What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Specialist position at City of Culver City?
THE CITY
Culver City is a Charter City incorporated in 1917, and is a destination filled with outdoor cafes, unique shops, and galleries opening onto pedestrian-friendly boulevards. Culver City has a dedicated staff of approximately 800 employees with an overall budget of approximately $368 million. The City provides a full range of municipal services, including Fire, Police, Housing and Human Services, Planning and Development, Public Works, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, and Transportation.
The Department
The Police Department has a complement of just over 100 sworn and 48 civilian personnel serving a residential population of 40,000 and an estimated daily commercial population of over 200,000
THE POSITION
This non-sworn position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks and procedures relating to crime scene investigation, documentation, analysis, and sorting of physical evidence for investigative and law enforcement purposes. Responds to crime scenes to document, collect, and preserve evidence or provides technical assistance in these activities. This includes taking photographs, processing and lifting latent prints, and other processing procedures. Performs latent comparisons and other duties as a latent print examiner. Prepares latent prints for Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) submission through an automated latent print system, determines and verifies any positive latent print identifications. Performs analysis of evidence collected at crime scenes and performs subsequent chemical processes for the detection of trace evidence or latent prints through a variety of processes, including laser application. Reports the result of all analysis of latent prints, photographs, and other evidence to the appropriate investigative personnel. Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of evidence collection, chemical processing, latent print comparisons, and photography. Performs duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or chemistry, or related field AND one (1) year of experience as a Forensic Specialist Trainee or Forensic Specialist in law enforcement agency OR one year forensic casework in a) latent print comparisons and/or examinations, b) crime scene processing, and/or c) chemical processing of evidence for latent prints.
License and Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. International Association for Identification (IAI) certification as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI) and/or a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) are desired but not required.
Work Schedule: This position works a 4/10 schedule. May be required to work on-call during evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover rotating on-call shift.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
Applicants must receive a passing score on all examination components in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Examination Components
The provisions of this job posting do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions in this posting may be modified or revoked without notice. Continuation in the examination process and subsequent placement on the eligible list of a person convicted of a crime depends upon the nature of the conviction and the conduct of the applicant subsequent to the offense. Convictions will be evaluated on a job-related basis and will not automatically disqualify someone from further consideration.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Culver City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation/identification.
Conditions Of Employment
Background/ Reference Check: Upon a conditional job offer, a live scan finger printing must be completed with acceptable results. Your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Upon hire, the employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.Pre-placement medical evaluation including drug screen (select positions).E-Verify: Proof of U.S. citizenship, alien residency, or authorization to work in the U.S. will be required at the time of appointment.
The City of Culver City intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department three (3) business days prior to the test at (310) 253-5640.
The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision.
This position is represented by Culver City Employees' Association (CCEA).
Formore detailedinformationregarding thebenefits associated with this position, click on the following link:
https://www.culvercity.org/jobs
Culver City is a Charter City incorporated in 1917, and is a destination filled with outdoor cafes, unique shops, and galleries opening onto pedestrian-friendly boulevards. Culver City has a dedicated staff of approximately 800 employees with an overall budget of approximately $368 million. The City provides a full range of municipal services, including Fire, Police, Housing and Human Services, Planning and Development, Public Works, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, and Transportation.
The Department
The Police Department has a complement of just over 100 sworn and 48 civilian personnel serving a residential population of 40,000 and an estimated daily commercial population of over 200,000
THE POSITION
This non-sworn position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks and procedures relating to crime scene investigation, documentation, analysis, and sorting of physical evidence for investigative and law enforcement purposes. Responds to crime scenes to document, collect, and preserve evidence or provides technical assistance in these activities. This includes taking photographs, processing and lifting latent prints, and other processing procedures. Performs latent comparisons and other duties as a latent print examiner. Prepares latent prints for Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) submission through an automated latent print system, determines and verifies any positive latent print identifications. Performs analysis of evidence collected at crime scenes and performs subsequent chemical processes for the detection of trace evidence or latent prints through a variety of processes, including laser application. Reports the result of all analysis of latent prints, photographs, and other evidence to the appropriate investigative personnel. Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of evidence collection, chemical processing, latent print comparisons, and photography. Performs duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or chemistry, or related field AND one (1) year of experience as a Forensic Specialist Trainee or Forensic Specialist in law enforcement agency OR one year forensic casework in a) latent print comparisons and/or examinations, b) crime scene processing, and/or c) chemical processing of evidence for latent prints.
License and Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. International Association for Identification (IAI) certification as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI) and/or a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) are desired but not required.
Work Schedule: This position works a 4/10 schedule. May be required to work on-call during evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover rotating on-call shift.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
Applicants must receive a passing score on all examination components in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Examination Components
- Written Test (Weighted 40%) : To determine basic forensic science knowledge and aptitude to perform the job duties. (Tentatively scheduled for the week of May 12, 2025).
- Technical/Oral Appraisal Interview (Weighted at 60%) : To evaluate ability and skill requirements and personal qualifications. (Tentatively scheduled for the week of June 2, 2025).
- Background Investigation and Polygraph (Qualifying) : Evaluations to determine suitability for the position of Forensic Specialist.
- Psychological Screening and Medical Examination (Qualifying) : Standard exams to determine suitability for the position of Forensic Specialist.
The provisions of this job posting do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions in this posting may be modified or revoked without notice. Continuation in the examination process and subsequent placement on the eligible list of a person convicted of a crime depends upon the nature of the conviction and the conduct of the applicant subsequent to the offense. Convictions will be evaluated on a job-related basis and will not automatically disqualify someone from further consideration.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Culver City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation/identification.
Conditions Of Employment
Background/ Reference Check: Upon a conditional job offer, a live scan finger printing must be completed with acceptable results. Your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Upon hire, the employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.Pre-placement medical evaluation including drug screen (select positions).E-Verify: Proof of U.S. citizenship, alien residency, or authorization to work in the U.S. will be required at the time of appointment.
The City of Culver City intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department three (3) business days prior to the test at (310) 253-5640.
The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision.
This position is represented by Culver City Employees' Association (CCEA).
Formore detailedinformationregarding thebenefits associated with this position, click on the following link:
https://www.culvercity.org/jobs
- Refer to the ‘Salary and Benefits’ tab to view the current Benefit Summary Guide
- Refer to the ‘Rules and Resources’ tab for the applicable MOU
