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Polygraph Examiner Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

... and Polygraph Examination 5. Police Chief's Interview 6. Psychological and Medical Examinations (upon conditional offer of employment) Candidates successfully completing all components of the ...

Written Exam Panel Interview Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination Interview with the Police Chief (or his designee) Medical Examination (including a drug screen upon conditional offer ...

Qualified applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, POST approved Background Investigation including a Polygraph Examination Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may ...

Police Officer Trainee

Upland, CA · On-site

$32.55 - $41.55/hr

Qualified applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, POST approved Background Investigation including a Polygraph Examination. Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may ...

Police Officer (Pre-Service)

Upland, CA · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Qualified applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, POST approved Background Investigation including a Polygraph Examination. Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may ...

Qualified applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, POST approved Background Investigation including a Polygraph Examination. Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may ...

Applicants must: (1) Possess a valid Class C California Driver License; and (2) Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation ...

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Polygraph Examiner information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$70.6K

$121.5K

How much do polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for polygraph examiner in Riverside, CA is $70,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $89,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Polygraph Examiner?

A polygraph examiner conducts polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests. Polygraph machines are used in law enforcement and criminal justice fields to screen applicants and conduct investigations. Polygraph examiners must be able to administer tests and interpret the results ethically and legally. They may also be called into courtrooms or during related investigations and must be able to explain the test results.

How much do CIA polygraph examiners make?

CIA polygraph examiners typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. They often require specialized training in polygraph techniques and security protocols, and the job may include additional benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans.

What are some common challenges faced by polygraph examiners during examinations?

Polygraph examiners often encounter challenges such as examinee anxiety, attempts at countermeasures, and the need to remain impartial during emotionally charged interviews. Managing rapport with examinees while upholding strict procedural standards is crucial. Additionally, examiners must accurately interpret physiological data and clearly communicate findings to investigative teams, which requires a balance of technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

How do you become a polygraph examiner?

To become a polygraph examiner, individuals typically need to complete specialized training through a certified program, which includes coursework on physiology, psychology, and test administration. Most states require examiners to obtain licensure or certification from a recognized agency, such as the American Polygraph Association, and to pass written and practical exams. Additionally, examiners often need relevant background experience, such as in law enforcement, psychology, or related fields.

How much do polygraphers make?

Polygraph examiners typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certified examiners with specialized training and security clearances may earn higher salaries, especially in government or private sector roles. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

Is a polygraph examiner a good career?

A polygraph examiner conducts lie detector tests, often working in law enforcement, security, or private sectors. The career requires specialized training, certification, and attention to detail, with job stability depending on demand for lie detection services. It can be a rewarding field for those interested in criminal justice and investigative work.

What are Polygraph Examiners?

Polygraph Examiners are professionals trained to administer and interpret polygraph tests, commonly known as lie detector tests. They use specialized equipment to measure and record physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person answers a series of questions. The goal is to determine whether the subject is being truthful or deceptive based on changes in these physiological responses. Polygraph Examiners often work in law enforcement, government agencies, or private investigative firms. They must adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines during their assessments.

What is the difference between Polygraph Examiner vs Polygraph Technician?

AspectPolygraph ExaminerPolygraph Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification in polygraphy, often from a recognized certifying body, and sometimes a background in law enforcement or psychologyUsually needs technical training or certification in polygraph equipment operation but less emphasis on certification in polygraphy
Work EnvironmentConducts lie detection examinations, interacts directly with examinees, often in law enforcement or security settingsPrepares, maintains, and operates polygraph equipment, often working behind the scenes in labs or field settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by law enforcement agencies, government, or private firms for lie detectionEmployed by polygraph service providers, law enforcement support units, or research institutions

In summary, Polygraph Examiners focus on conducting lie detection tests and require certification and direct interaction with examinees, while Polygraph Technicians handle the technical aspects of polygraph equipment, supporting the examiners' work.

