CRIMINALIST I-IV

DESCRIPTION

Applications are available online beginning Thursday, August 28, 2025, through 4:30 pm, Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Salary Information:

Grade I - $36.053 - $48.956 Hourly

Grade II - $42.972 - $58.531 Hourly

Grade III - $45.212 - $61.590 Hourly

Grade IV - $48.364 - $64.812 Hourly

Vacancy Information:

The Long Beach Police Department currently has one (1) vacancy in the Crime Scene Investigations Unit responding to crime scenes and either the Latent Print Unit or Firearms Unit performing latent print or firearms comparison/analysis.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under direction, may perform physical and chemical analyses in the examination of evidence and prepare reports of findings;, may examine crime scenes, and collect, examine and preserve physical evidence; testify in court as an expert witness; use computers, computer databases and specialized equipment; test-fire various firearms, consult with, police officers, attorneys, and private experts; operate, calibrate, and perform maintenance on breath alcohol testing instruments; may act in a lead capacity; may teach classes and provide training on forensic investigation and the collection and preservation of evidence, may make recommendations concerning the laboratory budget and policy; may monitor and ensure continued compliance with state laws, laboratory licensing requirements, external accreditation standards, the most recent ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Policy on the Estimation of Uncertainty of Measurement, Measurement Traceability, Department policies, and Crime Laboratory operational standard and quality management system; may monitor and maintain control of documentation for the laboratory operations, quality manual, technical procedures, personnel testimony evaluations, case records, technical records, instrument calibration, maintenance records, training records, competency testing, quality assurance records and documentation related to the quality system; assist with grants, quality assurance audits and manual revisions; and perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

A Bachelor's degree in Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or closely related science field (proof required)* in accordance with The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB)

*Proof of required documents, such as degree or transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proof submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristic on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Candidates must possess all of the following:

• Knowledge of ANAB accreditation standards/criteria;
• Knowledge of forensic analysis of various types of physical evidence;
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of data collection;
• Ability to effectively and tactfully communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to follow written policy manuals and scientific procedures;
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

A valid driver's license, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel, may be required for some assignments.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

1 (one) year (paid, full time equivalent) working as a Criminalist or Forensic Scientist in an ANAB accredited crime lab; the ability to present complex scientific findings in court, demonstrates critical thinking skills, and train personnel in scientific/forensic investigation; knowledge of the Toxicology, Crime Scene and/or Forensic Biology Disciplines; ability to pass a comprehensive personal and criminal background investigation.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:
Application and Supplemental Application......................................................Qualifying

Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted. This selection procedure will be conducted using a continuous non-competitive process, which means applications are evaluated solely on training, experience, education, or certification. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligible list. Applicants receiving Veteran’s Credit will be placed on the eligible list first and then in the order in which applications were filed. This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date. Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period. Based on the number of applications received, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

If you have not received notification within two (2) weeks after close filing, please contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-6202.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at (562) 570-6202. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at (562) 570-7008. For the hearing impaired, call (562) 570-7008.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. F06AN-25 SR:C

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 9/10/2025 4:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Long Beach

• 5625707057

Show more