County of San Mateo, CA
Sheriff's Identification Technician (Open & Promotional)
County of San Mateo, CA, Redwood City, California, United States, 94061
Salary :
$75,920.00 - $94,972.80 Annually Location :
Redwood City, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
H085D Department:
Sheriff's Office Opening Date:
09/26/2025 Closing Date:
10/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit:
60A
Description The County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office is seeking a well-qualified, detailed orientated individual for the
Sheriff's Identification Technician
position. The
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
is dedicated to protecting lives and property and is committed to providing the highest level of professional law enforcement and correctional services. As stewards of our community, we envision a world where all humanity is valued and respected. We recognize our role as leaders in this effort and commit to seek creative and effective ways to work with and listen to the needs of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders. We do this with the passion to preserve safety for all who live, visit, or work in San Mateo County. To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, visit: Under general supervision, the incumbent will perform technical and clerical duties related to fingerprinting and fingerprint classification work at the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, CA. The technician will take, classify, compare and identify fingerprints. Sheriff's Identification Technicians also research files for a wide variety of police information including prior records, case histories, and aliases and appear in court as expert witnesses in fingerprint identification and classification. Identification Technicians come into contact with inmates during the course of their work.
The
ideal candidate
will have the ability to work independently within established guidelines and have some experience with and knowledge of criminal justice databases.
NOTE:
The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Classify, identify and verify fingerprints. Maintain fingerprint, photograph and identification files. Search files for a wide variety of police information including prior records, case histories and aliases. Search California Identification (CAL ID) database through the Department of Justice Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Answer correspondence requesting arrest information or disposition of cases. Issue letters establishing identification based on fingerprint analysis. Compile requirements of the state criminal justice system. Appear in court as an expert witness in fingerprint identification and classification. Process fingerprints with proper interpretation of vehicle and penal codes. Use a computer to retrieve, type and update information in the automated booking system. Fingerprint using digital devices. Provide off-hours services as required. Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience : Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
One year of experience in criminal identification or fingerprint work in a law-enforcement agency. Knowledge of: Fingerprint classification and identification systems, Automated Fingerprint Identification and National Crime Information Center; policies and procedures related to the Identification and Records section of the Sheriff's Department; office practices and procedures; basic business data processing principles; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic arithmetic; and basic record keeping principles and practices.
Skill/Ability to: Perform detailed work accurately; compose occasional correspondence from brief instructions; operate standard office equipment including a computer terminal; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; prioritize work and meet deadlines; organize and maintain accurate files and records; make accurate arithmetic calculations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Other Requirements:
Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation/criminal history review. Must be willing to wear an appropriate uniform. Must be willing to work 12-hour shifts with weekends, holidays, evenings or other shift work.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.
Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination will consist of a written test (weight: pass/fail) and a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.
All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.
If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the
"Apply"
button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form . A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please note:
The anticipated dates of the recruitment and examination processes are listed below. Please make plans to be present for these opportunities. Applicants will be notified of the final date, time, and place of the examinations with as much advance notice as possible. Due to logistics involved in giving the exam, no make-up exams will be offered. Tentative Recruitment Schedule: Final Filing Date: Thursday
, October 9, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST Written Test:
October 24 and/or 25, 2025 Panel Interview:
Week of November 3, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. At the County of San Mateo, we welcome and celebrate the diversity of our employees, and strive to create a workplace where they feel valued every day. Analyst: Ximena Burns (09262025) (Sheriff's Identification Technician - H085) We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service. 01
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide additional information about your background and experience related to this position.
This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Based on the application screening evaluation, an eligible list will be established. The top level candidates will be the first group offered an opportunity to interview with the hiring department.This is a competitive process so please answer the questions completely, paying attention to all parts of the multi-part questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language will be considered. Neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation process.
A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.
I have read and understand these instructions.
02
How many years of experience do you have performing criminal identification or fingerprint work in a law-enforcement agency?
3 years or more At least 2 years Less than 2 years No experience, but willing to learn.
03
Summarize your experience, education, and training as it relates to the position of Sheriff's Identification Technician. In your response, please include:a) where you gained the experience,b) your job title, andc) the relevant tasks or work you performed. 04
Describe your experience in each of the following areas.
Be specific.
If you do not have any experience, indicate "NA" for "Not Applicable".A) Identifying and classifying fingerprint pattern types.B) Taking fingerprints, including fingerprint techniques used. C) Reading and interpreting criminal history (RAP) sheets. Explain how you determine which items of criminal history are releasable and to whom. D) Using CLETS and CAL-ID systems on a mainframe computer and for what purpose(s). 05
County of San Mateo departments sometimes need extra-help workers in addition to permanent employees. Extra Help positions offer temporary part-time or temporary full-time employment for 1040 hours (which equates to working full-time for approximately six months). However, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Extra Help positions are paid on an hourly rate basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? (A "No" answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.)
Yes No
06
How did you learn about this position?
