Photographer Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-2611-01
Department: Police
Division: Police-General Investigations
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
Forensic Specialist Trainee
$26.43 - $29.15 Hourly
$54,984 - $60,624 Annually
Forensic Specialist
$30.60 - $43.05 Hourly
$63,660 - $89,556 Annually
The City of Riverside Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Forensic Specialist Trainee / Forensic Specialist. The department is looking to fill the vacancy based on experience level of the candidate and create an eligibility list for any possible upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
The Forensic Specialist performs routine technical crime scene investigation duties in the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence. Participates in various other criminal investigative and administrative work.
This is the entry/journey level within the Forensic Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Senior Forensic Specialist by the performance of more routine and less complex crime scene duties. Incumbent is expected to operate under direct supervision on routine crime scenes, provide expert testimony in court, and be aware of the operating procedures and policies within the unit. Incumbents may be promoted to the next level of Senior Forensic Specialist upon satisfactory job
performance and meeting the minimum qualifications.
Work Performed
Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Locate, identify, collect, protect, preserve, and analyze materials and substances as evidence at crime scenes, other locations, and from person; use and employ a variety of techniques and specialized equipment.
• Assist in the examination and processing of crime scenes; document crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports; locate and record physical or trace evidence using a variety of photographic techniques; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects when requested.
• Develop, lift, photograph, preserve, classify, compare and identify fingerprints, palm prints and inked prints; evaluate latent print evidence for CAL-ID computer system; conduct chemical fingerprint processing and process hazardous and drug related material for fingerprints.
• Preserve, compare and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint and glass fragments; collect pathological samples and evidence for later clinical examination; photograph results of autopsy for criminal investigation and prepare photos for court presentation.
• Collect, photograph, preserve, identify and perform basic analysis of DNA, blood, ballistics, narcotics, tool marks and other types of physical evidence; assist in analysis and laboratory activities.
• Process, download, print, enlarge, and mount photographs; prepare castings of tire, foot, hand, tool, and other types of impressions.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records; support the preparation of information for court cases.
• Assist and participate in the reconstructing of crime scenes.
• Operate City vehicles; transport, release, and retrieve evidence from forensic laboratories.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Recruitment Guidelines:
Forensic Specialist Trainee:
Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED).
Experience: None
A trainee in this classification serves in a training capacity and will learn to perform the duties as defined above.
Forensic Specialist:
Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) and completion of 15 semester or 20 quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, forensic science, or a closely related field.
Experience: One (1) year of experience performing routine crime scene duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence and receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence.
Licenses, Certifications, and Necessary Requirements:

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, nights, and rotating shifts and be subject to recall as needed.
• Must be willing to work an "on-call" assignment.
• Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a concealed weapons permit (CCW).

Selection Process
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2)Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
2. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit
The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.
(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).
Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.

• I understand.

02
Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.

• Less than a High School Diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (up to 59 semester units or 89 quarter units)
• Associate's degree (60 semester or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter units)
• Master's degree
• PhD

03
Please indicate from the following how many units you have completed in criminology, administration of justice, forensic science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university? (Must attach proof of education to this application)

• More than 15 semester or 20 quarter units
• 15 semester or 20 quarter units
• Less than 15 semester or 20 quarter units
• None

04
How many years of experience performing routine crime scene duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence and receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

05
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please indicate the following regarding your experience:
Employer:
Job Title:
Years of Experience:
Examples of Duties:
If you answered "No", please list "N/A".)
06
This position requires willingness to work weekends, holidays, nights, and rotating shifts and be subject to recall as needed. Please indicate which shifts you are willing to work.(check all that apply)

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Nights
• Rotating Shifts
• Recall as needed

07
Are you willing to work an "on-call" assignment?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess a valid class "C" California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09
Positions in the Police Department require the ability to pass a comprehensive/extensive police background including a polygraph and criminal background check. Do you believe you have the ability to pass this type of background check?

• Yes
• No

10
Background: The following questions are to assess your suitability for employment with the Riversid