Fingerprint Technician I/II/III

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancy is with the Sheriff’s Department located in Tulare. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

Level I:

• Enters, updates, stores, retrieves information of fingerprints from the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and Automated Latent Print Systems (ALPS);
• Sorts, routes, and files records; testify in courts as an expert witness in all aspects of latent print methodology and identification.
• Prepares court exhibits as needed; evaluates latent prints recovered from crime scenes and determines if usable for comparison to known prints of individuals and/or for entry into the Automated Latent Print System (ALPS).
• Performs fingerprint comparisons utilizing magnifying glasses and photographic equipment; establishes, verifies, or excludes identifications by examining the latent print(s) and comparing it to known prints.
• Obtains major case prints of individuals and from unidentified deceased persons, in order to identify them.

Level II:

• Analyze, compare and identity fingerprints related to criminal activities.
• Performs specialized chemical and mechanical processing of evidence in the laboratory and in the field.

Level III:

• Inspects work of staff to assure chain of custody, quality and accuracy.

Level I: For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.

Level II: For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.

Level III: For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following

Education:

Level I

• Associate’s degree or 60 units in Forensic science/criminal justice/criminology or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Education Equivalency:

• Two (2) years responsible qualifying experience related to forensics, latent prints or evidence within a law enforcement agency can be used in lieu the education required.

Level II:

• Two (2) years responsible experience related to forensics, latent prints or evidence, including one (1) year of experience, working directly latent print comparison or latent print development, in a law enforcement agency will meet the education requirement.

Level III:

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science/criminal justice/criminology or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Level III:

• Two (2) years responsible experience related to latent print comparison or forensic laboratory work, within a law enforcement agency.

Knowledge of:

• Fingerprint classification systems and latent print and identification techniques.
• Math sufficient to compute percentages, decimals and fractions; Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping; customer service objectives and strategies.
• Basic safety practices and procedures for modern cleaning, disinfection methods and practices for cleaning of persons, floors, walls, fixtures and equipment.
• Standard terminology used to describe latent print details.
• Basic photography techniques.

Level II:

• Basic knowledge of fingerprint classification systems and latent print and identification techniques.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; development and preservation of latent prints.

Level III:

• Principles of supervision; standard office equipment use and features such as computer terminals, printers and basic computer programs; telephone, office, and online etiquette.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, departmental personnel, and officials from law enforcement agencies.
• Roll finger and palm prints and record identification data.
• Maintain fingerprint card files by their classification.
• Speak clearly and effectively with members of the public and law enforcement personnel.

Level III:

• Review, coordinate, schedule and monitor the work of others to ensure high quality standards and that work is performed efficiently within set time constraints.
• Identify and resolve equipment problems with vendors.
• Work as a team member.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 3

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 1/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Tulare - HR&D

• 559-636-4900

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