SENIOR CRIMINALIST

Job Posting: Senior Criminalist - Program Coordinator

Department of Justice

JC-524906

• Senior Criminalist - Program Coordinator

SENIOR CRIMINALIST

$7,935.00 - $11,151.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/11/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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Job Description and Duties

The program coordinator for the California Criminalistics Institute plays a vital role in advancing forensic science across the state by leading and supporting specialized forensic programs. These programs may include but are not limited to: Biology/DNA, controlled substances, crime scene investigation, firearms and tool marks, latent prints, toxicology, and trace evidence. This position requires that the candidate has completed casework in one or more of the Forensic Disciplines.

In this role the program coordinator designs, develops, and delivers high quality forensic programs and training initiatives that directly serve the needs of California's forensic community. This position blends leadership innovation and collaboration- requiring the incumbent to stay current with emerging technologies evolving methodologies and technical trends within forensic science.

The program coordinator may also involve research and method development within specific forensic disciplines, helping to shape best practices and advance the field. Responsibilities include identifying community needs, securing and managing resources, and ensuring the delivery of high impact, quality driven programs.

The program coordinator serves as a technical resource for the Bureau, contributes to legislative and policy reviews, and represents the forensic services at professional meetings conferences and statewide forums. This role requires a strong leadership presence, active community engagement, and a commitment to building meaningful partnerships across the forensic landscape.

Above all the program coordinator is expected to be a leader collaborator and advocate for excellence in forensic science- driving innovation, supporting practitioners, and strengthening the forensic community throughout California. Travel to CCI Sacramento facility and around the state to BFS teaching facilities are required.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR CRIMINALIST
• CRIMINALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-524906

Position #(s):

420-578-8478-011

Working Title:

Senior Criminalist - Program Coordinator

Classification:

SENIOR CRIMINALIST

$7,935.00 - $11,151.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Shall Consider:

CRIMINALIST

$4,587.00 - $6,100.00 A

$6,001.00 - $8,411.00 B

$7,229.00 - $10,138.00 C

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Contra Costa County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift:

8am-5pm

Work Week:

Monday-Friday

Department Information

• This position is located in the Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Forensic Services, Richmond Laboratory.
• Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
• Please note that the Criminalist classification contains multiple salary ranges. New-to-State employees will be given the minimum salary of Range A, unless you meet Alternate Range Criteria 277. For current state employees and/or those with reinstatement rights, your salary will be determined in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Personal Leave Program:
• Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR
• For more information about the Department, please visit the Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov.

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Background Investigation prior to being hired. The Background Investigation may include Criminal Background and a review of any governmental records.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Drug Screening Test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Eligibility

• To be appointed to this position as a Criminalist you must be eligible for transfer, reinstatement, or have current list eligiblity. For more information on how to complete the exam please visit: CalCareers Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). Candidates who have graduated from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences but do not have 3 semester hours of Quantitative Analysis will be allowed to take the examination, but must provide proof of completion of the 3 semester hours of Quantitative Analysis before they are eligible for appointment.
• To be appointed to this position as a Senior Criminalist you must be eligibile for transfer, reinstatement or have current list eligibility. This classification does not offer an ongoing exam.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/11/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice

DLE - Kerry Hoefling

Attn: Kerry Hoefling

Department of Justice/DLE - OC - Personnel Services Unit

1300 I Street, Suite 1140

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice

DLE - Kerry Hoefling

Kerry Hoefling

Department of Justice/DLE - OC - Personnel Services Unit

1300 I Street, Suite 1140

Sacramento, CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• School Transcripts
• Other - Candidates must submit a copy of college transcripts and a copy of college degree(s). Transcripts should reflect the necessary course requirements as indicated in the Minimum Qualifications specifications. Official transcripts will be required upon appointment.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. To be considered for the position, applicants must submit an SOQ along with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Applicants who fail to follow these requirements or who do not provide responses to the specific questions in the order listed will be disqualified from the selection process. Please see the SOQ section below for the questions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of: Scientific techniques and equipment used in the laboratory and at crime scenes; tests for the identity and comparison of blood and physiological fluids; tests for explosives and flammable materials; toxicological analyses; tests of hairs, fibers, glass, soil, paint, and similar materials, as well as the necessary equipment to conduct these tests; modern methods and techniques in investigations of major crimes; current trends in toxicology, general chemistry, and microchemistry; modern types of small arms and the techniques of conducting all types of firearms, bullet, and toolmark comparisons; methods used in the examination of documents in criminal cases; photographic and photomicrographic principles and practices as applied to criminalistics; chromatographic techniques; and modern office methods, supplies, and equipment.

Ability to: Make extensive use of scientific methods and techniques at crime scenes; make effective use of microscopes, spectrograph, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and gas chromatograph; use micro methods for determining physical constants such as refractive index and density; recognize the need for and develop and evaluate new test methods and procedures; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; conduct applied research to develop and validate state-of-the-art evidence examination techniques; testify effectively in court; instruct law enforcement and forensic personnel in criminalistics; consistently exercise a high degree of initiative, confidentiality, independence, good judgment, and flexibility while performing a wide variety of duties; adjust to changing priorities; work well under pressure; work effectively with all levels of staff and other state and local agencies; and keep good records.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Kerry Hoefling

(916) 210-7465

kerry.hoefling@doj.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Officer

(916) 210-7580

EERROffice@doj.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications

Write a narrative that answers the questions below, considering the Desirable Qualifications for this position and the Essential Functions listed in the Duty Statement. You must submit a typed document, one page for each question, labeled with the question number, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font.

1. Please describe your training and experience in Forensic Casework.

2. Please describe your teaching experience or experience in training others. This experience does not necessarily need to be specific to forensic science.

Additional Information on Application Filing

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. Electronic Filing preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.