Criminalist II
Apply NowCompany: County of San Bernardino, CA
Location: San Bernardino, CA 92404
Description:
Salary : $96,137.60 - $132,371.20 Annually
Location : San Bernardino, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03537-01
Department: Sheriff/Coroner
Opening Date: 04/26/2025
Closing Date: 5/16/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
The Job
Excellent Opportunity for Experienced Criminalists - Join San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as a Criminalist II
Use Your Expertise to Solve Cases, Support Justice, and Serve Your Community
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is seeking a Criminalist II, a journey-level forensic scientist, to perform complex laboratory analyses and support criminal investigations through expert examination of physical evidence. This position works both in the lab and at crime scenes, utilizing independent judgment and advanced techniques to identify, compare, and interpret forensic evidence. Criminalist IIs also provide technical guidance to less experienced staff, prepare detailed reports, and offer expert testimony in court. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to respond to time-sensitive incidents as part of a dedicated forensic team.
For more detailed information, view the job description.
Note: Applications are also being accepted for Criminalist I, which requires a separate application. Refer to the job bulletin for minimum requirements and apply as appropriate.
EXCELLENT SALARY & BENEFITS!
This position offers full benefits and a competitive salary range of
$111,800.00 - $154,169.60 Annually DOQ
3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases in February 2026
Bi-annual step increases of 2.5% up to Step 14
Benefits Overview
HEALTH BENEFITS
PAID TIME OFF
RETIREMENT PERKS
DCAP Account - County Paid Life Insurance - AD&D Insurance - 529 Savings Plan - Short & Long-Term Disability
Wellness Program - Commuter Services - Employee Discounts - Annual Tuition Reimbursement
For more Employee Benefits information, follow this link:
*Salary increases contingent upon Property Related Revenue and/or statewide Sales Tax Collections performance.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Background: Prior to appointment, applicants will be fingerprinted and must pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony.
2) Availability: This department is a "24/7" operation. Applicants must be available for all shifts, including mandatory overtime; refusal of assigned shift may result in removal from the list or termination. The incumbents will be required to work rotating, night, weekend, day, on call, and graveyard shifts, as well as holidays and weekends. Including mandatory overtime.
3) Physical: Incumbents conducting investigations in the field must be able to climb up and down embankments and hike over rough terrain.
4) Travel: Travel throughout the county is required; employees may be required to make provision for transportation. At the time of hire, a valid California class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance must be produced for the individual providing the transportation.
5) Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Minimum Requirements
Experience: Two years of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory with expertise in performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following: Firearms/Toolmarks, DNA/Serology, Trace Evidence, Solid Dose Drug Analysis, or Alcohol Analysis.
--AND--
Education: A bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics, or a closely related field is required (per ANAB accreditation standards).
Transcripts: A legible copy of your college transcripts that includes BOTH degree and coursework information must be attached to the application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Degree AND coursework information MUST be clearly listed on both the application AND transcripts; otherwise your application will not be accepted.
Note: Criminal Justice courses are not acceptable.
DNA Option: Candidates interested in assignment to the DNA Unit of the laboratory must have passed the following courses, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Quality Assurance Standards: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and either Statistics or Population Genetics.
Note: Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. (Must be attached if applicable.)Use this link to obtain more information on evaluation services.
Selection Process
Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the results of the evaluation, may be referred to a selection interview.
Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the posted filing deadline Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.
If you need technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please follow this link to theto complete and submit your request within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information
Please click HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process
Administrative Services Unit
The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
For a summary of benefits, please click
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be reviewed to determine minimum requirements AND will be used in a competitive evaluation of qualifications and to determine your placement on the eligible list. Experience listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
02
Minimum Qualifying Experience: Do you posses two (2) years of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory with expertise in performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following: Firearms/Toolmarks, DNA/Serology, Trace Evidence, Solid Dose Drug Analysis, or Alcohol Analysis.
03
Experience: List your experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following areas:
04
Education: Do you possess a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics, or a closely related? Degree Must be listed in the "Education" section of the application.
05
I possess a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics or a closely related field.
My specific Degree is ____ (specify degree & field) and was obtained from _____ (specify university).
