Science Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $60,028.80 - $145,579.20 Annually
Location : Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 1950SHF-26AA (MK)
Department: Sheriff
Division: Crime Lab
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Description
Under immediate supervision, Forensic Scientist Trainee (FST) participates in an agency-sponsored training program to develop the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required in Comparative Analysis, and performs other related duties as assigned.
Under direct supervision, Forensic Scientist I (FS I) performs forensic science casework of limited complexity in Comparative Analysis, presents findings in court and other legal proceedings, and prepares documentation and written reports. May be authorized to perform administrative review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, Forensic Scientist II (FS II) performs more complex and difficult casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, prepares documentation and written reports, and presents finding in court. May be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other duties as assigned.
Under direction, Forensic Scientist III (FS III) is the lead worker and performs the most difficult and complex casework in Comparative Analysis, communicates independently with investigators, Deputy District Attorneys and defense attorneys, presents findings in criminal court, prepares documentation and written reports. Will be authorized to perform technical review of casework. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Forensic Scientist Trainee classification differs from the Forensic Scientist I in that this classification is required to successfully participate in a forensic science training program. Throughout the training program, the Trainee will be required to demonstrate competence in one or more assigned specialty areas before being eligible to promote to the Forensic Scientist I level.
The Forensic Scientist I classification is characterized by the performance of professional forensic science analysis. Incumbents are not expected to have expertise in a complex specialty area. This classification differs from the Forensic Scientist II classification in that the latter classification is expected to perform journeyman-level analysis and casework. Incumbents in this classification typically receive mentoring as they continue their professional development in a specialty discipline.
The Forensic Scientist II classification is the journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. This classification is characterized by its thorough knowledge of forensic science in at least one specialty area of the lab. Trains other forensic scientists in specialized knowledge and work methods.
The Forensic Scientist III is the advanced journeyman-level classification in the forensic scientist series. It differs from the Forensic Scientist II in that this classification provides lead direction on more complex, difficult, and highly visible cases. It differs from the Supervising Forensic Scientist in that the latter classification has full supervisory responsibility over a section of the forensic science laboratory.
PAYROLL TITLE and APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Forensic Scientist Trainee: $28.86 - $40.37 per hour
Forensic Scientist I: $37.39 - $52.31 per hour
Forensic Scientist II: $46.12 - $64.64 per hour
Forensic Scientist III: $49.89 - $69.99 per hour
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Possible educational incentive of 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of a Master's degree that is not required for the classification.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.
DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Sheriff's / Forensic Services Bureau
Forensic Scientists are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.
NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
FST

• Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
• Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
• Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of evidence and handling procedures;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FS I

• Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

FS II

• Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Consults regarding cases with law enforcement, attorneys, and other appropriate personnel;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

FS III

• Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusion;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Conducts training for individuals and groups and participates in the forensic science laboratory training program;
• Provides expertise, mentoring, and consultation to other section staff to resolve complex problems;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results and as an expert witness regarding interpretations and conclusions;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
Forensic Scientist Trainee: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.
Forensic Scientist I: One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.
Forensic Scientist II: Three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.
Forensic Scientist III: Five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.
NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:
Verification of the required college degree and college-level coursework is required. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect the date your degree was conferred and passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to Sheriff's Human Resources Attn: Melissa Kurtz 800 So. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA 93009 within three (3) business days of the recruitment closing date. The closing date will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs. If transcripts or grade reports are not submitted, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process - no exceptions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Degree(s) from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.
You must submit the above documentation, a hard copy with a paper application or a scanned copy as an attachment for an online application. If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it's a copy. Whatever you submit will not be returned to you. To attach a scanned copy to an online application, use the Add Attachment(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.
If the name on this documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.
NOTE: The ability to communicate effectively in writing must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
DESIRED:

• Certification through the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in related field

Supplemental information:
Work is performed in the forensic sciences laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Some (FST) to working (FS I) knowledge of: basic scientific methods and procedures.
Some (FST) to working (FS I) to thorough (FS II) to comprehensive (FS III) knowledge of: laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence.
Working (FS II) to comprehensive (FSIII) knowledge of: collecting and preserving physical evidence of firearms and related equipment toolmarks and impressions; scientific research methods and procedures in the forensic science field.
Working ability at the Trainee level to learn forensic analytical work.
Some (FST) ability to: analyze, compare, and/or identify materials; develop evidence and communicate effectively both orally and in writing; compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence; construct court exhibits and demonstrate charts; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and other others involved in the legal system.
Working ability (FS I) to: analyze, compare, and/or identify physical evidence; perform routine maintenance on laboratory