| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Salary | $57,273.84–$73,107.36 Per Year |
CRIMINALISTICS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Salary
$57,273.84 - $73,107.36 Annually
Location
Los Angeles County, CA
Job Type
Full time
Job Number
J4331C
Department
SHERIFF
Opening Date
08/19/2026
Closing Date
9/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position/Program Information
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:
We welcome applications from anyone.
FILING DATES:
We will be accepting online applications from Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:00 A.M. (PT) until Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:00 P.M. (PT).
All applications must be received before 5:00 P.M. (PT) on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to be accepted.
EXAM NUMBER:
J4331C
Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!
Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/
Why work for us?
With almost 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California with over 100,000 employees in 39 departments, we provide vital and diverse public services like law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities.
The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax , and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.
Essential Job Functions
Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents for use in forensic biological procedures.
Performs routine chemical analyses on biological samples and bulk-controlled drug specimens and may perform special projects under close supervision.
Operates a chromatograph for the routine analysis of specified classes of evidence submitted to the laboratory.
Performs routine toxicology extraction procedures of blood and urine specimens and prepares extracts for subsequent analysis.
Operates an immunoassay instrument to screen urine specimens for drugs of abuse.
Assists laboratory personnel by performing routine laboratory tests and analyses of evidentiary specimens, as directed.
Prepares evidence collection kits for distribution (e.g., GSR, sexual assault kit).
Provides inventory support functions, including ordering supplies, tracking packages, and stocking.
Documents evidence.
Prepares evidence for outsourcing.
Provides guidance to volunteers who perform crime lab support functions.
Performs functions to support and/or ensure equipment is adequately calibrated, records are accurate, and active inventory has not exceeded its expiration date.
For more information, please view the classification specification: Criminalistics Laboratory Technician
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY
Successful completion of 60 semester units or equivalent quarter units (90 quarter units) from an accredited college or university*, including three (3) semester units or equivalent quarter units (4.5 quarter units) in both general chemistry and organic chemistry.
LICENSE
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS
Physical Class III - Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION
We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org.
WITHHOLD INFORMATION
No withhold will be allowed. Required education must be fully met at the time of filing.
APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026, IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS EXAMINATION.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
As part of this application process, applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire contains a pre-investigative questionnaire which will be used as part of the background investigation process to ensure applicants meet the standards set forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Applicants who fail the pre-investigative questionnaire will be disqualified and will have to wait three (3) months from the date of the disqualification in order to reapply.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Credit will be given to applicants, who possess DESIRABLE qualifications and indicate so on their employment application at the time of filing.
Being currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree* program with a specialization in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field at an accredited college or university.
A Bachelors degree or Masters Degree with a specialization in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field from an accredited college or university.
Full-time experience working in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field laboratory.
Full-time work experience is evaluated on the basis of a 40-hour work week.
Additional Information
EXAMINATION CONTENT
This examination will consist of two (2) parts:
PART I - A written multiple-choice test worth 50% assessing: Biology, Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Scientific Method, and Criminalistics.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST IS NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.
ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART I WILL PROCEED TO PART II.
PART II - A Training and Experience Evaluation worth 50% assessing: Education and experience in a criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field laboratory. This assessment type will evaluate the training and experience you list on your application and supplemental questionnaire and assign a score based on a standardized scoring system.
APPLICANTS MUST ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON EACH WEIGHTED PART OF THE EXAMINATION IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST.
TESTING ACCOMMODATION
If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the examination process, you will be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation. Please note, you will be contacted at a later time by a Sheriff's Department representative that will guide you through the process. You will be provided with an initial deadline to submit documentation. Failure to submit the required documentation by the deadline will delay your participation in the examination process and consideration for initial placement on the eligible list.
TEST PREPARATION
Department of Human Resources (DHR) provides study guides and other test preparation resources to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides may help in preparing for the test, we recommend reviewing all related materials that seem necessary.
VETERANS CREDIT
If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for veterans credit, which is an additional 10% of the total points added to a passing score. We will need a copy of your form DD214 to review, so please include that with your application or email it to sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org as soon as possible, so if you are eligible for veterans credit , we can include it before the list is available.
ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION
The names of applicants receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible list for a period of six (6) months from the date of promulgation.
The eligible list from this examination will be used to fill vacancies throughout the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Technology and Support Division, Scientific Services Bureau facilities.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING FINGERPRINT SEARCH. Examples of disqualifying factors include: Any felony convictions; job related misdemeanor convictions; certain serious traffic convictions or patterns of traffic violations (3 moving violations in one year; failure to appear; at fault accidents; suspended license; driving under the influence); poor credit history; poor employment history; substance abuse; anyone on probation.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY IF HIRED
The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (Department) has a "zero tolerance" policy for its employees for the following:
Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to discharge.
AVAILABLE SHIFT Any Shift
APPOINTEES MUST BE WILLING TO WORK ANY SHIFT, INCLUDING EVENINGS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS.
APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates. Your application and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted electronically before 5:00 P.M., PT, on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employers name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.
We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicants responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.
New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to www.governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION FILING PERIOD, NO EXCEPTIONS.
TO ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUBMITTED, YOU MUST HAVE RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION EMAIL AS VERIFICATION.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES:
For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.
NO SHARING OF USER ID, EMAIL, AND PASSWORD:
All applicants must file their application using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member or friends user ID and password may erase a candidates original application record.
California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922
ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) 229-1621
Teletype Phone: (213) 626-0251
Department Contact Name: Professional Examinations Unit
Department Contact Phone: (323) 526-5611
Department Contact Email: sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Employment Information
Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.
