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Forensics Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of San Diego

Criminalist II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

A Master's Degree in Criminalistics or Forensic Science may be substituted for a MAXIMUM of one year of the required experience. However, a Master's Degree in Criminalistics or Forensic Science ...

City of San Diego, CA

Criminalist II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

A Master's Degree in Criminalistics or Forensic Science may be substituted for a MAXIMUM of one year of the required experience. However, a Master's Degree in Criminalistics or Forensic Science ...

Crowe Parentco

$86 - $171/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, or related technical field required * Minimum of 5+ years of experience in the digital forensics field

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All JobsForensics Scientist JobsForensics Scientist Jobs in California

Forensics Scientist information

See California salary details

$36K

$78.4K

$135.7K

How much do forensics scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics scientist in California is $78,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensics scientist do?

A Forensics Scientist analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. Their work involves collecting samples, performing laboratory tests, interpreting results, and providing expert testimony in court. They may work with biological evidence like blood or DNA, chemical substances, or trace materials such as hair and fibers. Forensics Scientists play a critical role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific support to law enforcement agencies.

What are some common challenges forensics scientists face when analyzing evidence in the lab?

Forensics Scientists often encounter challenges such as handling degraded or contaminated samples, interpreting complex data, and ensuring the chain of custody is meticulously maintained. Working under tight deadlines to deliver accurate results for ongoing investigations can add pressure, especially when court dates approach. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other specialists is frequent, requiring clear communication and documentation to ensure findings are properly understood and utilized. Attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols are crucial to prevent errors that could impact legal outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Forensics Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (like GC-MS and DNA sequencers), and forensic software is essential, and certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear communication skills are crucial for analyzing evidence and presenting findings in reports or court. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate, reliable analysis that supports criminal investigations and upholds the integrity of the justice system.

What is the difference between Forensics Scientist vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensics ScientistCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biologyHigh school diploma or associate's; specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesCrime scenes, field investigations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, private labsPolice departments, law enforcement
Primary FocusAnalyzing evidence, lab testingCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles support criminal investigations, Forensics Scientists focus on laboratory analysis of evidence, whereas Crime Scene Investigators primarily gather evidence at crime scenes. Both careers require specialized training and are essential in the forensic process, but they differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What do I do as a forensic scientist?

A forensic scientist collects, analyzes, and preserves physical evidence from crime scenes to help solve crimes. They use laboratory techniques, such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and chemical testing, often working with specialized tools and following strict protocols. The role requires attention to detail, knowledge of scientific methods, and often certification or training in forensic science.

What jobs can I do with forensic science?

Forensics scientists can work in crime laboratories analyzing evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. They may also work in law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, or private forensic consulting, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence handling, and certification in forensic disciplines.

What jobs can you get in forensic science?

Forensic scientists can work in roles such as crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, laboratory technicians, and forensic pathologists. These positions involve collecting, analyzing, and presenting evidence, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques, forensic tools, and relevant certifications. Employment can be found in law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and medical examiner offices.

What kind of jobs do forensic scientists do?

Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA, fingerprints, and blood samples, to help solve crimes. They often work in laboratories or crime labs, using scientific techniques and tools, and may collaborate with law enforcement agencies. Their work requires attention to detail, knowledge of scientific methods, and often certification in forensic science.

What cities in California are hiring for Forensics Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensics Scientist job openings:

Forensics Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,368 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Digital Forensic Analyst I with Security Clearance

Contact Government Services, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Digital Forensic Analyst I Los Angeles, CA / Remote / Hybrid / San Francisco, CA Information Technology / Full Time Hybrid / Hybrid Digital Forensic Analyst Employment Type: Full-Time, Mid-Level Department: Forensics CGS is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation & collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data. This candidate should be fluent in a broad range of forensic technologies and interested in taking on a primary role in a quickly expanding forensics department. This position will include travel for on-site collection efforts as well as an in-office presence at the primary firm office which includes the forensics lab and data center. This firm prioritizes a lean-team approach and a very employee-centric culture that encourages professional growth and active roles for all team members. CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities. Skills and attributes for success: - 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: - 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 Ideally, you will also have: - 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) Our Commitment: Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems. For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work. Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come. We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. - Health, Dental, and Vision - Life Insurance - 401k - Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter) - Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Join our team and become part of government innovation! Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board: https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/ For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact: Email: #CJ $80,000 - $120,000 a year We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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