THE POSITION:The Crime Scene Specialist IIperforms a variety of technical duties including identifying, collecting, preserving and processing physical evidence at crime scenes and in a laboratory; prepares appropriate reports; assists in criminal investigations; testifies in court; and assists in other duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the journey level class within the Crime Scene Specialist series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level. The Crime Scene Specialist I may gain experience performing the duties of the II under the direction of the II.
You are:The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of crime scene investigation principles; including documentation, processing and evidence collection/preservation. The incumbent must be self-motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to adapt and perform effectively in high-stress, fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a cohesive team within a crime scene unit. The ideal candidate must communicate effectively, support team objectives, and contribute to a collaborative work environment. Most importantly, the ideal candidate is a consummate professional who demonstrates integrity and a commitment to excellence in public service.What you will do: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform technical tasks for major/minor crime scenes in the collection and preservation of evidence at a crime scene such as lifting fingerprints, collecting body fluids and clothing, dislodging bullets, and making plaster impressions.
Package evidence for storage; ensure proper procedures are followed.
Photograph a wide variety of situations to ensure proper documentation of the crime scene.
Prepare reports and records of crime scenes and evidence collected; prepares diagrams.
Testify in court regarding the crime scene and the evidence collected.
Perform duties related to other areas of civilian police activities as necessary.
Report to all categories of crime scenes to collect evidence on a 24-hour basis, as needed, recognizing when a higher level of expertise is needed to assist.
Knowledge of: Evidence detection and physical/chemical sequential processing to determine when CSS direction is required.
Basic report writing.
Principles of basic photography. Methods of fingerprint processing.
Principles of evidence collection and packaging.
Modern office equipment and methods including use of computer applications in word processing, spreadsheet, and databases.
Ability to: Learn to perform evidence detection and physical/chemical sequential processing.
Learn principles and practices of technical crime scene processing and crime scene reconstruction.
Locate, analyze and interpret data related to crime scene work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work both as part of a team, and equally well independently.
Carry out complex instructions regarding the appropriate collection of differing kinds of evidence.
Maintain confidentiality while processing evidence and cases.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONSYou have: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of experience comparable to that of a Crime Scene Specialist I with the City of Hayward.
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Possession of an Associate’s degree or coursework in criminalistics/forensic science, natural science (biology, biochemistry, or chemistry), or a related field is highly desirable.
Licenses or Certificates: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License. Possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Crime Scene Investigations (formerly Basic Field Evidence Technician) Course Certificate. Possession of or ability to obtain a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (24 hour course) certificate within twelve (12) months of employment.BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
Vacation - 80 hours minimum
15.5 Paid Holidays
Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
Flexible Spending Accounts
Tuition Reimbursement
Health and Wellness Reimbursement
Professional Development Reimbursement
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply- submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review -A. Minimum qualifications B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaireThe rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list.Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Supplemental Questionnaire Review - Tentatively scheduled for mid to late May 2026The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews- Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. Tentatively scheduled for late May to early June 2026.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting. Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify theselection processas necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.APPLICATIONSCandidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627. The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer&A Certified Age Friendly EmployerLearn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here
