A Criminalist searches for, collects and preserves physical evidence in the investigation of crime and suspected criminals; examines evidence by means of physical and chemical analyses; prepares reports of findings; and gives expert testimony in court. At the highest pay grade, performs analyses of physical and chemical evidence of a nonroutine nature requiring advanced technology; and may serve as a lead worker by providing training and supervision to criminalists working in a specialized field.
A Criminalist is subject to call at any hour and may work under unpleasant and adverse conditions, including high places, dangerous locations, and in proximity to dead bodies and biological and chemical hazards, in order to investigate crime scenes.
Education Requirement: A 4 year degree in a physical or natural science, with 8 semester or 12 quarter units in general chemistry