Crime Scene Investigator II

Crime Scene Investigator II

Salary

$87,428.76 - $108,926.96 Annually

Location

Contra Costa County, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

6CVB-2026B

Department

Sheriff

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

VN

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Bargaining Unit: DSA - Deputy Sheriffs Non-Sworn Rank & File Unit

Why Join Contra Costa County - Office of The Sheriff?

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff strives to maintain the highest standard of professional integrity, and ethics. The Office of the Sheriff is dedicated to pursuing excellence in performance throughout the organization and in the community through the quality of its personnel.

The Forensic Services Division is recruiting for one (1) vacancy that may be filled at either the Crime Scene Investigator I or II level.

This announcement is for Crime Scene Investigator II.

Crime Scene Investigator II's identify, collect, and preserve crime scene evidence, analyze evidence, prepare reports, testify in legal proceedings and perform other laboratory-related work as required. This is the journey-level class in the Crime Scene Investigator Series. Incumbents in this class handle the more difficult and complex scenes and evidence collection and documentation tasks and may provide guidance, technical assistance, or training to crime scene investigators and law enforcement.

This position may involve on-call responsibilities for crime scene response and processing.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct
• Understands the importance of quality, impartiality, confidentiality, efficiency, and effectiveness in conducting forensic work
• Is detail-oriented, diligent, and results-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Is able to maintain focus and exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition
• Is able to learn new techniques, manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and follow established policies and instructions
• Is able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating adaptability and professionalism

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Documenting, preserving, and collecting crime scene evidence
• Operating scientific equipment and instrumentation, as well as complex computer systems and databases
• Working cooperatively with sworn and civilian members of law enforcement agencies
• Creating detailed crime scene notes and examining crime scene evidence in accordance with established procedures
• Preparing written reports and testifying regarding findings, as required
• Providing training to law enforcement personnel, as assigned

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will work with a dedicated team of professionals in an environment that provides career long learning and training opportunities
• You will have the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your knowledge and skills in a field that directly benefits communities through service to the criminal justice system
• You will have the ability to work with cutting-edge forensic technologies
• You will have the opportunity to learn about multiple forensic disciplines

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be expected to respond to crime scenes and autopsies, including being called-out to crime scenes in the middle of the night
• You will work in a stressful environment that includes prioritizing multiple assignments with competing deadlines and encountering disturbing information about crimes
• You may be asked to work overtime to meet the needs of our customers
• You will be asked to handle firearms and biological evidence

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

To read the complete job description, please visit the website here.

The eligible list established from this recruitment process may be valid for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid motor vehicle driver's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, GED equivalency, or a high school proficiency certificate. Completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college or university which included coursework in (1) English Composition or Report Writing; (2) Mathematics or Statistics and (3) Chemistry or Biology (which must have included a laboratory section).

Experience: Two (2) years in a law enforcement agency where the primary duties of the position included the identification, collection and preservation of evidence. Responsibilities must have included writing crime scene reports.

Physical Requirement: Ability to pass a respiratory physical and be medically cleared to wear an air purifying respirator.

Visual Requirement: No deficiency in the ability to distinguish colors.

Background: As determined by a thorough background investigation conducted by the Office of the Sheriff, shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach unofficial transcripts with their application.

If education completed outside the United States is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, a credential evaluation from a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) must also be provided.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Individual Crime Scene Certification
• Experience handling firearms and biological evidence
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Experience working in an accredited laboratory environment, including those operating under ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO/IEC 17025

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants must complete a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to determine which candidates will advance to the next phase of the recruitment. Applications must be submitted online at www.cccounty.us/hr by the filing deadline.

• Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple-choice assessment. The assessment will measure candidates competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but are not limited to: Critical Thinking, Professional & Technical Expertise, Attention to Detail & Professional Integrity & Ethics, Safety Focus and Oral Communication. (Weight: 100%)

• The multiple choice assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely): September 2026

• Departmental Interview: The department will contact all referred individuals estimated October 2026

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at Norma.Martinez@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodations, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Crime Scene Investigator II position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicants qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I Understand

02

This position may involve driving a County vehicle as part of its duties. A valid California or out-of-state Class C driver's license is required by the time of appointment. Please indicate your current licensure status:

• I currently have a valid California Class C driver's license
• I have a valid out-of-state Class C driver's license
• I do not currently have a license

03

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed from an accredited college or university (if applicable)

• I do not have a GED or High School diploma
• G.E.D. equivalency
• High School Diploma/High School Proficiency Certificate
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

04

If you answered having completed an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the last question, select all coursework you completed as part of your completed degree. Note: Ensure you have attached a copy of your unofficial transcripts to verify this information.

• English Composition or Report Writing
• Mathematics or Statistics
• Chemistry with a laboratory section
• Biology with a laboratory section
• I do not possess an Associates Degree or higher

05

If you completed any education outside the United States that you are using to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach a credential evaluation from a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

• I Understand

06

How much full-time experience do you have independently performing the identification, collection, and preservation of crime scene evidence as a primary responsibility in a law enforcement agency?

• I have two (2) years or more of experience as described
• I have one (1) year or more, but less than two (2) years, of experience as described
• I have six (6) months or more, but less than one (1) year, of experience as described
• I do not have any experience as described

07

If you indicated as having full-time experience identifying, collecting, and preserving crime scene evidence in question 5, briefly describe the types of evidence you handled and whether this work was performed independently or under close supervision. Include any of the following categories, as applicable:

• Physical/trace evidence
• Chemical or hazardous evidence
• Digital or technical evidence
• Medical-legal evidence
• Other (please describe)

If you do not have experience as described above, enter N/A. (Maximum: 300 Words)

08

How much full-time experience do you have independently preparing crime scene reports as a primary responsibility in a law enforcement agency?

• I have two (2) years or more of experience as described
• I have one (1) year or more, but less than two (2) years, of experience as described
• I have six (6) months or more, but less than one (1) year of experience as described
• I do not have any experience as described

09

Which of the following forensic instruments, laboratory equipment, or forensic information systems do you have experience using in a law enforcement or forensic setting? (Select all that apply.)

• Forensic photography or imaging equipment
• Evidence management or tracking systems (including LIMS)
• Tools used to process or examine evidence
• Digital or electronic evidence systems
• I do not have experience as described

10

Do you have experience working under forensic quality assurance or accreditation standards, such as ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025, or equivalent Forensic Quality Assurance programs?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you currently hold an individual crime scene certification, such as the International Association for Identification (IAI) Crime Scene Certification, or an equivalent professional certification?

• Yes
• No

12

Appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation conducted by the Office of the Sheriff, which may require six (6) months or longer to complete. Are you willing and able to comply with this condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

13

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.

• I understand

Required Question

Employer County of Contra Costa