Criminalist I

Position Information Examinations:

Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of theoretical and analytical principles of natural and physical sciences including organic, inorganic, biochemistry and biology, and other applicable fields and disciplines and the ability to apply these principles to scientific examinations as related to a forensic laboratory. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/ Employment Standards:

Level I:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, criminalistics, forensic science, biology, or a closely related laboratory science field. Relevant course work must contain a laboratory component. Course work must include 24 semester or 36 quarter units in chemistry including general chemistry, quantitative analysis, organic, and inorganic chemistry OR 12 semester or 18 quarter units in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis, as well as statistics and/or population genetics as applied to Forensic DNA analysis. Course work must satisfy DNA Advisory Board criteria and must contain a laboratory component. An advanced degree without the stated undergraduate course requirements will not meet the employment standards, unless the curriculum of the advanced degree covered the appropriate core courses. Applicants must submit all applicable diploma(s), transcripts, license(s) and/or certificate(s) with their application by the final filing deadline (failure to attach required supplemental materials will result in the rejection of application) . If you are unable to attach application materials to your application or have any questions regarding this recruitment, you may e-mail Nesrine Annan at annann@kerncounty.com or call at 661-868-3108.

Full Job Description:

Criminalist I This position works within the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory of the Kern County District Attorney. For more information about the department, please view their website here. About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us: Growth Mindset We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth. Additional Information Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. A background check may be conducted for this classification. Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. The Kern Regional Crime Laboratory, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board in Testing and Calibration, is seeking to fill a Criminalist position. This position will have a primary analytical assignment and secondary crime scene response assignment. The Kern Regional Crime Laboratory was constructed in 2000 and is located in Bakersfield, California. The Laboratory is managed by a Laboratory Director who is supported by an Assistant Lab Director, Supervising Criminalists and a DNA Technical Lead, Criminalists and Forensic Technicians, and administrative support staff. The Criminalist position reports to a Supervising Criminalist. This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates are encouraged to indicate acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment on their application form. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations (areas/district offices). For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page. Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.