We’re Hiring for the position of
Sheriff's Fingerprint Examiner
This position is eligible for appointment at
step 1, $66,768.00 annually. County employees are subject to the
County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5
Future Salary Increase
- June 2026 – 4.63% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.13% Market Adjustment)
- June 2027 – 4.13% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 1.13% Market Adjustment)
As a Sheriff's Fingerprint Examiner
, you will be assigned to the Crime Laboratory Ten-Print Section, which is a 24/7 operation. Under general supervision, incumbents search, retrieve, classify and interpret fingerprint patterns utilizing knowledge and understanding of the FBI Department of Justice and AFIS fingerprint classification systems. Sheriff's Fingerprint Examiners search records to establish whether a person has fingerprints on file, make fingerprint identifications, store, share, update and maintain ten-print files and fingerprint records. You may also periodically assist with fingerprint cards submitted by the Medical Examiner's Office.
The ideal candidate will possess the drive to excel, communicate effectively, become a knowledgeable worker, is customer focused, values and respects others, maintains teamwork and collaboration, continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior and is supportive of change.
Additional information please visit Sheriff's Fingerprint Examiner
job classification.
Hiring Process And Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below:
i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies
Minimum Qualifications
- Completion of course work in fingerprint identification from the FBI, Department of Justice, or an accredited college in fingerprint science (interpretation and classification) AND
- Possession of an associate's degree from an accredited U. S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, or equivalent course work in criminal justice or a closely related field; OR, One (1) year of experience as a Sheriff's Records & Identification Clerk II in the County of San Diego; OR, two (2) years of experience in a law enforcement or criminal justice agency that included one (1) year of experience performing fingerprint identification, classification by visual inspection and analysis of fingerprints.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work Experience and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Working Conditions
Office environment; exposure to computer screens. Subject to involuntary overtime, shift, weekend and holiday work.
Background Qualification
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification (voice stress analysis), or other examination or test.
Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Conditions Of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a
six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the
Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as
disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
