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Forensic Scientist Part Time information

What does a part-time forensic scientist do?

A part-time forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA, fingerprints, or chemical substances, to help solve criminal cases. Their work involves conducting laboratory tests, interpreting results, and preparing reports for law enforcement agencies. While their duties are similar to those of full-time forensic scientists, part-time professionals typically work fewer hours and may focus on specific tasks or cases depending on the needs of their employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part-time forensic scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist (Part Time), you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, DNA analysis software, and evidence management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate scientific analysis, credible reporting, and reliable court testimony, which are critical for supporting criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time forensic scientists, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Part-time forensic scientists often face the challenge of balancing casework with limited hours, which requires strong organizational skills and effective communication with full-time colleagues. They may be assigned urgent tasks or asked to provide expert analysis within tight deadlines, making time management crucial. Collaborating closely with the broader forensic team ensures smooth workflow and helps maintain the integrity of evidence processing. Staying updated on lab protocols and maintaining flexibility can help part-time forensic scientists contribute effectively while managing their workload efficiently.

What is the difference between Forensic Scientist Part Time vs Forensic Laboratory Technician?

AspectForensic Scientist Part TimeForensic Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science or related field; certification often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, courtrooms, fieldwork (part-time hours)Laboratory setting, supporting forensic analysis
Job DutiesAnalyzing evidence, preparing reports, testifying in court (part-time)Preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, assisting forensic scientists

While both roles work within forensic labs and require similar educational backgrounds, Forensic Scientist Part Time typically involves more analytical and court-related responsibilities, whereas Forensic Laboratory Technicians focus on sample preparation and lab support. The part-time nature of the forensic scientist role offers flexibility but may involve more specialized tasks compared to the technician position.

How many hours do you work as a forensic scientist?

Forensic scientists often work full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, but part-time positions may involve fewer hours depending on the employer and specific role. Part-time forensic scientists usually work less than 30 hours per week and may have flexible or irregular schedules based on case needs and laboratory requirements.

Is there a high demand for forensic scientists?

Forensic scientists are in steady demand due to the increasing need for crime scene analysis and evidence examination in criminal justice. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as forensic techniques advance and more agencies require specialized skills in evidence collection, analysis, and reporting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Forensic Scientist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs in California?

For Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensic Scientist Part Time job openings:

Forensic Scientist Part Time jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist Part Time job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

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

San Marcos, CA • On-site

Palomar College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

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Learn more about Palomar Collegeexternal

$75.81 - $119.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 29 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.

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