Example: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, CSU Sacramento
MS in Forensic Science, University of Alabama-Birmingham
06
DNA Option To be considered for an assignment in the DNA Unit, candidates must have completed and passed the following courses, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Quality Assurance Standards: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and either Statistics or Population Genetics.Specify which of the above courses you have completed. Include the following:course name course number school.
Example: Molecular Biology, Bio 384, completed at CSU Sacramento
07
Transcripts: A legible copy of transcripts MUST be attached to the application. Transcripts MUST include ALL required coursework AND degree information as outlined on the announcement.
08
Applicant Acknowledgement - Notification via email: As part of our efforts to increase efficiency and promote conservation of resources, Human Resources uses email to communicate with applicants. Therefore, all future communications regarding this recruitment, including applicant status and testing notifications, will be made via email.)
Each applicant needs their own email address. We strongly encourage you, as an applicant, to ensure that the email address you have provided with your application is current, secure and readily accessible to you. Adjust Spam and/or other filters so that our emails are accepted. Please carefully read any notices that we send you and follow any instructions provided in a timely manner. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails (i.e., for the non-delivery of our emails or if you fail to check your e-mail on a timely basis).
09
**ATTENTION GMAIL USERS**
We have become aware of an increase in Gmail's spam filter sensitivity. Due to this change, it is possible that emails coming from San Bernardino County Human Resources may be marked as spam and will not make it into your Gmail inbox.
For your convenience, the attached PDF document contains a step-by-step guide to create and apply filters within Gmail. Click this link to Once downloaded, follow the instructions so that you will receive future emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources.
Note: If you apply the filters and still do not receive emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources you can check your (Neogov) account inbox. All notifications will appear there.
10
Applicant Acknowledgement - Application Complete: Thank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all information provided prior to submitting it as you cannot update or revise it once submitted. Your submitted application will be reviewed and evaluated as is. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
Required Question
Location : San Bernardino, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03537-01
Department: Sheriff/Coroner
Opening Date: 04/26/2025
Closing Date: 5/16/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
The Job
Excellent Opportunity for Experienced Criminalists - Join San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as a Criminalist II
Use Your Expertise to Solve Cases, Support Justice, and Serve Your Community
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is seeking a Criminalist II, a journey-level forensic scientist, to perform complex laboratory analyses and support criminal investigations through expert examination of physical evidence. This position works both in the lab and at crime scenes, utilizing independent judgment and advanced techniques to identify, compare, and interpret forensic evidence. Criminalist IIs also provide technical guidance to less experienced staff, prepare detailed reports, and offer expert testimony in court. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to respond to time-sensitive incidents as part of a dedicated forensic team.
For more detailed information, view the job description.
Note: Applications are also being accepted for Criminalist I, which requires a separate application. Refer to the job bulletin for minimum requirements and apply as appropriate.
EXCELLENT SALARY & BENEFITS!
This position offers full benefits and a competitive salary range of
$111,800.00 - $154,169.60 Annually DOQ
3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases in February 2026
Bi-annual step increases of 2.5% up to Step 14
Benefits Overview
HEALTH BENEFITS
PAID TIME OFF
RETIREMENT PERKS
- Medical & Dental: Family Coverage
- Vision: Employee Coverage
- Premium subsidies to offset health costs
- Flexible Spending Account: Pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses
- Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
- 11 days accruable sick leave
- 15 paid holidays
- Perfect Attendance Leave
- Flexible work schedules (in some departments)
- Generous pension
- Retirement reciprocity may be available!
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation
- Retirement Medical Trust (RMT)
DCAP Account - County Paid Life Insurance - AD&D Insurance - 529 Savings Plan - Short & Long-Term Disability
Wellness Program - Commuter Services - Employee Discounts - Annual Tuition Reimbursement
For more Employee Benefits information, follow this link:
*Salary increases contingent upon Property Related Revenue and/or statewide Sales Tax Collections performance.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Background: Prior to appointment, applicants will be fingerprinted and must pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony.
2) Availability: This department is a "24/7" operation. Applicants must be available for all shifts, including mandatory overtime; refusal of assigned shift may result in removal from the list or termination. The incumbents will be required to work rotating, night, weekend, day, on call, and graveyard shifts, as well as holidays and weekends. Including mandatory overtime.
3) Physical: Incumbents conducting investigations in the field must be able to climb up and down embankments and hike over rough terrain.
