Forensic Identification Specialist I/II

Forensic Identification Specialist I/II

Salary

$78,383.52 - $107,114.40 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

28072-26-O

Department

Sheriff

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Level 1 - $6,531.96 - $7,939.58/month

Level 2 - $7,342.83 - $8,926.20/month

Under general direction, the Forensic Identification Specialist Level I/II examines latent fingerprints, processes crime scene evidence, and performs related duties in accordance with the Sheriff's Department established policies and procedures.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Customer service principles and techniques, including the identification of customer needs and follow up to ensure customer commitments have been met
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to

• Learn and develop skills to:
• Use current scientific methods and techniques of fingerprint pattern collection,

recognition, identification, comparison and verification

• Use techniques of developing latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals or other

approved methods

• Classify fingerprints accurately

• Process and evaluate latent print evidence

• Operate a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera

• Operate equipment and scientific apparatus with skill and care

• Provide effective court testimony

• Use technical, police, and legal terminology

• Learn composite likeness construction techniques

• Provide attention to detail and engage in critical thinking and analysis

• Coordinate, organize and interpret information from a variety of sources

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing

• Maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others

• Read and understand instructions

• Perform repetitious tasks

• Effectively communicate with the public

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 1. One year of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement agency.

Or: 2. Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university with 12 semester or 18 quarter units in criminal justice, forensic science, chemistry, biology or in a field related to the intent of this job class.

Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Criminal History and Background Checks:

The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedures B-5, and applicable federal and state laws. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks where authorized by Labor Code section 1024.5, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

License Requirement:

A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements:

Some positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:

• Sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Visually distinguish colors and have sufficient visual acuity to be able to see details at close range in order to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Bend in order to review and compare latent impressions.
• Lift evidence and lab equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions:

Some positions in this class require the incumbent to:

• Work weekends, holidays and non-routine hours.
• Work in extreme weather conditions.
• Fingerprint deceased individuals.
• Wear a designated uniform.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application online by 5:00 PM on the final filing date of July 31, 2026. Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.SacCountyJobs.net

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicants computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicants computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidates experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidates application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidates responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidates education, training and experience. The candidates application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidates responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For information regarding County jobs:

www.saccountyjobs.net

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees' current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)
• Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:

Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

VACATION:

Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:

14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.

SICK LEAVE:

Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:

The County's defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees' Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website, http://www.scers.org

DENTAL INSURANCE:

For more information, visit the Benefits website

LIFE INSURANCE:

The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the Benefits website

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the Benefits website

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
• Marriage or Family Relationships
• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

More information can be found on the Benefits website

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:

The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS COMPENSATION:

In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers Compensation laws of California.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: FAQs

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veterans score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veterans name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veterans preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veterans preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.

Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veterans status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT):

Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and

The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

01

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score. All experience, education, and/or training used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on your application.

In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as See Resume as a response will not be scored.

By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

• I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

Candidates who are selected for hire must successfully pass an extensive law enforcement background investigation. Select the box that acknowledges your understanding of the background requirements.

• I understand that if I am considered for hire that I must submit the documentation required for the background and that successful passing of the background investigation is required prior to appointment.

03

Forensic Identification Specialist incumbents are often required to work irregular shifts. Select the one box that acknowledges your understanding of the scheduling requirements for this position.

• I understand that Forensic Identification Specialists are required to work irregular shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

04

Forensic Identification Specialist incumbents are sometimes required to do the following: fingerprint deceased persons, assist crime scene investigators with the processing of crime scenes, and process various DNA evidence (e.g. blood, bodily fluids, etc.). Select the one box that acknowledges your understanding of the position requirements.

• I understand that Forensic Identification Specialists are required to fingerprint deceased persons, assist crime scene investigators with the processing of crime scenes, to process various DNA evidence, and work in environments with biohazard and hazardous materials, evidence, and wastes, and work independently in a position having limited/no interactions with others.

05

Select the one box that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

• I have one (1) or more years of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement agency.
• I have completed 30 semester/45 quarter units or more from an accredited college or university with 12 semester/18 quarter units in criminal justice, forensic science, chemistry, biology, or in a field related to the intent of the class.
• I do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

06

Select the one box that best describes the semester/quarter unit equivalent you have completed in CRIMINAL JUSTICE, FORENSIC SCIENCE, CHEMISTRY, and/or BIOLOGY. If you have not completed any relative units, select none.

