SENIOR CRIMINALIST
Department of Justice · Sacramento County
Salary: $7,935 – $11,151 per month
Closes: 2026-11-16T00:00:00.000Z
Job description and requirements
Show full description and requirements
Job Description and Duties
Under the general supervision of the Criminalist Supervisor, the incumbent will be responsible for duties within the Laboratory Technical Support Unit (LTSU), including the oversight, planning, migration, and administration of various software programs utilized by the Bureau for evidence submission, analysis, and reporting. Specialty areas include but are not limited to administration of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), security permissions, custom reports, and statistical analyses. The incumbent will also participate in the maintenance of the client report portal, alcohol billing program and breath alcohol data system applications. Other duties may include assisting with tasks related to the maintenance of BFS' breath alcohol devices. The incumbent may also be involved in the creation, routing, and evaluation of internal proficiency tests in collaboration with the Bureau Quality Assurance Unit.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
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 Senior Criminalist you must be eligibile for transfer, reinstatement or have current list eligibility. This classification does not offer an ongoing exam.
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: Computers, computer software, data management systems, databases, or programming languages; Scientific methods and techniques used in various forensic examinations such as crime scene processing, biological fluid identification, toxicology analysis, explosive and flammable material examination, trace examinations, firearms examinations, and general chemistry and microchemistry; ISO/IEC 17025 standards and ANAB Forensic Testing accreditation requirements (AR 3125) as they relate to competency and proficiency testing.
Ability to: Collaborate with vendors; be able to assist law enforcement agencies with use of various software applications; work effectively with a team as well as independently; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; Make extensive use of scientific methods and techniques; have keen observation and critical thinking skills; make effective use of scientific instrumentation such as microscopes, spectrograph, infrared and ultra-violet spectrophotometer, and gas chromatograph; recognize the need for and develop and evaluate new test methods and procedures;; conduct applied research to develop and validate state-of-the-art evidence examination techniques and have the ability to testify effectively in court.
Statement of Qualifications
Write a narrative that answers the question(s) below, considering the Desirable Qualifications for this position and Essential Functions Listed in the Duty Statement. You must submit a document, 1 page in length, using 1-inch margins, and 12 point, Times New Roman style font.
1. Please describe your education and experience involving computers, computer software, laboratory management systems, computer databases, or programing languages. You may draw from your experience in professional, educational and personal settings.
About this opportunity
More jobs at this employer
Department of Justice currently has 57 other open positions in this database.
Regional hiring context
There are 658 current state openings in Sacramento County, including this position.
Application timeline
Applications close in 12 days, on November 16, 2026.
Posting history
This posting appears on CalCareers. CA Public Jobs first observed it on October 30, 2026. It was last verified open on November 4, 2026.