CRIMINALISTICS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

We are 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.

About the role

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!

Benefits

Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation, including:

• A rich selection of health care options
• Robust retirement plans
• Flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential

For more details, visit https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/.

Responsibilities

• 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 and 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 for Criminalistics Laboratory Technician.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 III - Moderate: This role requires standing or walking 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: To receive credit for the required coursework and any degree, you must include a legible copy of the official transcripts and official degree, or an official letter from the accredited institution showing completed semester/quarter units of coursework in the areas of specialization at the time of filing, or email to sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org within seven (7) calendar days from Thursday, September 17, 2026. The document should show the date the degree was conferred and be in English. If not in English, a translation is required. International degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards if not listed in the International Handbook of Universities or World Higher Education Database. Documents marked as unofficial will not be accepted.

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, to be considered for this examination.

Desirable Qualifications

Credit will be given to applicants who possess the following desirable qualifications and indicate so on their employment application at the time of filing:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program with a specialization in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field at an accredited college or university.
• A Bachelor's degree or Master's 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 a 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.

Examination Content

This examination will consist of two parts:

• Part I: A written multiple-choice test worth 50% assessing: Biology, Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Scientific Method, and Criminalistics. 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. Applicants must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on each weighted part of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Note: The multiple-choice test is not reviewable by candidates per Civil Service Rule 7.19.

Testing Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the examination process, you must submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request. You will be contacted at a later time by a Sheriff’s Department representative to guide you through the process. Failure to submit the required documentation by the deadline will delay your participation in the examination process.

Veteran's Credit

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for veteran's credit, which adds an additional 10% of the total points to a passing score. Please include a copy of your form DD214 with your application or email it to sheriffexamsunit@lasd.org as soon as possible.

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 a 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.
• The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has a "zero tolerance" policy for employees regarding the 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.
• Appointees must be willing to work any shift, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Test Preparation

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) provides study guides and other test preparation resources. For more information, visit:

• Job Search Toolkit (see "Employment Test Assistance" section)
• Online practice tests
• LA County Online Assessment Preparation Series