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Forensic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Accounting Manager 6 days ago Requisition ID: 1061 Salary Range: $110,000.00 To $140,000.00 Annually Meaden & Moore is a leading accounting, tax, advisory, and business consulting firm ...

New

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

Facility Location USPIS FORENSIC LABORATORY SERVICE SAN FRANCISCO DIGITAL EVIDENCE LAB 2501 RYDIN RD FLR 2S RICHMOND, CA 94850 Position Information NON-SCHEDULED DAYS: SAT-SUN HOURS: 08:00 AM - 04:00 ...

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

New

Biomedical Engineer - Accident Reconstructionist About Aperture Aperture brings together leading forensic specialists and technical consultants who clarify complex events, strengthen business ...

Showing results 41-60

Forensic information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$60.4K

$93.3K

How much do forensic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic in California is $60,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic scientist?

Forensic scientists are professionals who apply scientific principles and techniques to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Their work helps law enforcement agencies investigate crimes by identifying, collecting, and examining evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and trace materials. Forensic scientists often specialize in areas like toxicology, biology, or digital forensics, and their findings may be presented in court as expert testimony. Their expertise is crucial in solving crimes and ensuring justice is served.

What are the qualifications to get a forensic job?

The qualifications to get a job in this field vary by career. A crime scene investigator, evidence photographer, data analyst, accountant, computer expert, and medical examiner can all be considered forensic roles. Crime scene photographers are often police officers with some postsecondary education who have the skills to photograph evidence. Lab analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, or a closely related field, although advanced degrees are available. Computer and accounting investigators (whose responsibilities are to analyze financial data or other digital evidence) should have a background in IT, statistics, or accounting. In addition to education and formal training, strong analytical thinking and an interest in criminal justice are important in this field.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instruments, forensic databases, and specialized software such as chromatography and DNA analysis tools is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence analysis and clear reporting, which are vital for supporting criminal investigations and judicial processes.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic professionals when working on criminal investigations?

Forensic professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of complex evidence, maintaining strict chain of custody protocols, and working under tight deadlines to provide timely results. They must also stay updated on evolving forensic technologies and adhere to rigorous ethical standards to ensure the integrity of their analyses. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and sometimes testifying in court can add additional pressure, making strong communication skills and attention to detail essential for success in the field.

What is the difference between Forensic vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensicCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisHigh school diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime labs, courtroomsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units

Forensic professionals typically hold specialized degrees and certifications, working mainly in labs and courtrooms. Crime Scene Technicians focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations but differ in work setting and qualifications.

How do I start a career in forensic?

To start a career in forensic science, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in fields such as criminal justice, biology, or chemistry. Gaining laboratory skills, understanding legal procedures, and earning certifications like the Certified Forensic Scientist can improve job prospects; some roles may require a master's degree or specialized training.

What kind of jobs are there in forensic science?

Forensic science offers a variety of jobs including forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, toxicologist, and fingerprint examiner. These roles typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence analysis, and often certification or specialized training in forensic methods.

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

The most popular types of Forensic jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Forensic jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensic job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,355 per year, or $29 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
CGS Federal is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation and collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data. The role involves performing forensic data collection, coordinating with legal teams, and maintaining forensic tool sets in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
• Perform forensic data collection and basic forensic analysis in both on-site and remote capacity
• Coordinate directly with legal teams/client IT departments to understand project scope
• Maintain forensic tool set by staying current on version updates and new options in the market
• Work closely with project management and other team members on completing complex projects in a fast pace, deadline-driven environment
• Assist in developing, documenting, and refining procedures to accomplish discovery process requirements
• Manage all chain of custody best practices associated with the rules of evidence
• Consistently adhere to standard operating procedures
• Perform quality checks on work products prior to delivering to the client
• Complete additional duties assigned by the manager including general IT functions
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably in Digital Forensic Science or Computer Science/Engineering
• 1+ years of relevant experience in where the analyst understands the forensic lifecycle and can properly perform scoping activities, evidence acquisitions on a range of devices, and execute forensic analysis at an intermediate level
• Experience using industry standard forensic tools such as: EnCase, Cellebrite, Oxygen, FTK Imager, MacQuisition, X1 Social Discovery, Logicube Falcon
• General understanding of Mac/Windows filesystems, mobile devices, and encryption
• Experience preserving desktops, laptops, mobile devices/tablets, servers, both cloud and on-premise email implementations, nontraditional cloud data sources, social media, etc. in a forensically sound manner
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in both verbally and in written format to team members and technical/non-technical clients
• Ability to work extended hours when necessary to ensure client deadlines are met
• Ability to demonstrate superior organizational skills with acute attention to detail
• Must be willing to travel regularly on short notice; must have a valid passport for occasional international travel
• Must be an energetic self-starter who can work within a team environment but also independently as the situation requires
• Ability to document forensic workflows based on sound industry practice
• Willingness to develop/train other team members to increase the group’s overall knowledge base as well as cultivate secondary resources to assist in larger collection events
• Strong troubleshooting skills coupled with the ability to solve on the fly to solve complex problems
Preferred:
• Understanding of the electronic discovery reference model (EDRM)
• Possess at least one industry-standard certification (EnCE, CCE, CCFE, GCFE, GCFA, CCO, CCPA, CCME, etc.)
• General knowledge of litigation support applications (e.g. Relativity, Concordance, Nuix, LAW PreDiscovery, etc.)
• Experience working with structured data exported from various platforms including analysis, custom scripting, and data manipulation to develop reports for client use
• Understanding of (Robo/Rich) copy tools, BAT (PowerShell) scripting, and Active Directory
• Experience with scripting, programming/coding, and database languages (SQL, VB, HTML, Access)
Company:
Contact Government Services strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Washington, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.