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

To thrive as a Polygraph Examiner, you need a background in criminal justice or psychology, successful completion of accredited polygraph training, and often law enforcement experience. Familiarity with polygraph instruments, data analysis software, and relevant certifications (such as APA or AAPP membership) is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain impartial help examiners gain trust and accurately interpret results. These qualifications ensure both the integrity and effectiveness of polygraph examinations in legal and investigative contexts.
What are popular job titles related to Polygraph Examiner jobs in Riverside, CA? For Polygraph Examiner jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polygraph Examiner jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Polygraph Examiner jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Polygraph Examiner jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Polygraph Examiner job openings:
Infographic showing various Polygraph Examiner job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,593 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Temporary Polygraph Examiner - As Needed

County of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$50/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section. ABOUT THE POSITION The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) seeks to fill a Temporary Polygraph Examiner position to support the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. This recruitment is for a temporary position located in Riverside on an as-needed basis.

Under direction, administers polygraph examinations for sworn and non-sworn candidates as part of the background investigation process for positions in the Sheriff's Office. This classification is characterized by the overall responsibility for providing the polygraph examination services component of pre-employment testing and evaluation and for providing professional consultation with the County Sheriff's Department and other related parties. This is a non-sworn classification and does not have law enforcement duties and responsibilities.

Meet the Team About TAP The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis. Click here to learn more about TAP.

For more information about TAP Benefits please click here. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Administer the polygraph examination portion of background investigations for sworn and non-sworn personnel. Operate related electronic recording equipment; calibrate polygraph machine; select the appropriate polygraph technique in order to produce charts that record accurate physiological responses; prepare various technical and confidential reports.

Perform various background and polygraph investigations which include pre-test and post-test interviews with both law enforcement personnel as well as the subject being examined. Explain the polygraph examination process to the subject in order to diminish inappropriate anxieties and to meet acceptable standards set forth by the American Polygraph Association. Monitor state and federal laws; update procedures affecting polygraph and background investigations.

Review and analyze the rules and regulations of Peace Officer Standards and Training as they relate to background investigations. Represent the Sheriff's Department with various County departments and other law enforcement agencies in matters related to polygraph and background investigations. Attend seminars and give presentations on polygraph instruction.

Keep abreast of all local, state, federal, and other regulatory agency laws, rules, regulations, and policies and procedures applicable to the program to ensure compliance. Ensure the maintenance of records; prepare correspondence and reports as required. Participate in management staff meetings to assist in the development of program policies, procedures and objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be a member in good standing with the California Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE). Must possess current certificate from an American Polygraph Association (APA) accredited Polygraph Examiners Course. License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required.

Knowledge of: Polygraph procedures necessary to conduct polygraph exams; investigative procedures such as tactics, strategy and questioning; how to attach components such as blood pressure cuff, fingerplates and pneumatic tubes in order to properly record physiological response patterns; supervisory principles and practices including planning, delegating and controlling the work of subordinates; current legislative changes and statistical trends and their effects; rules and regulations sufficient to comply with standards and legal requirements set forth by the State of California. Ability to: Interrogate subjects effectively; recognize and resolve possible causes of inconsistent responses in polygraph test procedures; maintain good relationships with employees, supervisors and persons being examined, often under difficult circumstances; communicate orally in order to provide or obtain job-related information; maintain records and write reports in a clear and concise manner; use cognitive skills necessary to conduct polygraph examinations and prepare for court or administrative testimony; analyze data at a level sufficient to understand technical, statistical and theoretical reports; inspect polygraph instrument for malfunction and make minor repairs; analyze polygraph examination results; make impartial and technically correct decisions. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION What's Next.

This recruitment is open to all applicants. For specific questions regarding this position, please contact Jesus Berrelleza at jberrelleza@rivco.org or at (951) 955-1524. For general inquiries, please allow up to 2 business days to receive a response

________________________________________________________________________________________ APPLICATION INFORMATION Veteran's Preference The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service.

For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s)

A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies Reasonable Accommodations The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above

For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability Proof of Education If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc

(AICE). Work Authorization Requirement Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head. General Information Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration.

Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies. Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted.

Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered. Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting.

Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com. If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.