This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.
Testing Accommodations for Applicants:
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.
Fair Chance:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Employment Eligibility:
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.
Career PathFinder:
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.
Veteran's Credit:
Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.
For more information on veteran's credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf
Revised September 2025
For detailed information, please click here
01
The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the examination process. CHECK YOUR ANSWER CAREFULLY. Any mistakes you make and/or any incomplete responses you provide in completing these questions will be used to disqualify your application even if you possess the qualifying education. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. Utilizing VERBIAGE from Class Specification including the listed Examples of Duties and/or Essential Job Functions serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE RESPONSE AND NO CREDIT WILL BE AWARDED. All information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.
02
Have you successfully completed 60 semester units or equivalent quarter units (90 quarter units) from an accredited college or university?
03
Have you successfully completed a minimum of three (3) semester units or equivalent quarter units (4.5 quarter units) in BOTH general chemistry AND organic chemistry?
04
Which of the following best describes the amount of general chemistry units you have successfully completed?
05
Please provide the course identification number, course name, as well as the name of the institution where you earned general chemistry units (Insert N/A if not applicable):
06
Which of the following best describes the amount of organic chemistry units you have successfully completed?
07
Please provide the course identification number, course name, as well as the name of the institution where you earned organic chemistry units (Insert N/A if not applicable):
08
Are you currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree program with specialization in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a closely related scientific field from an accredited college or university?
09
If you are currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree program with a specialization in a closely related scientific field, please indicate your specialization: (Insert N/A if not applicable)
10
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a closely related scientific field from an accredited college or university?
11
Which of the following best describes your area of specialization for your Bachelors degree?
12
Which of the following best describes your area of specialization for your Masters degree?
13
If you have selected "Other closely related scientific field," please indicate your specialization for your Bachelors or Masters degree: (Insert N/A if not applicable)
14
I understand that if I expect to receive credit for my education, I must submit proof of my completion such as a legible copy of my official degree, and official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization. Documents may be submitted either by 1) attaching directly to my application at the time of submission, or 2) emailing any outstanding required documents to sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org or 3) faxing any outstanding documents to (323) 415-2580 at the time of filing, or within (7) seven calendar days from Thursday, September 17, 2026. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in application rejection.
15
Which of the following best describes your full-time experience working in a criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or closely related scientific laboratory? (Full-time work experience is evaluated on the basis of a 40-hour work week.)
16
DESCRIBE YOUR FULL-TIME WORK EXPERIENCE: working ina criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field laboratory
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: If you do not have experience, please indicate "Not Applicable."
NOTE: For each experience, please indicate the following information:
1) Name of Employer
2) Position/Title Held
3) Date From: (MM/DD/YYYY) - Date To: (MM/DD/YYYY)
4) Describe experience in detail
You will not receive credit for your response if you have missing requested information. Also, include your experience on your application.
17
Do you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the examination process? In order to be considered for the initial promulgation, make sure to submit all required documentation by the initial deadline. Submitting the required documentation past the given deadline will delay your participation in the examination process and consideration for placement on the initial eligible list.
18
Applicants have the ability to opt out of emails from LA County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County. Regardless of whether you choose to unsubscribe, you can always check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing your profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices. It is the applicants responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notifications to be a valid reason for a late test administration or re-scheduling.
19
How did you learn about this position?
20
WARNING: This pre-investigative questionnaire is part of the background investigation. It is used to determine an applicants suitability for service within the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD). All information provided is considered confidential. A candidates information will only be disclosed to an assigned background investigator if he/she is deemed suitable for the job based on the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department hiring guidelines. Answer the following questions honestly and thoroughly, as your responses will be used to determine whether or not you can proceed with the hiring process. Your responses to the following questions will be subject to verification.
Do you understand this information?
21
The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (Department) has a "zero tolerance" policy for its employees for the following: Use of narcotics, controlled substances, and/or prescription drugs without a prescription. Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to discharge.
22
The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department (LASD) employees must adhere to the departments policies regarding appearance. Hair should be clean and well groomed. Tattoos upon the neck, face or head are prohibited. Beards are not allowed for employees who wear any type of uniform; mustaches must be trimmed and neat; jewelry must be minimally observable. A uniform or professional attire is required while on duty. Are you willing to comply with all the grooming, appearance policies, procedures, and standards of the LASD?
23
Do you understand you will be subject to a thorough background investigation and a medical examination, if applicable?
24
Are you currently on criminal probation?
25
Are you currently on criminal parole?
26
Have you ever been convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs or any DUI-related crimes? If "yes", when was the last incident/arrest date?
27
Have you ever used any illegal drug (methamphetamine, heroin, speed, cocaine, ecstasy, PCP, hallucinogens, etc.) OTHER than marijuana? If "yes", when was the last time?
28
Have you ever used methamphetamine? If "yes", how many times?
29
Have you ever used heroin? If "yes", how many times?
30
Have you ever used speed? If "yes", how many times?
31
Have you ever used cocaine? If "yes", how many times?
32
Have you ever used ecstasy? If "yes", how many times?
33
Have you ever used PCP? If "yes", how many times?
34
Have you ever used hallucinogens? If "yes", how many times?
35
By answering the previous questions, you acknowledge that any false statements or omissions in this questionnaire will cause you to be disqualified, removed from an eligibility list, or be cause for immediate dismissal, if any appointment is or will be made at a later time.
Required Question
Employer County of Los Angeles
Address
Los Angeles, California, 90010
Website http://hr.lacounty.gov