientific methods to examine physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and trace materials. Their work often involves collaborating with law enforcement and providing expert testimony in court. Forensic investigators play a critical role in ensuring that investigations are thorough, objective, and based on reliable scientific principles.

What careers involve forensics?

Careers involving forensics include forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, forensic pathologists, and digital forensic analysts. These roles typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence collection, and analysis, often supported by specialized certifications and training in criminal justice or forensic science.

What is the difference between Forensic In vs Forensic Analyst?

AspectForensic InForensic Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires forensic investigation certifications, relevant degrees in criminal justice or forensic scienceRequires degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, or related fields; certifications like CFCE may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOften works in law enforcement agencies, crime labs, or forensic unitsWorks in laboratories, crime scenes, or legal settings, often within forensic labs or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly by law enforcement and government agenciesEmployed by labs, private firms, or government agencies involved in criminal investigations

While both roles involve forensic work, Forensic In typically refers to investigators focusing on crime scene processing and evidence collection, whereas Forensic Analysts analyze evidence in labs to support investigations. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is forensics a good career?

Forensic science is a viable career for individuals interested in criminal justice, biology, or chemistry, involving analyzing evidence to support investigations. It typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, attention to detail, and proficiency with laboratory tools. The job offers opportunities in law enforcement agencies, crime labs, and research institutions, with a focus on accuracy and adherence to protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic investigators when handling digital evidence?

Forensic investigators often encounter challenges such as ensuring the integrity and chain of custody of digital evidence, navigating rapidly evolving technology, and dealing with encrypted or deleted data. Collaborating with legal teams and maintaining strict adherence to protocols is essential to ensure evidence remains admissible in court. Additionally, investigators must stay current with emerging tools and techniques to efficiently extract and analyze data from a variety of digital devices.
What job categories do people searching Forensic In jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic In jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic In jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic In job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic In job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Part-time Faculty, Forensic Technology (Administration of Justice)

Part-time Faculty, Forensic Technology (Administration of Justice)

Palomar College

San Marcos, CA โ€ข On-site

$75.81 - $119.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-time Faculty, Forensic Technology (Administration of Justice)
Department
Public Safety Programs
Primary Location
San Marcos Campus
Location Details
A part-time faculty member's assignment may include day, evening and/or weekend work, and work at more than one location (San Marcos campus and/or off-campus locations, as well as distance education classes).
Projected Start Date
Current and Continuous Application Pool
Full or Part Time
Part-time
Category
Academic
Hours per week
Part-time faculty members are not to exceed a load of 67%.
Work Schedule
A part-time faculty member's assignment may include day, evening and/or weekend work, and work at more than one location (San Marcos campus and/or off-campus locations, as well as distance education classes).
Salary/Wage
Initial Placement Hourly Range: $75.81 - $119.20 (instructional); $74.60 - $117.69 (non-instructional)
For salary and placement information, visit www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/classifications/salary/ and use the links in the Part-time Faculty section.
Salary/Wage Frequency
Hourly
Benefits
For information about part-time faculty health benefits, visit https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/benefits-2/ and click on Part-time Faculty Benefits.
Part-time faculty employees are eligible to elect membership in one of the following retirement plans:
  • CalSTRS (California State Teachers Retirement System)
  • APPLE (Accumulation Program for Part-Time Limited-Service Employees)

Job Duties
The Public Safety Programs department is seeking qualified part-time instructors to teach Administration of Justice - Fingerprint Analysis in our new Forensics program. Teaching assignment(s) may include any of the curriculum approved courses within the discipline of Administration of Justice - Forensic Technology, including Beginning and Advanced Fingerprint Analysis courses, Introduction to Forensic Science, and Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation.
Minimum Qualifications
Must meet one of the sets of qualifications listed under 1) through 3):
  1. Any bachelor's degree or higher AND two years of professional experience.
  2. Any associate degree AND six years of professional experience.
  3. A combination of education and experience that is at least the equivalent of the qualifications in either 1) or 2) above. You must complete and attach the Application for Equivalency form (www.palomar.edu/hr/equivalency-app/), if you do not possess the specific minimum qualifications as stated above, which includes degrees that have not been awarded at the time of submitting the application.

Only coursework completed at, and degrees awarded by, accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be considered as satisfying the minimum qualifications. Coursework and degrees that are completed outside of the United States are required to have transcripts evaluated (evaluation to U.S. equivalency and a course by course analysis) by an appropriate U.S. credentials evaluation service. For a list of credentials evaluation agencies accepted by Palomar College, visit the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) website at https://www.naces.org/members, or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) website at http://aice-eval.org/.
NOTE: For professional experience, a "year" is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 10 months.
Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Recent experience in a forensic laboratory.
  2. Professional expertise in Forensic Science and Fingerprint Analysis - evidence of current knowledge, training, or field experience in latent print examination, crime scene processing, and forensic technology, including current techniques and best practices used by California law enforcement and crime laboratories.
  3. Strong academic preparation in criminal justice, forensic science, or related disciplines, as demonstrated by upper-division and/or graduate-level coursework addressing crime, justice, and forensic analysis.
  4. Demonstrated ability to integrate hands-on learning, scenario-based training, and laboratory or mock crime scene exercises into classroom instruction.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Antiracism (DEIAA) Statement
Palomar College serves over 30,000 students from a variety of backgrounds and we are proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our student body is rich in its diversity. Click here to see a quick overview of our student demographics on our recent Student Fact Sheet.
Palomar College is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and antiracism (DEIAA). We are dedicated to empowering students to succeed and are guided by our core values; some of which are the following:
  • Access - We make education possible for everyone.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - We recognize and respect diversity, seek to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, and strive to address inequities.

All positions require cultural competency which includes the sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff.
Licenses and/or Certificates
A Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) certificate meeting the requirements set forth by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is preferred but not required.
Supervision Received
Part-time faculty members receive supervision from the Division Dean and direction from the Department Chair.
Working Conditions
Complete working conditions may be viewed at https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/personnel/ (use the link for the Palomar Faculty Federation Agreement).
Terms of Employment
Part-time faculty members are not to exceed a load of 67%.
The person selected for hire will be required to complete the following pre-employment requirements: live scan/fingerprinting, official transcript(s), TB risk assessment, and employment verification(s). Other pre-employment requirements may be required depending on the position (i.e. certifications or licenses; see applicable job posting section for details). Successful completion of all pre-employment requirements is mandatory to be eligible for employment. These requirements are in accordance with the following Administrative Procedures and Board Policies: AP 7120, AP 7120a, AP 7125, AP 7126, AP 7127, AP 7330, BP 7330, AP 7336, AP 7337, and BP 7335.
Complete terms of employment may be viewed at https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/personnel/ (use the link for the Palomar Faculty Federation Agreement).
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
11/03/2025
Close Date
11/03/2027
Open Until Filled
No
Posting Number
P0407T
Additional Application Information
  • For more information regarding the position, contact Michelle Soria, Lead Administration of Justice Faculty at 760-744-1150, ext. 2961 or via email at msoria@palomar.edu.
  • This posting is to fill current openings and for an application pool. Should more openings come up in the future, the department will contact those that they are interested in.