County of San Mateo Website County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification County Hosted Virtual Event County Hosted Job Fair CalOpps.org College/University Career Center Community-based Organization Posting Facebook/Instagram Friend or Relative GovernmentJobs.com Indeed Job Fair LinkedIn Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question) X (formerly called Twitter) Zip Recruiter Other (Please specify in next question)
07
If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable. Required Question
$75,920.00 - $94,972.80 Annually Location :
Redwood City, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
H085D Department:
Sheriff's Office Opening Date:
09/26/2025 Closing Date:
10/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit:
60A
Description The County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office is seeking a well-qualified, detailed orientated individual for the
Sheriff's Identification Technician
position. The
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
is dedicated to protecting lives and property and is committed to providing the highest level of professional law enforcement and correctional services. As stewards of our community, we envision a world where all humanity is valued and respected. We recognize our role as leaders in this effort and commit to seek creative and effective ways to work with and listen to the needs of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders. We do this with the passion to preserve safety for all who live, visit, or work in San Mateo County. To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, visit: Under general supervision, the incumbent will perform technical and clerical duties related to fingerprinting and fingerprint classification work at the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, CA. The technician will take, classify, compare and identify fingerprints. Sheriff's Identification Technicians also research files for a wide variety of police information including prior records, case histories, and aliases and appear in court as expert witnesses in fingerprint identification and classification. Identification Technicians come into contact with inmates during the course of their work.
The
ideal candidate
will have the ability to work independently within established guidelines and have some experience with and knowledge of criminal justice databases.
NOTE:
The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Classify, identify and verify fingerprints. Maintain fingerprint, photograph and identification files. Search files for a wide variety of police information including prior records, case histories and aliases. Search California Identification (CAL ID) database through the Department of Justice Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Answer correspondence requesting arrest information or disposition of cases. Issue letters establishing identification based on fingerprint analysis. Compile requirements of the state criminal justice system. Appear in court as an expert witness in fingerprint identification and classification. Process fingerprints with proper interpretation of vehicle and penal codes. Use a computer to retrieve, type and update information in the automated booking system. Fingerprint using digital devices. Provide off-hours services as required. Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience : Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
One year of experience in criminal identification or fingerprint work in a law-enforcement agency. Knowledge of: Fingerprint classification and identification systems, Automated Fingerprint Identification and National Crime Information Center; policies and procedures related to the Identification and Records section of the Sheriff's Department; office practices and procedures; basic business data processing principles; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic arithmetic; and basic record keeping principles and practices.
Skill/Ability to: Perform detailed work accurately; compose occasional correspondence from brief instructions; operate standard office equipment including a computer terminal; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; prioritize work and meet deadlines; organize and maintain accurate files and records; make accurate arithmetic calculations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Other Requirements:
Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation/criminal history review. Must be willing to wear an appropriate uniform. Must be willing to work 12-hour shifts with weekends, holidays, evenings or other shift work.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.
Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination will consist of a written test (weight: pass/fail) and a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.
All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.
If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the
"Apply"
button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form . A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please note:
The anticipated dates of the recruitment and examination processes are listed below. Please make plans to be present for these opportunities. Applicants will be notified of the final date, time, and place of the examinations with as much advance notice as possible. Due to logistics involved in giving the exam, no make-up exams will be offered. Tentative Recruitment Schedule: Final Filing Date: Thursday
, October 9, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST Written Test:
October 24 and/or 25, 2025 Panel Interview:
Week of November 3, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. At the County of San Mateo, we welcome and celebrate the diversity of our employees, and strive to create a workplace where they feel valued every day. Analyst: Ximena Burns (09262025) (Sheriff's Identification Technician - H085) We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service. 01
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide additional information about your background and experience related to this position.
This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Based on the application screening evaluation, an eligible list will be established. The top level candidates will be the first group offered an opportunity to interview with the hiring department.This is a competitive process so please answer the questions completely, paying attention to all parts of the multi-part questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language will be considered. Neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation process.
A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.
I have read and understand these instructions.
02
How many years of experience do you have performing criminal identification or fingerprint work in a law-enforcement agency?
3 years or more At least 2 years Less than 2 years No experience, but willing to learn.
03
Summarize your experience, education, and training as it relates to the position of Sheriff's Identification Technician. In your response, please include:a) where you gained the experience,b) your job title, andc) the relevant tasks or work you performed. 04
Describe your experience in each of the following areas.
Be specific.
If you do not have any experience, indicate "NA" for "Not Applicable".A) Identifying and classifying fingerprint pattern types.B) Taking fingerprints, including fingerprint techniques used. C) Reading and interpreting criminal history (RAP) sheets. Explain how you determine which items of criminal history are releasable and to whom. D) Using CLETS and CAL-ID systems on a mainframe computer and for what purpose(s). 05
County of San Mateo departments sometimes need extra-help workers in addition to permanent employees. Extra Help positions offer temporary part-time or temporary full-time employment for 1040 hours (which equates to working full-time for approximately six months). However, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Extra Help positions are paid on an hourly rate basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? (A "No" answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.)
Yes No
06
How did you learn about this position?
County of San Mateo Website County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification County Hosted Virtual Event County Hosted Job Fair CalOpps.org College/University Career Center Community-based Organization Posting Facebook/Instagram Friend or Relative GovernmentJobs.com Indeed Job Fair LinkedIn Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question) X (formerly called Twitter) Zip Recruiter Other (Please specify in next question)
07
If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable. Required Question