Criminalist I

POSITION:Criminalist ISCHEDULE:Full-Time RegularLOCATION: Reno, NVSALARY:$69,035.20 - $97,115.20Closing Date3/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific- TO APPLY:Direct Link -Page -note, employers may close jobs on the website at any time.SUMMARY:This is the entry-level of the Criminalist series and provides for progression within the series. The ideal candidate for this position will receive supervised training in crime scene investigations (including photography, documentation, collection and processing of evidence, and latent prints processing), perform supervised assignments in the field and in a laboratory setting, author reports, and testify in court in accordance with the Police Department policies and procedures.We currently have one vacancy in the Reno Police Department in which hiring will begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish a list for future vacancies, which will be filled as they occur.MINIMUM/PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application.Education/Training:Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major work in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.Work Experience:One year of experience in crime scene processing, forensic laboratory work, or evidence handling.ORCompletion of a structured forensic internship or academic practicum.License/Certification:- Valid driver's license.- Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification for inquiry.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:Performs detailed investigations in conjunction with law enforcement agencies regarding a wide variety of crime / death scenes for the presence of all types of evidence such as biological fluids (i.e., blood, etc.), DNA, hairs / fibers, control substance, latent prints, gunshot residue (GSR), shoe and tire impressions, firearms / weapons, clothing, etc.Maintain accurate documentation of observations and actions taken while investigating a crime / death scene.Photograph crime / death scenes, victims, autopsies, traffic accidents, property damage, stolen property, arson sites, and arrestees, in accordance with prescribed procedures.Perform forensic photography of victims, suspects, crime scenes, items of evidence, latent prints and other items and objects.Measure location and relational distances of victims, suspects and other individuals, evidence, objects, building, vehicles and other items using manual and automated equipment and prepare diagrammatic material depicting those measurements and locations as found at crime scenes.Collect and preserve evidence using clean collection techniques.Maintain the integrity and the chain of custody of all evidence from collection, logging into the computer system, and distribution to the appropriate law enforcement or judicial agency.Attend autopsies to document, collect and preserve evidence involved in a death investigation.Examine and process items of evidence, both at crime / death scenes and in the laboratory, for the presence of latent prints. In accordance with prescribed processes, lift and preserve prints for use in comparisons / eliminations.Develop latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals, or other approved methods, both in the field and in an evidence laboratory, on a variety of objects and surfaces and perform related specialized photography.Evaluate develo

Created: 2026-03-07