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Forensic Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Intern information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do forensic intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic intern in Riverside, CA is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Forensic Intern?

As a Forensic Intern, your daily tasks may include assisting with evidence collection and cataloging, conducting preliminary laboratory tests, and preparing documentation for case files. You’ll often work alongside experienced forensic scientists and law enforcement officers, gaining hands-on exposure to the investigative process. Interns may also attend team meetings, observe courtroom procedures, or help maintain lab safety protocols. This dynamic role provides a valuable blend of independent work and collaboration, offering insights into a variety of forensic specialties and real-world casework.

What are good internships for forensic science majors?

Forensic science majors seeking internships should consider programs at crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or forensic consulting firms, which provide hands-on experience with evidence analysis, crime scene investigation, and laboratory techniques. These internships often require background checks and may involve training in tools like fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and digital forensics.

How to get into forensics with no experience?

To become a forensic intern with no experience, focus on gaining relevant education such as a degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Developing skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with forensic tools like fingerprint analysis or DNA testing can improve your chances; internships or volunteering can also provide practical exposure.

Do forensic interns get paid?

Forensic interns are often unpaid or receive stipends, especially if the internship is part of an educational program. Paid internships are less common but may be available depending on the organization and location; some internships also offer academic credit or valuable experience in forensic science techniques and lab work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Intern position, and why are they important?

A Forensic Intern should possess a strong background in biology, chemistry, or criminal justice, along with keen analytical and observational skills. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and evidence management systems is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These qualities are essential for ensuring accurate analysis, maintaining the integrity of evidence, and supporting investigative teams in real-world forensic environments.

Is AI taking over forensics?

Forensic interns work with digital tools and software that incorporate AI to analyze evidence more efficiently. While AI assists in tasks like data sorting and pattern recognition, human expertise remains essential for interpretation and case analysis in forensic investigations.

What is a Forensic Intern job?

A Forensic Intern assists forensic professionals in collecting, analyzing, and documenting evidence for criminal investigations. Responsibilities may include conducting research, processing evidence, writing reports, and observing forensic procedures. Interns gain hands-on experience in laboratories, crime scenes, or legal settings. This role helps develop skills in forensic techniques, critical thinking, and attention to detail, which are essential for careers in forensic science.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Forensic jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Intern jobs in Riverside, CA? For Forensic Intern jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Intern jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Intern jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Forensic Intern jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Forensic Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Intern job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,969 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

$3K - $4K/mo

Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Patton State Hospital, Human Resources Department is accepting applications for Temporary (16 weeks), Intermittent appointments to the Student Assistant-Recreation Therapy Intern classification. The Student Assistant/Recreation Therapy Intern is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the Program Assistant and is under the general lead and clinical direction of the Recreation Therapy Intern Coordinators and the Chief of Rehabilitation Therapy Services.
The successful candidate must be academically eligible for a Recreation Therapy internship based upon their university and National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards.
Candidates should possess and demonstrate the basic knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Recreation Therapy services, basic knowledge of the process of restoration, maintenance and development of capabilities, basic knowledge of the principles of mental health education, the scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies, characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, federal and state programs in these fields. Have ability to utilize and effectively apply required knowledge, establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the workplace, ability to secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically, compose clear, accurate and concise reports, interpret statistical data, analyze situations accurately and take effective action, ability to communicate effectively.
A dditional Information : The classification is a temporary TAU appointment, and the Student Assistant may not work more than 1500 hours in a 12 consecutive month period. No health, dental, or vision benefits are provided for persons in this classification.
All interested candidates that meet the recruitment criteria should submit Form STD 678 Employment application to the Human Resources -Employment Unit no later than the final filing dates listed above.
One applicant will be selected for each term: (Please note the various cutoff dates)
(1) for the Fall Internship with a Final filing date of May 13, 2026
(1) for the Winter Internship with a Final filing date of August 1, 2026
Unless there is a specific request to be notified via USPS mail, our main contact will be via email. Email correspondence regarding this job posting will primarily come from PattonHREmploymentUnit@dsh.ca.gov . It is the applicant's responsibility to check their email inbox, including junk/spam emails for any correspondence regarding their application status. In addition, applicants are encouraged to keep their CalCareers profile updated with a current telephone number, mailing address, and email.
**Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Patton is a forensic psychiatric hospital and was established in 1890 and opened in 1893. DSH-Patton provides treatment to forensically and civilly committed patients within a secure treatment area. The hospital does not accept voluntary admissions.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • STUDENT ASSISTANT
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-516493
Position #(s):
502-211-4870-XXX
Working Title:
Recreation Therapy Intern
Classification:
STUDENT ASSISTANT $3,167.00 - $3,480.00 A Hourly Salary range $18.27 - $24.62
$3,389.00 - $3,724.00 B Hourly Salary range $18.27 - $24.62
$3,878.00 - $4,268.00 D Hourly Salary range $18.27 - $24.62
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Bernardino County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Student Assistant
Department Information
Department of State Hospitals - Patton
3102 E Highland Avenue
Patton, CA 92369
http://www.dsh.ca.gov
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Patton
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Examination/ Employment Application (STD. 678) including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week , and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYY). Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.
A completed STD. 678 and any other relevant documents (e.g., unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers account. Please reference Job Control # 516493 and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.
Complete Application Packages (including your STD. 678 and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareers account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov . Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under Government Code section 18220". Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of State Hospitals
Department of State Hospitals - Patton
Attn: HR-Employment Unit
3102 East Highland Avenue
Patton , CA 92369
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of State Hospitals
Department of State Hospitals - Patton
Human Resources - Employment Unit
3102 East Highland Avenue
Patton , CA 92369
HR is closed on weekends and holidays
07:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Please review the Benefits Summary that may also be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website. You will find information on the benefits afforded by membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act, and salary ranges and a summary of the Student Assistant classification.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Patton
Human Resources Contact:
HR Employment Unit
(909) 742-5551
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Rachel Guerrero
(909) 742-5243
Rachel.Guerrero@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California 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.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.