• None.
• Some completed coursework, but less than 12 semester (18 quarter) units.
• I have completed at least 12 semester (18 quarter) but less than 24 semester (36 quarter) units.
• I have completed 24 or more semester (36 quarter) units.

07

I understand that I must submit a copy of my transcripts to verify that I meet the minimum qualifications.

• I meet the minimum qualifications based on experience working in a law enforcement agency; I have one (1) or more years of full-time paid experience working for a law enforcement agency.
• I understand and I have submitted a copy of my transcripts to verify that I meet the minimum education requirements.
• I do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

08

Select the one box that best describes the highest level of education you have completed at an accredited college or university. If you have no education, select none.

• None.
• Some college.
• Associates Degree or at least 60 semester (90 quarter) unit equivalent.
• Bachelors Degree or higher.

09

Select all of the boxes for which you have completed FORMAL and/or ON-THE-JOB TRAINING. If you have not completed any relative formal training, select none.

• None.
• Fingerprinting suspects and crime victims (both alive and deceased).
• Legal/law enforcement terminology.
• Collecting and preserving crime scene evidence (e.g. blood, DNA, etc.).
• Processing for latent prints.
• Report writing.
• Use of chemicals/laser technology/photography for the collection of fingerprints.
• Laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration
• Digital cameras.

10

Select all of the boxes for which you have experience and/or education. If you have no relevant experience nor education, select none.

• None.
• Processing for DNA evidence.
• Processing for latent fingerprints.
• Latent print comparisons.
• Documenting chain of custody.
• Processing for trace evidence.

11

Select the one box that best describes your experience training others. If you have no training experience, select none.

• None.
• I have experience training others within a law enforcement agency AND a non-law enforcement agency/organization.
• I have experience training others within a law enforcement agency.
• I have experience training others within a non-law enforcement agency/organization.

12

Select all the boxes for which you have work experience and/or completed education or training related to preparing evidence for court. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• Work experience.
• Training (e.g. on-the-job training).
• Education (e.g. college class).

13

Do you have experience testifying in court for cases involving criminal charges?

• Yes.
• No.

14

Select the one box that best describes your experience with responsibility for making independent judgements/decisions that impact the outcome of your work product. If you have no experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

15

Select all of the boxes for which you have work experience. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• Interacting/Corresponding with customers/members of the public who are upset and/or hostile.
• Interacting/Corresponding with law enforcement regarding crime scene evidence.

16

Select the one box that best describes your experience working independently in a position having limited/no interactions with others. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

17

Select the one box that best describes your experience working in a position that required you to remain current on case studies and/or best practices associated with the work you performed. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

18

Select the one box that best describes your experience entering HIGHLY DETAILED AND CRITICAL information into systems and/or databases. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

19

Select the one box that best describes your full-time paid experience writing reports using established procedures. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

20

Select the one box that best describes your full-time paid experience performing filing, recording keeping, and records logging related tasks. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• I have less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have one (1) or more but less than three (3) years of experience.
• I have three (3) or more years of experience.

21

Select all of the boxes for which you have experience and are proficient. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the hiring process. If you have no relative experience, select none.

• None.
• Microsoft Access.
• Microsoft Word.
• Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Specialized software program.
• Adobe Photoshop or comparable image editing software.

22

List your employment experience and/or education that qualifies you for the Forensic Identification Specialist Lv 1/2 position. For all experience listed, provide the following:

• Employer
• Dates of employment
• Position title
• Position level (e.g., management, supervisory, etc.)
• Primary duties and responsibilities, to include experience related to all selections made in response to the prior supplemental questions, as well as any other applicable duties performed

If you have no qualifying education or experience, write none.

23

I have read the General Requirements and Other Requirements as stated on the job announcement.

• Yes.

24

The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant. I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030.

• Yes.
• No.

25

Select the one box that best describes whether you have attended a career fair and/or job event where you have interacted with representatives from Sacramento County.

• Attended in the last one (1) - three (3) months.
• Attended in the last four (4) - six (6) months.
• Attended in the last seven (7) months - one (1) year.
• Attended an event more than one (1) year ago.
• Have attended a career fair and/or job event but did not interact with Sacramento County representatives.
• Have not attended a career fair and/or job event.

26

List the following for the career fair and/or job event you attended: • Name of event • Location of event • Month and year of event If you have not attended an event where you interacted with representatives from Sacramento County, please type "None".

Required Question

Employer County of Sacramento

Address 700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, California, 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593

Website http://www.saccountyjobs.net