4) Travel: Travel throughout the county is required; employees may be required to make provision for transportation. At the time of hire, a valid California class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance must be produced for the individual providing the transportation.
5) Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Minimum Requirements
Experience: Two years of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory with expertise in performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following: Firearms/Toolmarks, DNA/Serology, Trace Evidence, Solid Dose Drug Analysis, or Alcohol Analysis.
--AND--
Education: A bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics, or a closely related field is required (per ANAB accreditation standards).
Transcripts: A legible copy of your college transcripts that includes BOTH degree and coursework information must be attached to the application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Degree AND coursework information MUST be clearly listed on both the application AND transcripts; otherwise your application will not be accepted.
Note: Criminal Justice courses are not acceptable.
DNA Option: Candidates interested in assignment to the DNA Unit of the laboratory must have passed the following courses, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Quality Assurance Standards: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and either Statistics or Population Genetics.
Note: Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. (Must be attached if applicable.)Use this link to obtain more information on evaluation services.
Selection Process
Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the results of the evaluation, may be referred to a selection interview.
Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the posted filing deadline Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.
If you need technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please follow this link to theto complete and submit your request within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information
Please click HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process
Administrative Services Unit
The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
For a summary of benefits, please click
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be reviewed to determine minimum requirements AND will be used in a competitive evaluation of qualifications and to determine your placement on the eligible list. Experience listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
- I have read and understand the above statements.
02
Minimum Qualifying Experience: Do you posses two (2) years of full-time paid experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory with expertise in performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following: Firearms/Toolmarks, DNA/Serology, Trace Evidence, Solid Dose Drug Analysis, or Alcohol Analysis.
- Yes
- No
03
Experience: List your experience in a law enforcement forensic laboratory performing analysis, comparison and identification of typical forensic samples in the following areas:
- Firearms/Toolmarks
- DNA/Serology
- Trace Evidence
- Solid Dose Drug Analysis
- Alcohol
- Other Forensic Field Analysis
04
Education: Do you possess a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics, or a closely related? Degree Must be listed in the "Education" section of the application.
- Yes
- No
05
I possess a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a natural or physical science, criminalistics or a closely related field.
My specific Degree is ____ (specify degree & field) and was obtained from _____ (specify university).
Example: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, CSU Sacramento
MS in Forensic Science, University of Alabama-Birmingham
06
DNA Option To be considered for an assignment in the DNA Unit, candidates must have completed and passed the following courses, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Quality Assurance Standards: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and either Statistics or Population Genetics.Specify which of the above courses you have completed. Include the following:
Example: Molecular Biology, Bio 384, completed at CSU Sacramento
07
Transcripts: A legible copy of transcripts MUST be attached to the application. Transcripts MUST include ALL required coursework AND degree information as outlined on the announcement.
- I have read and understand my application will not be reviewed if my transcripts are not attached.
08
Applicant Acknowledgement - Notification via email: As part of our efforts to increase efficiency and promote conservation of resources, Human Resources uses email to communicate with applicants. Therefore, all future communications regarding this recruitment, including applicant status and testing notifications, will be made via email.)
Each applicant needs their own email address. We strongly encourage you, as an applicant, to ensure that the email address you have provided with your application is current, secure and readily accessible to you. Adjust Spam and/or other filters so that our emails are accepted. Please carefully read any notices that we send you and follow any instructions provided in a timely manner. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails (i.e., for the non-delivery of our emails or if you fail to check your e-mail on a timely basis).
- I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the above statement.
09
**ATTENTION GMAIL USERS**
We have become aware of an increase in Gmail's spam filter sensitivity. Due to this change, it is possible that emails coming from San Bernardino County Human Resources may be marked as spam and will not make it into your Gmail inbox.
For your convenience, the attached PDF document contains a step-by-step guide to create and apply filters within Gmail. Click this link to Once downloaded, follow the instructions so that you will receive future emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources.
Note: If you apply the filters and still do not receive emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources you can check your (Neogov) account inbox. All notifications will appear there.
- I understand
10
Applicant Acknowledgement - Application Complete: Thank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all information provided prior to submitting it as you cannot update or revise it once submitted. Your submitted application will be reviewed and evaluated as is. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
- I acknowledge that I have reviewed my application and understand that I will not be able to update or revise any part of it once submitted.
Required Question