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About the Role

The Criminalist I in Chemical Analysis receives on-the-job training in the examination and identification of chemical substances and the performance of basic chemical analytical tests. The role involves training in foundational chemical analysis procedures, advancing to complex tasks, and participating in chemical analysis casework.

Responsibilities

• Retrieves evidence from crime scenes, property control and/or medical examiner's office or from other custodians following established chain of custody procedures.
• Preserves evidence following established laboratory standards by inventorying, documenting, and safekeeping evidence.
• Complies with established quality control procedures to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents, trains lab staff and officers in its use.
• Adheres to established safety standards in the preparation, storage and disposal of chemicals to ensure personal safety and validity of the scientific process.
• Documents case observations and interpretations through detailed notes, photographs, sketches, charts, etc.
• Prepares and participates in the review of technical reports on interpretation of case examinations.
• Uses and maintains highly technical laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Presents court testimony as an expert witness concerning conclusions drawn from laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Identifies controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, pharmaceuticals, and others.
• Assists in the breath alcohol analysis and instrumental support.
• Participates in proficiency testing to comply with national quality assurance standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field.
• Course work must include 8 semester units of chemistry with lab and 8 units of organic chemistry with lab.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated interest in forensic chemistry or criminalistics through coursework, internships, workshops, or participation in professional development activities.
• Familiarity with chemical analysis principles such as chromatography, spectrophotometry, or other instrumental methods used in forensic testing.
• Experience documenting laboratory observations, maintaining notes, and preparing technical summaries with attention to accuracy and detail.
• A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment.
• Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening.
• Must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.

Skills

• Chemical analysis
• Evidence screening
• Reagent preparation
• Sample handling
• Instrument operation and maintenance
• Chain of custody procedures
• Laboratory equipment maintenance
• Chemical safety standards
• Technical report writing
• Court testimony
• Controlled substance identification
• Breath alcohol analysis
• Proficiency testing

Location

• 1995 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Work Type

• Permanent Exempt
• Full-time
• Telecommuting work schedule available in line with CCSF policy
• Some assignments may require working weekends and/or holidays

Experience Level

• Criminalist I

Education Level

• Baccalaureate degree in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field
• 8 semester units of chemistry with lab
• 8 units of organic chemistry with lab

Salary/Compensations

• $104,338 - $126,802

Benefits

• Employee Benefits Overview

About the Company

• The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continues to evolve as an effective, inclusive, and modern police organization.
• We are focused on maintaining the trust of the people who live, work, and visit San Francisco by reviewing our initiatives, learning from best practices, and adapting to the changing needs of the City.
• The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect for all.
• We are committed to just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive policing carried out with dignity and in partnership with the community.
• We collaborate with community members and City partners to promote safety, fairness, and trust across San Francisco, with an emphasis on strong relationships and support for the well‑being of our neighborhoods.
• The Department is dedicated to excellence in law enforcement and to the people, traditions, and diversity of San Francisco.
• Our mission is to keep the public safe by protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing the fear of crime.
• We provide service with understanding, respond with compassion, and perform with integrity as we continue to grow as a forward‑thinking organization serving one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

Equal Opportunity

• The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.
• Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.