Intern

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Job Req ID:​ 669 

Division: Crime Lab Interns 

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75 

Job Type: Unclassified     

Business Area: Police 

Personnel Area: Police 

Closing Date: 03/30/2026 

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The San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory that provides the highest quality scientific examination of physical evidence collected from crime scenes.

This internship is designed to provide students with a professional learning experience that includes meaningful, hands-on work related to their field of study or career interests. The program offers opportunities for career exploration and professional development while allowing interns to gain practical experience in a crime laboratory setting.

During the internship, participants will learn about general laboratory procedures, accreditation standards and requirements, and proper evidence handling. Interns will also gain insight into the movement of evidence through the criminal justice process—from collection at a crime scene to its use in court. In addition, the program highlights the importance of maintaining reference collections and utilizing forensic databases in laboratory work.

Internship Title: San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory Internship

Department Name: San Diego Police Department

Format: In-Person

Address: San Diego Police Headquarters, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

General Schedule/Hours per week: Require a minimum of 10 hours per week in the office, Monday through Friday. Options to work more hours during school breaks are available and will require approval from the Intern Supervisor.

Internship Duration: Varies by project. Maximum Hours: 1200

Internship opportunities may be available in a variety of forensic disciplines, including Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Firearms, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene, Latent Prints and Forensic Technology.

Requirements for the following units in the Laboratory:

• Forensic Biology – DNA Analysis
  • • Completion of a hard science lab course
    • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
    • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college

• Forensic Chemistry -  Alcohol and Narcotics Analysis
  • • Completion of a hard science lab course
    • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (Chemistry preferred)
    • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college

• Forensic Technology – Process Digital Evidence
  • • Completion of a hard science lab course
    • Enrollment in a computer forensics or computer science degree
    • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college

• Trace – Hair, Fiber, GSR etc. Analysis & Comparison
  • • Completion of a hard science lab course
    • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
    • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college

• Firearms – Bullet and Cartridge casing Analysis & Comparison
  • • Completion of a hard science lab course
    • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
    • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college

• Crime Scene   - Evidence collection from crime scenes & processing of evidence (** If selected, 2 weeks of training are required)
  • • Completion of the following courses:
      • Basic and Advanced Forensic Photography
      • Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting
      • Basic Forensic Technology

• Latent Print– Fingerprint Examination
  • • Completion of Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting Courses

Additional Requirement:  To apply, submit the completed online application, your resume, a letter of interest that includes your unit(s) of interest, and transcripts (does not need to be official).

Applicants will have to undergo a background and polygraph examination to work in the Crime Laboratory.**

For additional information, please visit: Crime Laboratory | City of San Diego Official Website

Benefits:

The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.). 
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate. 
• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
• City-paid life insurance. 

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees  (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924. 

The Department: 

The City of San Diego Retirement Department holds sole authority over the parameters for granting benefits within the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS). This jurisdiction extends to both the admission criteria for beneficiaries and the exclusive management of the SDCERS Trust Fund's administration and investments. Additionally, the department is empowered to engage an actuary, promulgate requisite rules and regulations, and appoint a Retirement Administrator along with essential staff. Notably, the department assumes responsibility for administering retirement plans on behalf of other public agencies that opt to participate in SDCERS, subject to the City Council's approval. For more information, please visit this link..

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan". 

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information.  Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. 

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.   
 
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment 
and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.