Criminalist I/II - Latent Print Processing & Comparison Unit

The County of San Mateo's Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board in both Testing and Calibration, is seeking to fill a Criminalist I/II position within its Latent Print Unit, which includes participation in crime scene examination.

The Forensic Laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is in San Mateo, California. It is managed by a civilian Laboratory Director who is currently supported by three Supervising Criminalists, one Legal Office Services Supervisor, 28 Criminalists and interns, two Legal Office Specialists, and two Property Officers. The Criminalist will report to a Supervising Criminalist and will analyze evidence seized during criminal investigations, providing laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of latent print processing, latent print comparison, AFIS searching, indented writing examination, writing reports, and testifying in court. They may participate in validation studies of new technology and methods for use in casework, cold case investigations, internal audits, and guiding our intern program. Also, on a rotational basis, they will respond with a partner to investigate crime scenes for homicides, officer involved critical incidents., and other major incidents. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcsheriff.com/multi-jurisdictional-division/forensic-laboratory .

The ideal candidate will be an experienced latent print examiner dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the industry and someone who fosters teamwork and cooperation. Additionally, the following professional and personal attributes are desirable:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective planning, organizing, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter, motivated and capable of demonstrating measurable work results in a timely manner.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge/experience in the ACE-V methodology of print examination and GYRO documentation.
• Knowledge/experience in latent print processing techniques such as adhesive surface techniques, Amido Black, cyanoacrylate fuming, cyanoacrylate dye stains, DFO, fingerprint powders, Ninhydrin, Physical Developer, Silver Nitrate, and Sudan Black.
• Knowledge/experience in crime scene examination, to include photography, 3D scanning, sketching, note taking, blood spatter documentation, trajectory documentation, presumptive blood testing, search methods, and evidence collection techniques.
• General understanding of multiple disciplines within forensic science in order to apply a multidisciplinary approach to evidence identification, collection, and examination.
• Ability to persuasively communicate ideas and goals and effectively motivate others to achieve those goals.
• Have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in criminalistics, chemistry or a related physical science.

There is currently one vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Criminalist I or Criminalist II level.

Rewarding aspects of the job: In this role you will have the opportunity to work primarily in a forensic laboratory while also performing some crime scene examination work. This position provides the opportunity to contribute to the criminal justice system by providing crucial evidence in criminal investigations with an unbiased approach that may identify the perpetrator or exonerate the innocent.

Challenging aspects of the job: As a Criminalist you will work with tight deadlines, especially when evidence is needed for ongoing investigations or court proceedings. In addition, the frequency of crime scene examination work is unpredictable and requires the criminalist to pivot in their assignments.

Note: A pay differential of 5% is offered for Latent Print Certification by the International Association for Identification and another 2.5% pay differential for Crime Scene Certification by the International Association for Identification.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Criminalist I: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in

criminalistics, chemistry or a related physical science.

Criminalist II: Three years of experience in the practice of criminalistics, which has included experience in collecting, analyzing and evaluating physiological fluids, controlled substances and other physical evidence gathered from crime scenes.

Licensure/Certification: Some positions may require employees to obtain a Forensic Alcohol Analyst certificate issued by the State Department of Public Health within one year of employment.

Other Requirements: Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment medical examination prior to appointment. Participation in the Laboratory's on-call crime scene rotation schedule is mandatory.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Responses to supplemental questions are required and must be submitted in addition to the Standard San Mateo County employment application. A resume or reference to a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions or as a substitute for your application.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:

Final Filing Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024 by 11:59PM PST

Applicant Screening: Week of April 8, 2024

Panel Interviews: Week of April 15, 2024

Departmental Interviews: Week of May 6, 2024